The Cumberland County Golf Championship has long been a highlight on the local amateur golf calendar. It remains the county’s premier amateur golfing event, and the tradition continues for the 57th consecutive year as the area’s most talented golfers gather at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, October 10 through 12.
This tournament brings together men, women, and youth competitors for three days of challenging golf played under official USGA rules—the same standards that have defined the event since its inception in 1968.
The CCGC format includes 54 holes of stroke play for the men’s divisions and 36 holes for the women’s division. For the first time, the minimum age for tournament participation has been lowered from 16 to 15 to accommodate the growing number of talented young golfers in Cumberland County. The tournament committee made this decision after discontinuing the youth division, but wanted to provide younger players with the experience, challenge, and opportunity to compete alongside adults.
Tournament Director Bill Bowman noted the Championship Flight is determined after the first 36 holes, meaning younger players could very well be included—giving seasoned competitors a run for their money. Their participation adds another exciting dimension to this year’s tournament and reflects a commitment to both tradition and progress. Bowman refers to these rising athletes as “the future of the CCGC.”
Tournament Format
The structure of the championship mirrors the rules and standards of the USGA. The men’s division, seniors, and super seniors will play 18 holes each day, totaling 54 holes of competition. The women’s division will play 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday. Each division will be flighted after 36 holes.
On Sunday, the Championship Flight will play from the Black Tees—the most challenging test Gates Four has to offer. This flight determines the 2025 Cumberland County Champion.
A Week of Tradition
The CCGC begins with a Welcome Champions’ Reception in the ballroom of Gates Four Golf & Country Club. Hosted by Gates Four, Healy Wholesale, Up & Coming Weekly, and tournament sponsors—with last year’s champion Chip Collins as the honored guest—this gathering welcomes past winners and renews old friendships as players share stories, recall triumphs, and prepare for the competition ahead.
It’s a fun and social reminder of how important this 57-year-old tradition is to the Cumberland County community.
On Sunday afternoon, following the final round, the new CCGC champion will be honored with a Winners’ Reception and Awards Presentation at the Gates Four Pavilion. This closing event celebrates the spirit of competition and camaraderie and is also hosted by tournament sponsors, with food and beverages provided by Gates Four and Healy Wholesale.
Defending Champion
Last year’s championship was one of the most exciting ever, with Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West—a talented golfer and ten-time CCGC champion—vying for his 11th title against top challengers John Masotti, Chris Holland, and Chip Collins. The 2024 title ultimately went to Collins, who shot an impressive score of 216, edging out Masotti (217) and Holland (218) by just one stroke. Now that’s exciting golf.
Collins’ win marked his third CCGC title, with previous victories in 2002 and 2008. Bowman anticipates all four competitors will be targeting the 2025 title come the final day.
The Course and Community
All rounds will be played at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, a course known for its beauty and challenge. Originally designed by Willard Byrd, it was redesigned in 2011 by Kris Spence and fully renovated in 1999 by Pinehurst native Dan Maples. The Maples layout demands precision and consistency across 6,895 yards—qualities that will determine the next Cumberland County Champion.
Kevin Lavertu has served as the club’s general manager since 2010 and works closely with the tournament committee to ensure the course is in championship condition and that the three-day event runs smoothly and professionally.
Bowman designated Gates Four as the official home of the championship in 2017, citing the course’s competitiveness, excellent condition, and the professionalism and hospitality of its management team.
Everyone Is Invited
One message both Bowman and Lavertu want to share with the golfing community: Everyone is invited. The CCGC tournament is the best golfing value in the county. The entry fee is only $125 for three days (54 holes) of great golf on an outstanding course. Women golfers pay $95 for their two days. All golfers get a free practice round before the tournament, free range balls, Vicky’s famous breakfast biscuits each morning, and on-course beverages and snacks provided by Healy Wholesale all three days.
Participants also enjoy a Champions’ Welcome Reception before the tournament, the Winners’ Reception and trophy presentation after the tournament, gift bags, and door prizes. That’s unbeatable value. The CCGC and Gates Four welcome all golfing enthusiasts.
Supporting Literacy and Education
The CCGC also supports a vital community cause: literacy and education in Cumberland County.
The tournament benefits the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free reading and educational resources to children, teachers, and parents throughout Cumberland County municipalities and Fort Bragg.
Both Up & Coming Weekly and the Kidsville News! Foundation proudly support the Cumberland County Literacy Council. This partnership bridges the connection between golf competition and community service.
Registration and Information
Players interested in competing in the 57th Annual Cumberland County Golf Championship can register online at www.cumberlandcountygolfclassic.com. For questions regarding eligibility, divisions, or logistics, contact Bill Bowman directly at (910) 391-3859.
With the tournament only days away, Bowman is focused on final details—confident that this year’s event will be just as exciting as last year’s while upholding the honor and legacy of North Carolina’s oldest and most continuously running golf tournament.

(Photo: Chip Collins was the winner of the 2024 Cumberland County Golf Championship, becoming a three time winner of the event.)