Each summer, Dothan, Alabama, springs to life as the Press Thornton Future Masters returns to Dothan Country Club, welcoming hundreds of the world’s top junior golfers. Now in its 76th year, the 2025 tournament took place from June 21 to June 28, continuing a tradition that began in 1950 and has become a cornerstone of junior golf in the U.S.

The tournament, revered for its high level of competition and family-friendly atmosphere, draws nearly 500 elite junior golfers from across the country and overseas. Participants from 37 states, Puerto Rico, and eight foreign countries competed in the 2025 edition.

Founded by local businessman and golf enthusiast Press Thornton Sr., the event was built around the idea of creating a competitive, character-building space for young golfers. It has since become one of the nation’s most respected junior golf events, producing legends such as Scottie Scheffler and Bubba Watson (both two-time Masters winners).

This year’s tournament once again spotlighted the rising stars of junior golf. Warren Stiglitz of Denver, North Carolina, claimed the title in the 15 to 18 age division, showcasing a steady, high-pressure game that set him apart from the field. In the 13 to 14 division, Nate Horne of Fayetteville, North Carolina, emerged as the champion with a consistent performance across all rounds. Mason McCord, hailing from Spring, Texas, took home the trophy in the 11 to 12 division, while Ethan Li of Plain City, Ohio, secured the win in the 10-and-under category.

Notable alumni of the Future Masters include PGA Tour stars such as Harris English, Stewart Cink, and Trevor Immelman, all of whom honed their skills on Dothan’s fairways.

For today’s young players, the Future Masters represents one of the most prestigious stages of their junior careers. Competitors face elite peers, play under pressure, and take a vital step toward collegiate and professional opportunities. Recent participants like Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, have also emphasized the tournament’s role as a proving ground for the game’s next generation.

The Dothan Country Club, with its traditional layout, provides a worthy challenge across age divisions—from under-10 beginners to seasoned 15–18-year-olds—testing every aspect of a junior golfer’s game.

Dothan has fully embraced the event’s legacy. In fall 2025, the city will unveil a mural marking the tournament’s 75th anniversary—a vibrant public tribute crafted by Art in Public Places that celebrates local pride and history.  

While young golfers shine on the greens, families and visitors are welcomed with open arms and a vibrant lineup of local attractions. From unique dining spots and boutique shopping to museums, murals, and outdoor fun, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the charm of the Wiregrass.  

As the 2025 edition concludes, the fairways continue to echo with determination, sportsmanship, and potential. For Luke Thornton, great-grandson of the tournament’s founder and a competitor in the 2024 event, it’s more than a competition—it’s family. “I’d love to make the cut or win something,” he shared, “but playing and honoring both my grandfathers is what I’m looking forward to the most.”

For hundreds of junior golfers, the Future Masters is more than a tournament—it’s a chance to belong to something bigger, follow in the footsteps of champions, and make their own mark on one of junior golf’s most prestigious stages.