DAHLONEGA – University of North Georgia (UNG) men's golf alum Hughes Threlkeld earned his first professional victory, winning the 75th Golf Pro Payments Georgia Open Aug. 6-9.

Threlkeld, who graduated from North Georgia in 2025, finished the 72-hole tournament at 15-under-par 273 after posting four consecutive rounds under par. He opened with a 68 before carding a 67 in the second round. He followed with back-to-back 69s to finish the tournament.

Threlkeld entered a playoff against Beck Burnette after the two finished tied atop the leaderboard at 15 under.

Both players made par on the first playoff hole, forcing a second playoff on the 18th hole. Burnette again made par, while Threlkeld holed his third shot from the bunker for a birdie to secure the victory.

The win marks Threlkeld's first professional tournament title since graduating from North Georgia.

"Hughes has worked extremely hard for this moment, and we couldn't be more proud of him," North Georgia men's golf coach Bryson Worley said. "Winning the Georgia Open is a tremendous accomplishment and a great reflection of the intense competitor he is."

During his time with the Nighthawks, Threlkeld helped the Nighthawks remain among the top programs in NCAA Division II and earned recognition for his play both on the course and in the classroom.

Threlkeld becomes the latest North Georgia men's golf alum to find success at the professional level.