FRIPP ISLAND, S.C. – Drew Zielinski, from Lee University, captured the inaugural Fripp Island to Bermuda Invite title, contested on Ocean Point Golf Links to secure his spot in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, scheduled for November 13-16. With the win, he becomes the first Division II golfer to earn a PGA Tour exemption.
Zielinski fired a final round 66 to emerge from a talented field, with a final score of nine-under par over three rounds of stroke play. Lee University teammate Bennett McNabb finished two shots back in second place with a final score of seven-under par.
“This is a dream come true,” said Drew Zielinski, of Lee University. “To be the first Division II golfer to receive a direct exemption into a PGA Tour event is an incredible honor. This is a testament to the hard work of my coaches and teammates at Lee University. I’m excited to represent our program on the biggest stage in November.”
Golfweek served as the tournament host of the first-of-its-kind event that brought the top Division II men’s golf programs to Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort for a chance at history.
The two-day tournament began on Monday, October 20, and provided drama and excitement as 15 teams battled for the team title. Lee University finished atop the team standings with a total score of 839, twenty-five under par. Georgia Southwestern came in second with a total score of 857, seven-under par and Florida Southern finished in third place with a score of 862, two-under par.
The tournament marks the one-year anniversary of the multi-million dollar renovation to Ocean Point Golf Links, modernizing the original George Cobb design. The acclaimed mother-son architect team Cynthia Dye McGarey and Matt McGarey reimagined the course with more than 50 reshaped bunkers, the addition of 11 new greenside bunkers, expanded fairway and waste areas, and native dune enhancements to elevate both playability and visual appeal.
“We’re thrilled to have an historic event happen right here on Ocean Point,” said Joe Wohlscheid, Head Golf Professional at Ocean Point Golf Links. “Watching these men compete, and Drew earning his PGA Tour exemption is a proud moment for not only the collegiate golf community, but for ours as well. We are honored to be a part of this milestone and are excited to continue elevating the golf experience at Ocean Point.”
The Fripp Island to Bermuda Invite is the first of two collegiate tournaments to be played at the Resort this fall. The Fripp Island Intercollegiate hosted by USC Upstate, returns to Ocean Creek for the third year and will be contested from November 1-3. Each year, the event provides an opportunity for players and coaches to preview the course ahead of the Big South Conference Men’s and Women’s Tournaments; NCAA Division I events scheduled for April 2026.
Nestled just outside historic Beaufort, S.C., the Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort sits within a gated island community featuring more than three miles of uninterrupted coastline, 32 beach access walkways, two 18-hole golf courses, a 62-slip marina and numerous outdoor activities from kayaking to horseback riding.
Additional recognition for the island includes being named a top three “U.S. Island for a Fun-Filled Escape” by USA Today, an “Amazing Island Getaway” by Southern Living, and being featured among the “Best South Carolina Beaches for avoiding Crowds” by Livability.
Visit FrippIslandResort.com to learn more.
