Terry Sanford golf team wins national championship at PGA High School Golf National Invitational at Pinehurst

By Staff Report, posted Jul 24, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Team members Nate Horne, Hughes McCarthy, Walker Worth IV, Ryan Hedgecoe and Charlie Horne led the championship effort, with Nate Horne, McCarthy and Worth each placing among the tournament's top individual golfers.
Photo provided by: Cumberland County Schools

For generations, golf has been synonymous with the business world. While major deals aren't made simply because two people share a tee time, the golf course has long been recognized as one of the best environments for building the relationships that often lead to future opportunities.

Cumberland County Schools is celebrating another historic achievement as the Terry Sanford High School (TSHS) golf team claimed the 2026 PGA High School Golf National Invitational Championship in Pinehurst, N.C., defeating top high school teams from across the United States and an international team from China.

The 2026 Boys High School Golf National Invitational returned to the Pinehurst Resort in 2026. This invite-only tournament field was made up of the top high school golfers across the country competing in a 3-day, 54-hole stroke play event including team and individual competition. Competition rounds took place on Pinehurst #5 and #6 courses. There was be a cut after 36-holes prior to the final round. Those players making the cut were able to compete on.

The Terry Sanford Bulldogs built an early lead and never looked back, finishing the tournament with a commanding 12-shot victory. Team members Nate Horne, Hughes McCarthy, Walker Worth IV, Ryan Hedgecoe and Charlie Horne led the championship effort, with Nate Horne, McCarthy and Worth each placing among the tournament's top individual golfers.

The national title caps an extraordinary season for Terry Sanford. Earlier this year, the Bulldogs won the 2026 North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 6A State Championship, set a new North Carolina state scoring record and finished the season ranked No. 1 in North Carolina, further solidifying their place among the nation's premier high school golf programs.

The National High School Golf Association is the only resource dedicated to high school golf, culminating in a National Invitational for the top high school golfers in the nation. The Invitational is a celebration of a player’s hard work and excellence during their high school golf season.

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