History Repeats: Luke James Prevails in Playoff at 2026 Yamaha Atlanta Open

Staff Reports

Kennesaw, Ga.- Luke James secured his second Yamaha Atlanta Open presented by Audi Atlanta victory in three years at Pinetree Country Club on Tuesday. James, the 2024 champion and PGA Professional at Jennings Mill Country Club, defeated Adam Cooper in a playoff on the par-5 18th hole to become the 14th player to win the tournament more than once. 

James and Cooper, who battled each other in a six-hole playoff in the 2024 Yamaha Atlanta Open at The Standard Club, once again needed more than 36-holes to determine a winner after each finishing the competition at 5-under-par 139. Both players shot 72-67, surging to the top of the leaderboard on day two after finishing Monday tied for 15th place. 

Despite an even score after day one, James holed 12 birdies total in the tournament and sunk seven on Tuesday. The champion carried his hot play into the playoff with a birdie four to defeat Cooper on hole 18. James credited the identical 2024 scenario for preparing him for another high-pressure playoff.

“I’ve been in this position before. I have a lot of experience, which was definitely beneficial for me to do that. But yeah, I just grinded and kept my composure,” he said. 

After a disappointing T-39 and 5-over-par finish at last year’s Yamaha Atlanta Open, James relishes his return to championship glory. 

“Oh man, I feel great. It feels good to be back in the winner’s circle,” said James.

Despite past days of rainy weather, Pinetree offered impeccable conditions for the tournament’s two-day contest. Pinetree Country Club Director of Golf and Georgia PGA At-Large Director Tyler Johnson expressed his club’s delight in hosting one of Georgia’s oldest golf tournaments. 

“We’ve been really honored to host this 92nd version of the Atlanta Open. I know our members have been excited about this for months,” he said.

The 2026 Yamaha Atlanta Open marked Yamaha’s 30th year as title sponsor of the event, with its first sponsorship beginning in 1997. Richard Warren, Southeastern District Sales Manager at Yamaha Golf Car Company, described how meaningful the company’s relationship with this tournament and the Georgia PGA has been.

“We’re just very honored and privileged to be the title sponsor – not only that, but the relationships that we have. I really want to thank the Georgia PGA section. We have a special relationship as well, and it’s a really exciting time of the year,” he said.