GASTONIA, N.C. — Final results from the 6th HV3 Invitational, held at Gaston Country Club in Gastonia, N.C., and Cramer Mountain Club in Cramerton, N.C. The 149-player field competed across two premier venues: Gaston Country Club (6,638 yards, par 71) and Cramer Mountain Club (6,458 yards, par 72).
The 6th annual HV3 Invitational, presented by the Carolinas Golf Association and the HV3 Foundation, wrapped up in thrilling fashion as 149 of the region’s top junior boys teed it up in Gaston County. After 36 holes of championship golf, it was Banks Steele of Lancaster, S.C. who emerged victorious.
Steele opened the tournament with an even-par 72 at Cramer Mountain Club, carding five birdies, three bogeys, and one double bogey. He entered the final round in seventh place, three shots back of first-round leader Hudson Griffin of Pinehurst, N.C.
“Starting out at Cramer yesterday, it’s a course where you can’t be extremely aggressive,” said Steele. “I had a really good game plan and felt like I executed it well. I knew I couldn’t be too aggressive, but also knew I had to make birdies because you’re going to make some bogeys out there. Then coming out here today, I got off to a hot start—I was three under through four holes. I was really pleased with the way I held myself together coming down the stretch.”
Steele fired a final-round 66 at Gaston Country Club to post a two-day total of 5-under-par 138, claiming the title over a stacked leaderboard on two challenging courses. The win marked a major milestone in his young career, especially considering his late start in competitive golf.
A junior at Andrew Jackson High School, Steele only began playing tournament golf two years ago.
“I just really started playing tournament golf about two years ago, so to be a winner at this level feels great,” said Steele. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work, and I’m really glad to see that pay off. Especially with this foundation doing all the good that they do, it feels really good to win this tournament.”
Andrew Neal of Cary, N.C. posted the low round of the tournament—a blistering 6-under 65 in the final round at Gaston Country Club—to rocket up 31 spots and finish in a tie for second at 3-under 140. He was joined by Luke Mueller of Raleigh, N.C., who also carded a 140 total.
Three players—Warren Stiglitz of Denver, N.C., Tyler Warner of Marvin, N.C., and Parker Gordish of Huntersville, N.C.—tied for fourth at 2-under 141.
Hosted by professional golfer Harold Varner III’s foundation, the HV3 Invitational is more than just a tournament—it’s a platform to inspire the next generation of golfers. The event annually brings together a diverse and highly competitive field, and the 2025 edition was no exception.
“The HV3 Foundation is glad to create opportunities for the junior golfers to compete, regardless of their financial background,” said HV3 Foundation Executive Director Jason Cox. “We are honored to partner with the Carolinas Golf Association, who believes in growing the game through junior golf. With the CGA‘s help, we are able to provide a first class experience at an affordable price.”
The Carolinas Golf Association extends its gratitude to the members and staff at Gaston Country Club, including Head Golf Professional Jeff Headman and Golf Course Superintendent Tim Carpenter, as well as the team at Cramer Mountain Club, including Head Golf Professional Billy Powell and Golf Course Superintendent John Baker, for their incredible support and hospitality.
Story by Jackson Sveen, CGA Director of Media and Marketing
Related: Championship Website | Results | Player Analytics | Photos
