The Southeastern Amateur, originally named the Columbus Country Club Invitational, was created in 1922 by Fred Haskins, former Head Golf Professional at the Country Club of Columbus. W.H. Dismuke Sr. won the inaugural event. The tournament was rebranded to the Southeastern Amateur in 1938 and Mr. Tommy Barnes was the first to have his name inscribed on the newly named Jordan-Martin Trophy.

The tournament has been held in both Match-Play and Stroke-play formats, and many records have been set along the way.

Among the winners since that event are Doug Sanders, Tommy Aaron, Danny Edwards, Curtis Strange, Columbus native Kenny Knox, and 5 time champion Allen Doyle. Included on the runner-up list are Mason Randolph, Gardner Dickinson, Bert Greene, Steve Melnyk, Gary Koch, Ben Crenshaw, Fuzzy Zoeller, Andy Bean, Willy Wood, and Paul Azinger. Aaron, Crenshaw, and Zoeller wear the green jacket of a Masters Champion, and Mr. Doyle launched into his senior tour career, shortly after winning his fifth Southeastern, where he has won the Senior U.S. Open twice.

The first tournament in 1922 was held before the course was actually complete, as it was only a 13-hole course.

Once the course’s Donald Ross design was introduced between 1923 and 1925, making for a full 18-holes, the tournament flourished. By the 50's, it had become the premier tournament for amateurs in the southeastern United States. As travel became more convenient, the tournament has transformed into what it is today, a top-level amateur tournament that attracts the most notable players from around the world.

Throughout the tenure of the Southeastern Amateur, the golf course underwent many changes, including an extensive renovation in 2002 after Cecil Calhoun obtained the original Donald Ross designs. The course was made as close to those designs as possible during that renovation, including the famous postage stamp green on #4, and of course the ever present "shaved" collection areas that are the signature of all Donald Ross designs.

The Jordan - Martin Trophy

The Southeastern Amateur Trophy is made possible by the Jordan and the Martin Families, in memory of Maj. Mulford Jordan and Lt. John Martin. 

Both of the brave men were killed defending their country during World War II. 

Maj. Jordan, U.S. Air Corps, was killed on Christmas Eve, in 1944, while flying a reconnaissance mission in Europe, in support of the Battle of the Bulge. 

Lt. Martin, a Citadel-commissioned Officer, was killed in the South Pacific, in 1943, while serving with Army ground forces. 

Both of these men grew up in Columbus and often enjoyed a friendly, competitive game of golf on the Country Club of Columbus' fine golf course. 

Their courage and sacrifice some seventy years ago set an example for all of us; and this trophy is a reminder of them and their efforts that will last forever. This trophy is officially named in their honor as the Jordan-Martin Trophy.