Former Clemson golfer finds familiar footing on Korn Ferry Tour stop

The 2026 Korn Ferry Tour season continues this week with the inaugural Colonial Life Charity Classic at The Woodcreek Club in Elgin, South Carolina. And while the event is brand new, one of its most intriguing storylines belongs to South Carolina native and former Clemson golfer Carson Young. After opening with a strong performance at The Woodcreek Club, finishing with a 65 in Round 1, Young said there is a sense of familiarity, both with the course and the setting, that has helped him settle in early.

“I got off to a hot start early, which was nice,” Young said. “Made a couple birdies in the first couple holes and that kind of got me going.” Young credited his strong play on the par-5s and solid putting for helping him capitalize on scoring opportunities. “My birdie flow was great, especially on the par-5s,” he said. “I made one from about 10 feet and had some good looks. It’s nice to take advantage of those.”

But beyond the scorecard, Young’s comfort level at Woodcreek stems from local familiarity and course history. More than a decade ago, Young won at the course as an amateur during a South Carolina Junior Golf Association event. It's a memory that still resonates, even if the details have faded a little. “It was such a long time ago, I don’t remember a whole lot,” Young said with a laugh. “But I do remember the final stretch. I edged out a couple of guys and remember birdieing 17. That was one of my better years of golf in general. I won a lot that year.”

The former Clemson standout said returning to Woodcreek, where he has already found success, creates an added sense of confidence for how he approaches play this week on the Korn Ferry Tour stop. “It’s cool to come back to a course that I’ve won at,” Young said. “I feel like I’ve never really done that as a professional. Even though it’s changed a little bit, it’s still pretty much the same course. I’ve got good history here.”

That familiarity also helped simplify his preparation for the Colonial Life Charity Classic. “I don’t really have to worry too much about a practice round because I know the layout for the most part,” Young said. “I don’t have to grind too much, seeing every angle because I’ve been here a few times.”

For Young, playing professionally in his home state carries added meaning. Professional golf stops in South Carolina are limited but growing, making weeks like this one especially valuable for a player who grew up not too far away. “It’s great to be able to drive to an event for once,” Young said. “I’m staying with some buddies here in Columbia, and it’s nice having friends and people come out and support you. It’s always nice to have people watching and cheering for you in your home state.”