Putt-Putt champ credits sons' memory for his cool under pressure

Lynn Gaines grew up playing Putt-Putt golf in Chatham County. He began playing seriously in his 60s after he retired.

Gaines was so good that friends urged him to compete in the national championship in Florida. So, he drove down in October 2025 with no expectations. 

In Florida, 31 competitors played 144 holes over two days. Of those 144, Gaines made 86 holes in one and was crowned National Amateur Champion. 

He was astounded to win. Never before had he played so well.

Perhaps his son had something to do with it. Gaines' son Josh passed away unexpectedly from a heart condition at age 35, and the two of them had often played Putt-Putt together.

On some of those critical holes during the championship rounds, Gaines says he felt Josh's presence, and that it gave him a cool calmness to make the shots he needed to win.