Like Father, Like Daughter
The Burchams’ Golf Legacy
Written by Brad King
McConnell Golf, The Magazine: Spring/Summer 2025
Sedgefield Country Club member Jeff Burcham and his daughter, Macie, have solidified their place in the history of the Carolinas Golf Association. The Greensboro duo recently won their third Carolinas Parent-Child Championship, including back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024 at Seven Lakes Golf Club near Pinehurst. Their latest win not only highlights their exceptional skills but also the unbreakable bond they share on the course.
Macie’s introduction to golf was inevitable. Jeff, a longtime member of Sedgefield, brought his daughter to the course as soon as she could walk. For the Burchams, golf is more than a sport — it’s a family tradition. “We wanted her to see the game as fun — chasing squirrels, building sandcastles in the bunkers and sinking her first putt. It was always part of her life,” Jeff recalled.
Macie took to the game naturally, but it wasn’t until she turned 12 or 13 that she began competing seriously. Her rapid progression saw her play at Wesleyan Christian Academy, where she became a five-time team MVP, four-time NCISAA All-State selection and three-time CGA AllState honoree. Today, she competes for East Carolina University, where she continues to make a name for herself in collegiate golf.
The Burchams’ victories at the Carolinas Parent-Child Championship are a testament to their teamwork and resilience. The unique alternate-shot format requires trust and seamless coordination. “We’ve developed a routine that works under pressure,” Macie explained. “I usually handle the tee shot for distance, and Dad takes the second shot. It’s about playing to our strengths.”
Their 2024 win was particularly special. The duo finished bogey-free at 5 under, securing victory with a decisive birdie on the par-3 16th hole, where Macie’s pinpoint tee shot set up Jeff ’s putt. “When we started playing this event, Macie was 11 or 12,” Jeff reflected. “Back then, I carried 90% of the load. Now, she’s the alpha, pulling 60% or more. Watching her game mature has been incredible.”
“This sport has given me a bond with my dad that few father-daughter duos experience.”
The Burchams attribute much of their success to Sedgefield Country Club. The Donald Ross-designed course, which annually tests the world’s best during the PGA TOUR’s Wyndham Championship, has challenged and shaped them both. “Sedgefield demands accuracy off the tee, thoughtful iron play and creativity around the greens,” Jeff said. “It’s a course where every shot placement matters, which has been invaluable for Macie’s development.”
Macie echoed this sentiment: “Growing up on a course like Sedgefield has been a huge advantage. The complex greens force you to think strategically, and it’s made me a more well-rounded player. Even now, I use those lessons in college tournaments.”
The pair’s accomplishments are celebrated throughout Sedgefield, including by its Director of Golf, Eric Ferguson. “It has been amazing to see both Jeff and Macie’s success,” Ferguson said. “Jeff has been an extremely good player for a long time and one of our most decorated members at the club. I am so proud of Macie, not only for her golf accomplishments but also for the person she is on and off the course. Winning a tournament is special but doing it multiple times and getting to put your name on a trophy with your daughter is something words cannot describe.”
Macie’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Her collegiate career was nearly derailed by a catastrophic back injury in 2021. After shooting her first collegiate under-par round, a weightlifting accident at ECU led to a diagnosis that suggested she might never play again. “I was told to medically retire,” Macie recalled.
Refusing to accept that fate, Macie’s swing coach, Mark Wood, introduced her to a specialist in Charlotte. Through intensive rehabilitation and sheer determination, she defied expectations. Just six weeks after beginning treatment, she competed in the 2023 AAC Championships, shooting under par. By 2024, she had qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Southern Hills — a testament to her resilience.
Beyond the accolades, golf has been a cornerstone of the Burcham family’s connection. “Macie and I have taken fatherdaughter golf trips for years,” Jeff shared. “From The Reserve in Pawleys Island to Whistling Straits and Sand Valley in Wisconsin, these trips have been some of our best memories.”
For Macie — like Jeff, an only child — golf isn’t just about competition; it’s about the lifelong lessons it teaches. “This sport has given me a bond with my dad that few father-daughter duos experience,” she said. “He’s my biggest supporter — always pushing me, coaching me and helping me navigate challenges. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”
As Macie continues her collegiate career, she has her sights set on balancing both golf and a future in speech-language pathology. “I’m passionate about helping others,” she said. “My goal is to open a Christian-based therapy practice, combining my faith and my profession.”
Jeff, meanwhile, remains a dedicated competitor. A scratch golfer, he has won five straight Sedgefield Senior Club Championships and performed well in Carolinas Senior Am events.
The Burchams’ success at the Carolinas Parent-Child Championship is more than just another trophy — it’s a reflection of years of dedication, teamwork and love for the game. “We mark this event on our calendar every year,” Jeff said. “The chance to compete together is something truly special.”
As they continue their journey, one thing is clear: golf isn’t just a sport for the Burchams — it’s a family legacy that will last for generations.
