Keoni Vidrine is the first-round leader in the Regular division of the Chattanooga Men's Metro tournament
photo by Tennessee Golf Association
There has been little time to rest for Keoni Vidrine this week, having competed for three days at The Tennessee State Open in Dickson that ended Thursday.
But if The Ooltewah Club member can replicate his first-round performance in the regular division of the Chattanooga Men’s Metro tournament again on Saturday, he’ll likely be able to enjoy some much-needed R&R with a new trophy in tow.
Vidrine is the leader after day one in the tournament that dates back to 1929, shooting a 2-under 68 at Lookout Mountain Club in the first public event hosted at the historic golf course since reopening last summer following an extensive restoration project.
Vidrine had an eventful round on the undulating layout, recording only six pars. He birdied his first three holes after starting on No. 10, finishing his day with an impressive seven birdies that were offset by five bogeys to claim a one-shot lead over defending champion Cody Godfrey.
Godfrey posted a 1-under 69, making the turn in 32 before finishing with a total of four birdies and three bogeys.
Lurking two shots behind after rounds of even par 70 are former champion Andrew Weathers, Mike Craig and Jacob Clark.
Three golfers are three shots back knotted at 1-over 71 (T6) that includes Bennett McNabb, Hunter Garrett and Trent Mansfield.
The Senior division is led by Tullahoma’s Jay Potter, who recently competed in the U.S. Senior Open championship in Rhode Island. Potter shot an even par 70 to lead by three strokes.
Potter found himself at 4-over following a triple-bogey on No. 13, the challenging par-3 “Redan” hole. But he was able to right the ship with four birdies on his final five holes to get back level.
Tom Schreiner and LMC member Steve Johnson are alone in second after posting rounds of 3-over 73, with Schreiner’s round punctuated by a hole-in-one on the 117-yard par 3 No. 6.
Former champion Joe Markham Jr. is tied with Shonn Weldon in fourth at 4-over 74, while Bob Rice and Tim Eachus finished at 5-over 75 to create a deadlock in sixth place.
Richard Brame leads the Super Senior play after compiling a tidy round with two birdies and a lone bogey to close at 1-under 69.
He holds a four-shot advantage over defending champion Tom Baird, who finished at 3-over 73 after suffering a triple-bogey on his final hole.
James Markley and four-time senior winner Neil Spitalny are tied for third at 6-over 76, while Bob Smith is in fifth at 7-over 77.
Play concludes Saturday with the first groups going off at 8:30.
For complete results, go to Men's Metro Results.