The winning team of the TGF Pro-Am in the Council Fire to Honors rotation included Shane Melton, Brandon Arnold, Brendon Wilson and Brad Clark
Tennessee Golf Foundation president Whit Turnbow, left, joins Council Fire Club founder and managing partner Jon Kinsey at reception for TGF Pro-Am event
photo by Paul Payne
TGF president Whit Turnbow, left and Connie Pearce, TGF executive assistant and hall of fame curator, right, joins the winning team in the Honors to Council Fire rotation including Josh Bevell, Mark Barrett, Henry Geny and Steve Volz
One of the most popular pro-am tournaments in the area returned to their original hosts this year, advancing the mission of the Tennessee Golf Foundation impacting in the Chattanooga region.
The Honors Course once again resumed the role as co-host after missing the past couple of years due to renovations, joining Council Fire Club as the historical venues of the popular event that has taken place for more than two decades.
These two courses have a legacy of hosting this two-day outing that is a critical fund-raiser to support youth golf programs in Chattanooga and statewide.
Whit Turnbow, president of the TGA, is grateful for the commitment demonstrated by these two local clubs for the advancement of the game of golf.
“The Honors Course and Council Fire are two of the facilities in our state that are most deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Tennessee Golf Foundation,” Turnbow said. “Without The Honors Course and its founder Mr. (Jack) Lupton, there would be no foundation. But then Council Fire has been right by our side from the very beginning, all the way back to Hunt Gilliland and his crew a long time ago.”
Jon Kinsey, Council Fire’s founder and general partner, has always viewed his club’s participation in this event with high regard.
“We have always felt it important to be involved in this pro-am since it started, and we’ve been fortunate to host it every year,” Kinsey said. “It speaks to our mission as a club in continually giving back to the local community and golf at the state level.”
Council Fire has established a reputation of involvement that is appreciated by Turnbow.
“Mr. Kinsey has always been willing to share Council Fire over the years,” Turnbow said. “They've hosted nearly everything – state amateurs, state opens, section championships, club professional championships, you name it. This just shows their commitment to making sure that the highest quality facilities are hosting our events. This a special couple of days for us. I don't like to call it a tournament, but it's more of a gathering of friends that support what we do at two of our magnificent facilities.”
Having The Honors Course, the top-rated golf course in Tennessee and the site of this year’s U.S. Senior Amateur, back in the mix enhanced the demand to the event staged on Monday and Tuesday at both courses.
“Our long history with the facility and Mr. Lupton’s impact on the game in our state is something we value,” Turnbow said. “Our state amateur trophy is The Honors logo, and everything we do is permeated by things that Mr. Lupton started and The Honors Course continued. Their mission is to pour back into amateur golf which Mr. Lupton envisioned when he decided we needed to start a foundation.”
Throughout the state, 40,000 youths will participate in TGF programming this year. The continued advancement of golf to a new generation of participants is something Turnbow takes seriously.
“We have to go out and push the envelope, to meet the need for those folks wanting to learn how to play,” Turnbow said. “We're at a pivotal point in the life of this game, where if we can meet the needs of this generation and what they're asking for, then golf is going to be set up for a long, long time.”
Since the COVID pandemic, the historical stereotypes surrounding golf has shifted away from the stodgy country club mentality. Turnbow understands that the TGF must be ready to meet the next wave of golfers who are embracing a new model for the sport.
“This generation is asking some different questions,” Turnbow said. “They want to know why can’t they play with their shirttail out? Can they turn their hat around backwards while they play and add a little music? Why does it take five hours and to play and why do they have to play 18 holes? We must do a good job of meeting those folks where they are. There's always going to be a place for the traditional model. But if we can meet some of these needs, then golf is going to thrive over the next 20 years.”
TGF Pro-Am Results: The teams of one professional and three amateurs played each course, with one net ball and one gross ball scored per hole. The winner of The Honors Course to Council Fire rotation at 37-under was the team of Nashville professional Josh Bevell along with amateurs Mark Barrett, Henry Geny, and Steve Volz.
Council Fire club pro Brandon Arnold led the winning foursome in Council Fire to The Honors Course rotation, teaming with Brad Clark, Shane Melton and Brendon Wilson to shoot 36-under.
Professional Winners: Owen Stamper, who recently completed his stellar career at MTSU before turning pro, was the top professional at 8-under 136, followed by Bevell at 6-under 138.
Henrik Simonsen, director of golf at The Honors Course, was winner among senior professionals at 1-under 143, one shot better than Audie Johnson.
Honors Course Ace: Lucas Dunnavant had a memorable day at The Honors Course that he will never forget. The Shelbyville resident made his first career hole-in-one on his first swing ever taken at The Honors Course on Tuesday. Starting his round on No. 14, Dunnavant aced the 156-yard par 3 as the first member of his group to tee off.
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Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com