Gibby Gilbert III leads Tennessee Senior State Open in pursuit of his fourth victory in the event
photo by Kelsey Ludwigsen/TN PGA
Afternoon thunderstorms may have cooled things off Monday afternoon at the Tennessee Senior State Open. But when play resumed after a suspension of play, Gibby Gilbert III was blazing hot in the damp conditions.
The Ooltewah resident birdied four straight holes starting on No. 12 to post an opening round 7-under 65 at Stonehenge Golf Course in Fairfield Glade to grab a two-shot lead heading into Tuesday’s final round.
Gilbert recorded eight birdies on the day with a lone bogey in pursuit of his fourth career win in this event. The 59-year-old reeled off three straight titles from 2016 to 2018, having played in 44 PGA TOUR Champions events as well as 91 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour previously.
Sitting two strokes off the lead is Jeff Lyons of Harpeth Valley Golf Center after carding an opening round 5-under 67.
Riverside Golf Center professional Barney Alary of Pleasant View is tied for third at 4-under 68, joined by Memphis amateur David Apperson.
Amateur Kip Henley of Hixson, who won the championship in 2023, is tied for fifth at 2-under 70 along with Tennessee Golf Trail at Warriors Path professional Allen Fennell.
Three amateurs are six shots off the lead at 1-under 71 including Mark Keen of Hermitage, Matt Mitchell of Burns and Powell’s Steve Golliher.
Defending champion Joe Markham Jr. of Cleveland is tied for 25th after posting a 3-over 75.
For complete results, go to TN Senior State Open results.
Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com