Denman Extends Lead In State Amateur Defense

Payne Denman’s fellow competitors in the 110th playing of the Tennessee State Amateur should be clinging to a glimmer of hope based on what happened Wednesday afternoon, something rarely seen of late from this tournament’s defending champion.

The reason for their optimism? Denman finally posted a bogey, the oddity occurring at the 15th hole, which was his sixth hole of the day after beginning his round at No. 10. The lone blemish ended Denman’s streak of 59 straight holes at par or better in State Amateur play dating back to last year’s win at Tennessee National.

So, that’s the good news for the rest of the field. The bad news? On his way to last year’s win by a four-shot cushion, Denman never recorded the low round during any of the four days of competition. However, he shot the low round for the second day in a row at Knoxville’s Holston Hills Country Club, posting a 6-under 65 to grab a five-stroke lead at the midway point with a two-day total of 13-under 129.

The University of Tennessee assistant golf coach made the turn in 34, then reeled off four birdies in a five-hole stretch starting at No. 1 to shoot 31 on his final nine. For the second straight day, Denman was able to find seven birdies on the normally challenging Donald Ross design as he seeks to become the first State Amateur champion to repeat since George Creagh last accomplished the feat in 1976-77.

Brentwood’s Ryan Terry continued his solid play to remain near the top of the leaderboard in 2nd place. Terry tallied four birdies against a single bogey to sign for a 3-under 68 to move up one spot at 8-under 134.

One of the day’s biggest moves to join the leaders came from Griffin Law, a Chattanooga native who will be entering his freshman year at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the fall. Law followed an opening round 70 by shooting 5-under 66 on Wednesday. He climbed 15 spots to sit alone in 3rd at 6-under 136 after carding four of his six birdies in a five-hole span.

One of Law’s future teammates with the Mocs, Ethan Whitaker of Powell, is among a trio of golfers tied for 4th at 5-under 137 after shooting 69. Whitaker is joined by Clarksville’s Patton Samuels and Lee University rising senior Bennett McNabb, who shot 73 after opening with a 64 that featured consecutive eagles to forge a share of the lead with Denman.

Lucas Armstrong of Church Hill is in solo 7th at 4-under 138, one shot ahead of Conner Brown of Shelbyville at 3-under 139.

Franklin’s Dain Richie is knotted with Taylor Mottern of Sewanee in 9th place at 2-under 140. Six other golfers are in red figures at 1-under 141.

A total of 62 golfers will advance to the final two rounds after the cut line landed at 5-over. Wednesday’s average score of 73.85 was a full stroke better than the 75.08 aggregate from the opening round.

Jordan Thomas, who inspired many in becoming the first double amputee to qualify for the State Amateur after losing both of his legs as a 16-year old in a boating accident, missed the cut by four shots after rounds of 74-77 left him at 9-over 151.

For complete results and pairings, go to Tennessee State Amateur.

Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com