Andrew Weathers leads the Men's Metro as he seeks to repeat as champion
photo by Tennessee Golf Association
Andrew Weathers made it clear on Friday that he doesn’t intend on relinquishing his title of reigning Chattanooga Men’s Metro champion any time soon. But a pair of former champions lurking two shots off the lead might have something to say about that.
Weathers put together a spotless round at Brown Acres Golf Course in the 96th playing of this tournament, parlaying a four-hole stretch early in his round where he picked up three birdies on his way to shooting 5-under 67 to seize the lead heading into Saturday’s final round.
Weathers, who plays out of Council Fire Club, won this event last year at Lookout Mountain Club, and picked up his first Men’s Metro victory in 2017 at Black Creek Club.
Ben Rebne, the 2016 champion, along with 2022 victor Hunter Vest both posted rounds of 3-under 69 to position themselves to add to their trophy case. Rebne was at 1-under before reeling off birdies at 14, 16 and 17 sandwiching a bogey at 15 to make a late charge.
Meanwhile, Vest surged to 3-under after six holes, only to fall back to even par with three straight bogeys. But he was able to right the ship with birdies at 11, 12 and 16 to close his round tied for 2nd.
Brandon Cissom and Ryan Hulton are deadlocked in 4th place at 2-under 70, while Keoni Vidrine, Jacob Clark and Taylor Smith are tied for 6th at 1-under 71.
A total of 19 golfers remain within six shots of the lead in what should be a hotly-contested shootout in crowning this year’s champion in the Regular Division.
Mays, Weldon Lead Senior Division
Rick Mays and Shonn Weldon both registered rounds of 4-under 68 to grab a two-shot lead in the Senior Division. Mays tallied seven birdies on the day – including five in a row starting at No. 9 – but gave back some ground with three bogeys.
Weldon opened with a bogey, then managed to assemble six birdies against one more bogey over the balance of his morning to earn a share of the lead.
Gary Davis is in 3rd place at 2-under 70 following a furious close that saw him birdie three of his last four holes.
Defending champion Steve Johnson joined Richard Keene and Tom Schreiner at 1-under 71 in a 4th place tie, while Joe Markham Jr. and Zeb Patten shot even par 72 to land in 7th.
Douglas In Front Among Super Seniors
Bret Douglas found himself at 1-over through 11 holes before covering his final holes in 4-under to lead the Super Senior Division at 1-under 71. Douglas had an eagle at the par-5 12th, then birdied 16 and 18 to surge to the top of the leaderboard.
Tom Baird is alone in 2nd at even par 72, followed by Tony Autry and defending champion Richard Brame at 3-over 75 for a 3rd place tie.
Jim Lett is in 5th following his score of 4-over 76, one shot better than Rob Smith at 5-over 77.
Saturday’s final round will feature the leaders of the Super Seniors teeing off at 8:30 a.m., followed by the last group of Seniors at 9:35 a.m. and the Regular Division final grouping at 12:20 p.m.
For complete results and pairings, go to Chattanooga Men's Metro.
Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com