Uselton Stroke Play Medalist At Tennessee Senior Match Play

Based on the manner in which he wrapped up the stroke play portion of the 22nd Tennessee Senior Match Play Championship on Wednesday afternoon, Clay Uselton proved that he will be a force to reckoned with heading into Thursday’s match play segment.

The Tullahoma native, who is the reigning Tennessee Senior Amateur champion, closed the final six holes of his second round in 4-under that was highlighted by an eagle at No. 14. His strong finish resulted in the day’s low round of 66, earning the top seed in match play with a two-day total of 10-under 134 at Oak Ridge Country Club.

Knoxville’s Steve Golliher also was impressive down the stretch, bagging four birdies over his last six holes to shoot 67 which left him at 6-under 138 and with the No. 2 seed.

Allen Rhea of Johnson City finished third at 5-under 139, managing six birdies on Wednesday while shooting 70.

First-round leader Kenny Wilson of Murfreesboro recorded a 73, finishing tied for 4th at 4-under 140 with Pat Chisholm after the Franklin resident carded a 72. Rick Mays of Riceville and John Zubkus of Murfreesboro were deadlocked in 6th place with scores of 3-under 141.

Five golfers at 2-under 142 joined the 16 who will advance to match play, led by Mike Albonetti of Williston who opened with a 32 on his front nine en route to a score of 68 to move up 19 spots.

Others tied for 8th at 2-under were Matt Baker of Clarksville, Zeb Patten of Lookout Mountain, Alan Jones of Tullahoma and Knoxville’s Bradford Kuester.

The final four match play slots were decided among five golfers at even par 144. Those advancing included Kevin Stallings of Brentwood, Thomas White of Knoxville, Ray Morton of Lenoir City, and Charles May of Nashville. Manchester’s David Burris also shot even par for his two rounds but failed to advance.

The Senior division will stage its Round of 16 on Thursday morning, followed by the Quarterfinals in the afternoon. Friday will feature the Semifinals and the Finals.

Fly Super Senior Medalist

Buzz Fly of Memphis earned the top seed in the Super Senior event, shooting 69 on Wednesday to close at 8-under 136. Fly strung together three birdies at 7,8 and 9 then parred the remainder of his holes to win medalist honors by one shot.

Richard Keene of Chattanooga birdied two of his final three holes among the six he carded for his round to shoot 68, landing him in a tie for 2nd at 7-under 137 with David Apperson of Memphis.

Lenny Sisselman of Nashville finished 4th at 3-under 141 thanks to five birdies on his day, while Robbie Robertson of Fairview birdied his last two holes to tie Stuart Smith of Nashville at 1-under 143 in 5th place.

With eight Super Seniors moving on to match play, three-time champion Tom Baird of Signal Mountain closed with a decisive birdie on 18 to earn a slot, finishing at even par 144 along with Tim Dinwiddie of Afton.

The Super Seniors will open play with Quarterfinal action on Thursday morning, then will stage Semifinal matches in the afternoon. The Super Senior Finals are slated for Friday morning.

For pairings and complete results, go to Tennessee Senior and Super Senior Match Play.

Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com