Cleveland’s Jonas Rayfield was undefeated in pool play to advance to match play
photo by Tennessee Golf Association
The field is now set with the final 16 who comprise the bracket in the 26th Tennessee Match Play Championship taking place at the Vanderbilt Legend Club’s South Course following Wednesday’s conclusion of pool play.
But the news wasn’t as favorable for the Tennessee Women’s Senior Amateur and Mid-Amateur championships hosted at Johnson City Country Club. The monsoons that plagued east Tennessee made conditions unplayable on Wednesday, and the winner’s were declared based on Tuesday’s opening round.
Nashville’s Erica Chappell picked up her second Tennessee Golf Association title to win the Women’s Senior Amateur, adding to her 2022 Women’s Senior Four-Ball victory. Chappell birdied No. 18 to record a 5-over 77, shooting 2-under over her last 13 holes to win by one shot over five golfers.
Janice Sauter of Franklin was the Women’s Super Senior winner by three shots at 10-over 82, while Allison Woodward of Erwin picked up the Women’s Mid-Amateur title with a round of 7-over 79.
In the Tennessee Match Play, seven golfers emerged from pool play unscathed after winning three matches to advance. Included in that group was Knoxville’s Jack Smith, who found himself 3-down to Tate Woodruff after seven holes. But Smith was able to rally, winning the final two holes with birdies to capture a 1-up decision.
Brentwood’s Adam Condello also pulled off a birdie-birdie finish to snag a 1-up decision over Jeff Reuter to remain undefeated. Others to go 3-0 in pool play were Cleveland’s Jonas Rayfield, Clinton’s Alex Gaetz, Nashville’s Ryan Ward, Harrogate’s Ian Taggart, and Nashville’s Grant Milling.
Also moving forward to the Final 16 were Nashville’s Cameron Quinn, Will Jackson of Nashville, Conner Brown of Shelbyville, Billy Whalen of Nashville, Taylor Mottern of Sewanee, Trenton Johnson of Brentwood, Jackson Whaley of Collierville, Scotty Hudson of Nashville and Tucker Jenkins of Nashville.
Thursday’s play will feature both the Round of 16 and Quarterfinal matches, with the Semifinals and Championship final slated for Friday.
For complete results, go to Tennessee Match Play.
Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com
Nashville’s Scotty Hudson won his pool to move into match play
photo by Tennessee Golf Association