Josh Bevell examines a putt in seeking to win his second straight Tennessee PGA Professional title
photo by Tennessee PGA
Josh Bevell has enjoyed wearing the crown of Tennessee PGA Professional champion the past year. Based on the past two days’ results, he doesn’t plan on relinquishing it any time soon.
The Nashville resident drained a birdie on his final hole on Tuesday in the 57th edition of the championship being staged at The Links at Kahite Golf Club, securing a one-shot lead heading into Wednesday’s final round.
Bevell, a professional at Profectus Golf, overcame three late bogeys in a four-hole stretch with his birdie at the par-5 18th. He shot a bogey-free 32 on the front with three birdies, then posted a 38 on the back with four bogeys and a pair of birdies to finish at 1-under and even par 142 for the tournament.
Sitting two shots back in second place is Lee Whitehead of Williams Creek Golf Course at 2-over 144. Whitehead shot 1-under 70 on Tuesday, highlighted by a 33 on his final nine holes that featured three birdies over a span of four holes.
Bear Trace at Tims Ford professional Jared Melson is alone in third at 3-over 145 after posting a 74 on Tuesday, a costly double bogey on No. 17 dampening the close of his outing that saw him compile 16 pars and one other bogey.
A trio of golfers are tied in 4th place at 4-over 146 that includes first-round leader Ryan Botts. The professional out of Five Oaks Golf & Country Club followed his opening round 70 with a 76 on Tuesday that was salvaged by an eagle on the final hole.
Botts is joined by three-time champion Scott Moran of Cutter & Buck who carded a 72, as well as Jake Reeves of Fox Den Country Club following his second straight round of 73.
Lurking five shots off the lead in a group tied for 7th is four-time champion Kelvin Burgin of Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain. Burgin completed a tidy 72 with a birdie at No. 18 to join two others at 5-over 147 that includes Mike Vance of Jackson National Golf Club and Dan Parker of Troubadour Golf and Field Club.
Casey Flenniken of Tanasi Golf Course shot the low round of the day with an impressive 5-under 66, four shots better that Bevell and Whitehead for the day’s honors.
The top four finishers after Wednesday’s play will qualify for the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort next April, with the next four earning status as alternates.
For complete results, go to Tennessee PGA Professional Championship.
Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com