The Nashville/Music City Chapter kicked off their 2022 season in earnest at Gaylord Springs on Sunday, March 13th. Two days prior, no one in their right mind would have ever thought this tournament will be held as a winter storm rolled through the Middle Tennessee area and dropped 4+ inches of snow. Saturday’s clear skies and sunshine melted the majority of the snow and the course was ready for 100 players over 5 divisions to compete for trophies and VISA gift cards.
In Division one, three players ended regulation tied at +5 77. Ernest Rickey and two Kentucky Chapter members, Eric King and Tyler Sharpe, headed to #10 for the on-course playoff. On the first playoff hole, all three players tied with par as Rickey was able to sink a 20 ft par putt to remain in the playoff as King and Sharpe had shorter attempts. The playoff ended on the next hole as Sharpe was able to hit it close on #11, two-putt for par and capture the victory.
In Division two, Trevor Boyd made up his mind after his first nine holes to “go for skins” on the last nine as an outward 44 made him feel he was out of contention. Little did he know that his even par 36 on his back nine would put him in the clubhouse with the lead at +8 and eventually hold on for the victory. To say he was shocked was an understatement. Jordan Craighead held the lead through 17 holes, but his tee shot on his closing hole went out of bounds and lead to a closing double bogey to push him back to +9 and into a tie with John Bradshaw for 2nd place. Three other players, Matt Warren, Marcus Wirth and Todd Hall from the Kentucky chapter, finished tied for 4th place at +10.
In Division 3, Mike Penn posted +9 81 to win going away by five shots! Tennessee East Chapter members, Paul Harris and David England, both finish at +14 and a tie for 2nd place.
In Division 4, JC Oden had a stellar back nine finish to capture 1st place, post +13 and edge out Nick Wunderlin by one stroke.
In Division 5, Andy Nichols consistent play throughout the day allowed him to finish his round at +19 and score a two-stroke victory over Michael Ridge, Sr., who finished at +21. Thurman Boyd was able to sneak into the 3rd place slot with a round of +22.
Our next tournament will be held at The Hermitage on President’s Reserve on Saturday, March 13th. Registration deadline is Monday, March 21st. Visit us online at www.amateurplayerstour.com/nashville for more tournament information.