Rende SoCon Golfer of the Week

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—University of Tennessee at Chattanooga freshman Derek Rende was honored as the Southern Conference Golfer of the Week after winning medalist honors and leading the Mocs to the team title at the USA Spring Golf Classic the conference office announced Thursday.

Rende fired a course record 63 in the second round to surge into the individual lead. His round included seven birdies and one eagle and also was the lowest single round score in the history of the UTC golf program. His performance aided the Mocs to a team score of 11-under par on the round which turned a six stroke deficit after the opening round into a seven stroke lead heading into the final round. The team score of 277 tied a school record for the best round in school history.

Rende was 12-under par over the 54 hole event, his best showing in his brief career. “Derek opened some eyes this week” remarked UTC head coach Mark Guhne. “Those of us who get to watch him play every day know how good he is, but now it is pretty evident to everyone else too.”

The team title was the third of the season for the Mocs who rose to No. 41 in the Golfstat ratings following the win. That is the highest rating in the history of the program.

The conference honor is the third of the season for the Mocs. Jonathan Hodge was named the Golfer of the Month for February. Hodge was also the Golfer of the Week for the week of March 7.