Three UTC Golfers Qualify for U.S. Amateur

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—Further evidence that UTC’s golf program has reached another level came during 36-hole U.S. Amateur qualifying at Willow Creek on Tuesday.

Moc golfers, led by graduating senior Bryce Ledford, swept the top three spots. Ledford shot rounds of 66-67 to finish 9-under par and earn medalist honors.

Right behind him was junior Jonathan Hodge, who finished seven under par and earned his second straight trip to the Amateur. A year ago, Hodge qualified out of Willow Creek.

In third place was sophomore Derek Rende, who last May won the Tennessee State Open. He shot 6-under and will play in his first Amateur.

“It’s pretty incredible,” UTC coach Mark Guhne said. “We got one last year. And to have three this year … it’s fantastic for these guys to get to go and play at that level. It shows the kind of kids we’re getting at UTC now. It really makes a statement about the UTC golf program.”

The Amateur will be played Aug. 20-26 at the famed Olympic Club in San Francisco.