Chattanooga Finishes First NCAA Finals in 18th Place

 TOLEDO, Ohio—No. 25 Chattanooga completed its first NCAA Men’s Golf Championship with an 18th-place finish at Inverness Club Thursday evening.  The Mocs shot a third round 299 (+15) to end up at 888, one shot behind Iowa (887) in 17th.
 
No. 2 Oklahoma State ended the stroke play portion of the event in first place with a three-under par total of 849.  The Cowboys topped No. 13 Arizona State (862) by 13 shots, while No. 3 Southern California, No. 10 Arkansas and No. 4 Washington tied for third at 865.
 
The top eight teams move on to match play seeded by their order of finish.  OSU will take on No. 1 Georgia (seeded eighth), while Arizona State meets No. 15 Texas A&M (seventh).  The other two matches will feature USC against Michigan (sixth) and Arkansas versus Washington.
 
It was a tough day for the Mocs as the wind whipped up cold temperatures making scoring difficult.  With Texas A&M and Georgia in the house at 17-over par, UTC needed a four-under par 280, but it was not in the cards.
 
Freshman Stephan Jaeger led the team with a two-over par round of 73 followed closely by Derek Rende’s 74, which was highlighted by a birdie on a slick downhill putt on the 18th hole to close out his round.  Both Jaeger and Rende posted three birdies on the day.
 
Fredrik Qvicker was next with a four-over par 75.  He had a team-high four birdies including sinking a six-foot putt on his final hole.
 
Seniors Jonathan Hodge and Ben Rickett closed their careers with an 80 and 77, respectively.
 
“I cannot begin to express how much Jonathan and Ben have meant to our program,” said Head Coach Mark Guhne.  “They really set the foundation and have been a joy on and off the course to coach.
 
“Overall, I am very proud of our effort,” added Guhne.  “Obviously we wanted a top eight finish and a chance to play for the national title, but we battled and never quit.”
 
Jaeger and Qvicker led the Mocs finishing tied for 62nd at nine-over par, 222.  Rende was next tied for 78th two shots back at 224 (+11).
 
While the team title will be decided this weekend in match play, the individual medalist was crowned today.  N.C. State’s Matt Hill completed his third straight 69 to finish at 207 (-6), two shots ahead of Clemson’s Kyle Stanley.  Stanley shot a final round 66 (-5) to end his tourney at four-under par, 209.  The 66 tied for the tourney low round with Tom Glissmeyer of USC, also shot today.

Ledford Wins Tennessee Open

NASHVILLE—Chattanooga's Bryce Ledford fired a final round 65 (6 under par) to claim the 61st Annual State Open Championship at Gaylord Springs Golf Links.

First round leader Steven Fox, who will play for UTC next season, claimed low amateur honors with a closing round of 68 giving him a 3-day total of 206 (-7), three shots back of Ledford.

Chattanooga's Josh Coley, last year's low professional, also finished with a total of 206 (-7) placing him in a tie for second with Fox.

============================================================
Results for contest Championship:
============================================================
1 Bryce Ledford Ooltewah 68-70-65--203 -10
T2 Steven Fox (a) Hendersonville 64-74-68--206 -7
T2 Josh Coley Chattanooga 70-67-69--206 -7
T4 Whit Turnbow Murfreesboro 69-74-64--207 -6
T4 Philip Pettitt Jr. Murfreesboro, TN 68-72-67--207 -6
6 Thomas Smith Chattanooga 69-68-71--208 -5
T7 Chris Rogers Franklin 71-69-69--209 -4
T7 Danny Simmerman (a) Nashville, TN 67-72-70--209 -4
T9 Lexus Keoninh (a) Murfreesboro, TN 68-73-69--210 -3
T9 David Salyers (a) Huntingdon 69-68-73--210 -3
T11 Danny Green (a) Jackson 69-73-69--211 -2
T11 Harry Taylor Old Hickory 72-70-69--211 -2
T11 Rob Garland (a) Nashville 72-69-70--211 -2
T11 Edward Michaels Brentwood, TN 74-66-71--211 -2
T15 Derek Rende (a) Soddy Daisy 73-70-69--212 -1
T15 Cody Hale Tullahoma 73-68-71--212 -1
T15 Brenton Flynn (a) Nashville, TN 71-68-73--212 -1
T18 Tim Jackson (a) Germantown 72-70-71--213 E
T18 Buddy Harston Whites Creek 68-73-72--213 E
T20 Tom Shaw Franklin 73-74-67--214 +1
T20 Audie Johnson Lebanon 73-71-70--214 +1
T20 Loren Personett, Jr Antioch 69-75-70--214 +1
T20 Chris Taylor Bristol, TN 72-72-70--214 +1
T20 Todd Burgan (a) Knoxville 71-72-71--214 +1
T20 Chris Barron Pleasant View 72-68-74--214 +1
T26 James Brannen (a) Clarksville, TN 73-73-69--215 +2
T26 Reise Kelly Nashville, TN 75-70-70--215 +2
T26 Justin Metzger Lenoir City 71-73-71--215 +2
T26 Bjorn Svedin (a) Hendersonville 72-71-72--215 +2
T26 John Fox (a) Oliver Springs, TN 68-73-74--215 +2
T26 Joseph Meade (a) Greeneville, TN 71-70-74--215 +2
T32 Danny Briggs Franklin, TN 74-72-70--216 +3
T32 Scott Moran Knoxville, TN 72-73-71--216 +3
T32 Justin Walker (a) Greenbiar 71-73-72--216 +3
T32 Brian Balthrop (a) Clarksville, TN 75-68-73--216 +3
T36 Kelvin Burgin Fairfield Glade 74-72-71--217 +4
T36 Carson Jacobs (a) Hendersonville, TN 70-76-71--217 +4
T36 Chris Stacy Big Stone Gap 71-75-71--217 +4
T36 Hunter Green (a) Evensville, TN 73-72-72--217 +4
T36 Bradley Farmer Hermitage 75-70-72--217 +4
T36 Nick Garretson (a) Franklin 73-71-73--217 +4
T36 Brad Stevens (a) Brentwood 73-71-73--217 +4
T36 Wes Roach (a) Knoxville, TN 75-69-73--217 +4
T36 Tom Schreiner (a) Chattanooga, TN 71-73-73--217 +4
T36 Jonathan Hodge (a) Jefferson City 70-73-74--217 +4
T46 Trey Lewis (a) Hendersonville 71-75-72--218 +5
T46 Eric Lee (a) Nashville, TN 73-71-74--218 +5
T46 Mark Houser Kingsport 68-72-78--218 +5
T49 Dan Crockett (a) Nashville 72-75-72--219 +6
T49 Billy Joe Green (a) Franklin 72-75-72--219 +6
T49 Richard Rebne Chattanooga 73-72-74--219 +6
T49 Nick Carden (a) Hixson, TN 74-68-77--219 +6
T53 Craig McElhaney (a) Franklin 72-75-73--220 +7
T53 Jason Gandy (a) Knoxville, TN 75-72-73--220 +7
T53 Rob Long Clarksville 72-73-75--220 +7
T53 Brad Campbell (a) Morristown, TN 72-71-77--220 +7
57 Shane Vinson Hermitage, TN 70-74-77--221 +8
58 Brice Bailey Germantown, TN 75-72-75--222 +9
59 Parker Rush (a) Germantown, TN 76-71-76--223 +10
60 Barrett Steakley Cookeville 75-70-79--224 +11
61 Jason Tate (a) Murfreesboro, TN 74-70-81--225 +12

DID NOT FINISH

CUT Stephen Graham Rockvale, TN 75-73-0--148 +6
CUT Warren Goodrich (a) Nashville, TN 75-73-0--148 +6
CUT Richie Head Clarksville, TN 73-75-0--148 +6
CUT Mitch Brock Chattanooga, TN 69-79-0--148 +6
CUT Travis Womble (a) Nashville 77-71-0--148 +6
CUT Matthew Brock Chattanooga 76-72-0--148 +6
CUT Matthew Durand Bartlett, TN 79-69-0--148 +6
CUT Barney Alary Pleasant View, TN 71-77-0--148 +6
CUT Brian Lackey Hendersonville 76-72-0--148 +6
CUT Charles May (a) Nashville 78-71-0--149 +7
CUT Drew Frisby (a) Memphis, TN 76-73-0--149 +7
CUT Matthew Coles (a) Franklin, TN 75-74-0--149 +7
CUT Cory Parkinson (a) Nashville, TN 73-76-0--149 +7
CUT Lance Fossick (a) Nashville, TN 79-70-0--149 +7
CUT David Sciortino, Jr. (a) Franklin 70-79-0--149 +7
CUT Jeff Hall (a) Franklin 76-73-0--149 +7
CUT Bob Wolcott Burns 73-77-0--150 +8
CUT Randy Wylie Knoxville, TN 79-71-0--150 +8
CUT Nick Shelton (a) Franklin 76-74-0--150 +8
CUT Tom Provow (a) Murfreesboro, TN 75-75-0--150 +8
CUT Cole Floyd (a) Milan, TN 75-75-0--150 +8
CUT Bruce Etter Chattanooga, TN 82-69-0--151 +9
CUT Marshall Talkington (a) Jackson, TN 75-76-0--151 +9
CUT Carlson Cox (a) Churchill, TN 81-70-0--151 +9
CUT Christopher R. Owen (a) College Grove 77-74-0--151 +9
CUT Zachary Trimble Columbia, TN 78-73-0--151 +9
CUT Patrick Bell (a) Tullahoma, TN 74-77-0--151 +9
CUT Gregory Guinn (a) Clarksville 73-79-0--152 +10
CUT Steven Mann (a) Franklin 71-81-0--152 +10
CUT Andrew Green (a) White House, TN 78-74-0--152 +10
CUT Christopher Schwartz (a) Mt. Juliet, TN 78-74-0--152 +10
CUT Jim Morrison (a) Brentwood, TN 80-72-0--152 +10
CUT Paul Brannon Spring Hill, TN 77-75-0--152 +10
CUT Grant Milner (a) Knoxville, TN 77-76-0--153 +11
CUT Michael Atkeison (a) Somerville TN 77-76-0--153 +11
CUT Chris Dibble Knoxville 75-78-0--153 +11
CUT Randy Helton Murfreesboro 80-74-0--154 +12
CUT Ryan Smith (a) Brentwood, Tennessee 82-72-0--154 +12
CUT Doug Harris (a) Franklin, TN 76-78-0--154 +12
CUT Steve Munson Chuckey 80-75-0--155 +13
CUT Joey Bradley (a) Centerville, TN 73-82-0--155 +13
CUT Scott Pierce Franklin, TN 81-74-0--155 +13
CUT Dustin Smith (a) Nolensville, TN 79-76-0--155 +13
CUT Scott Vick (a) Franklin, TN 78-77-0--155 +13
CUT Dylan Waters (a) Franklin, TN 78-77-0--155 +13
CUT Andrew Jacobson (a) Nashville, TN 73-83-0--156 +14
CUT Rob Riddle Lookout Mt., TN 77-79-0--156 +14
CUT Jimmy Whitman (a) Greenbrier, TN 81-75-0--156 +14
CUT Scott Masters Knoxville 76-80-0--156 +14
CUT Ray Morton (a) Lenoir City 81-75-0--156 +14
CUT Michael Wallace (a) Murfreesboro, TN 77-79-0--156 +14
CUT Ryan parker DuLaney (a) Memphis, TN 81-75-0--156 +14
CUT Zack Molloy (a) McMinnville 77-80-0--157 +15
CUT Caleb Marsh (a) Strawberry Plains, TN 81-76-0--157 +15
CUT Trey Roberson (a) Nashville, TN 77-80-0--157 +15
CUT Ray Hockaday (a) Brentwood, TN 81-77-0--158 +16
CUT Ben Robertson (a) Nashville, TN 81-77-0--158 +16
CUT Gary Slayden (a) Murfreesboro, TN 78-81-0--159 +17
CUT Mark Hanfland (a) Brentwood, TN 82-77-0--159 +17
CUT Paul Korth (a) Cookeville 84-75-0--159 +17
CUT Daniell Blair (a) Columbia Tennessee 78-81-0--159 +17
CUT Cameron Thomas (a) Germantown, TN 81-78-0--159 +17
CUT Jim Webb (a) Brentwood, TN 81-79-0--160 +18
CUT Kyle Fulbright Jackson, TN 80-80-0--160 +18
CUT Mike Tankersley (a) Lewisburg 82-80-0--162 +20
CUT Trey Tarpley (a) Hendersonville, TN 85-78-0--163 +21
CUT Bryan Combiths Springhill, TN 80-83-0--163 +21
CUT Hunter Ingram (a) Spring Hill, TN 80-84-0--164 +22
CUT Jeff Brasfield (a) Jackson, TN 80-84-0--164 +22
CUT Scott Sinor (a) Nashville, TN 86-80-0--166 +24
CUT Trent Odle Lexington, TN 81-85-0--166 +24
CUT Paul Martens (a) Nolensville 81-85-0--166 +24
CUT Rusty Gates (a) Franklin, TN 82-86-0--168 +26
CUT Toru Hongo (a) Franklin, TN 87-83-0--170 +28
CUT Wayne Woolfall (a) Chattanooga, TN 87-83-0--170 +28
CUT Eddie Bailey (a) Chuckey, TN 85-85-0--170 +28
CUT Clint West (a) Livingston, TN 88-83-0--171 +29
CUT Douglas Harris (a) Franklin, TN 90-82-0--172 +30
CUT Tyler Stokes (a) Franklin, TN 83-91-0--174 +32
DQ Paul Kleine-Kracht I (a) Brentwood, TN

Lady Mocs Move Up NCAA Leaderboard

OWINGS MILLS, Md.—Halfway through its first NCAA Finals appearance, Chattanooga is tied for 18th with No. 15 Georgia at 623 (+47) at the Caves Valley Golf Club. The Lady Mocs and Dawgs each shot 307 (+19) for the second round as Chattanooga worked its way up the leaderboard after starting the day tied for 21st with UGa.

“We did what we set out to do and play better today than yesterday,” said Head Coach Colette Murray. “Keep improving each day and keep our focus on what lies ahead. It was not a great day, but we managed our way around the course well. We just need some putts to fall.”

No. 2 UCLA shot five-over par 293 to move into first place at 589 (+13). Maria Jose Uribe shot a six-under par 66 to pace the Bruins.

No. 4 Southern California is seven shots behind UCLA in second place at 596 (20). No. 14 Denver, the first round leader, shot 304 in round two to fall into third place at 598 (+22).

Emma de Groot led the Lady Mocs with a one-over par 73. She is now tied for 37th at eight-over par 152 through 36 holes. de Groot’s round included four birdies, 10 pars, three bogeys and a double. She made the turn at two-under par with a spotless front nine.

Also tied for 37th is Maria Salinas. Salinas followed her opening round 75 with a 77 (+5). The Southern Conference Freshman of the Year got off to a tough start bogeying five of the first seven holes en route to shooting six over through nine holes.

She turned it around with birdies on No. 11 and No. 16 with a bogey on 12 serving as the only blemish on the back side. Salinas sank a 15-foot putt to save par on 18 that closed the round on a high note.

Christine Wolf and Moa Duf played steady through a tough day on the greens. Both missed several putts in the four-to-five foot range, but still managed their way around the course with Wolf carding a 78 (+6) with Duf one shot behind at 79.

Wolf was a study in perseverance missing putts on the first three holes that got her off to a plus two start. After back-to-back double bogeys at 12 and 13, Wolf followed with birdies at 14 and 15 to close strong. She is tied for 110 at 163.

A balky putter also limited Duf’s day. She matched her first round score of 79 and is tied for 88th at 158. Duf also missed four-to-five footers on each of the first four holes.

Maria Juliana Loza had a tough day. Like Salinas she hit a long putt for par on 18 to close her day in the right way. A second round 82 has her two shots behind Wolf at 165.

After four birdies as a team yesterday, Chattanooga recorded 12 in the second round led by de Groot’s four. Salinas, the team leader for the tourney with six, and Wolf each had three on the day, while Duf and Loza each had one.

As a team, UTC was strong down the stretch. The four counting scores played the final four holes at even par which helped vault them up the scoreboard.

Uribe’s 66 moved her to the top of the individual leader board at three-under par 141. She is two shots clear of a trio of players in second place. Wake Forest Nannette Hill, Pepperdine’s Lisa McCloskey and Denver’s Stephanie Sherlock are tied at 143 (-1).

The Lady Mocs (623) are paired with Tulane (617) and No. 24 Tennessee (620) tomorrow teeing off of the 10th hole starting at 8:30 a.m. Loza leads off followed by Wolf, Duf, Salinas and de Groot.

Coley, Smith Grab Share of State Open Lead

NASHVILLE—David Salyers, Josh Coley and Thomas Smith all finished today's second round at 137 (-5) and are tied for the 36-hole lead at the 61st Annual State Open Championship at Gaylord Springs Golf Links. First round leader, Steven Fox, along with Bryce Ledford are tied for fourth place and are one shot back of the lead going into tomorrow's final round.

Of the 148 players that started the championship on Tuesday, only the top 61 players remain after today's 36-hole cut. Tomorrow's final round will begin at 8:00 a.m. CDT.

============================================================
Results for contest Championship:
============================================================
T1 David Salyers (a) Huntingdon 69-68--137 -5
T1 Josh Coley Chattanooga 70-67--137 -5
T1 Thomas Smith Chattanooga 69-68--137 -5
T4 Steven Fox (a) Hendersonville 64-74--138 -4
T4 Bryce Ledford Ooltewah 68-70--138 -4
T6 Brenton Flynn (a) Nashville, TN 71-68--139 -3
T6 Danny Simmerman (a) Nashville, TN 67-72--139 -3
T8 Chris Barron Pleasant View 72-68--140 -2
T8 Mark Houser Kingsport 68-72--140 -2
T8 Edward Michaels Brentwood, TN 74-66--140 -2
T8 Philip Pettitt Jr. Murfreesboro, TN 68-72--140 -2
T8 Chris Rogers Franklin 71-69--140 -2
T13 Buddy Harston Whites Creek 68-73--141 -1
T13 Joseph Meade (a) Greeneville, TN 71-70--141 -1
T13 Cody Hale Tullahoma 73-68--141 -1
T13 Rob Garland (a) Nashville 72-69--141 -1
T13 John Fox (a) Oliver Springs, TN 68-73--141 -1
T13 Lexus Keoninh (a) Murfreesboro, TN 68-73--141 -1
T19 Harry Taylor Old Hickory 72-70--142 E
T19 Tim Jackson (a) Germantown 72-70--142 E
T19 Danny Green (a) Jackson 69-73--142 E
T19 Nick Carden (a) Hixson, TN 74-68--142 E
T23 Brian Balthrop (a) Clarksville, TN 75-68--143 +1
T23 Todd Burgan (a) Knoxville 71-72--143 +1
T23 Jonathan Hodge (a) Jefferson City 70-73--143 +1
T23 Derek Rende (a) Soddy Daisy 73-70--143 +1
T23 Whit Turnbow Murfreesboro 69-74--143 +1
T23 Bjorn Svedin (a) Hendersonville 72-71--143 +1
T23 Brad Campbell (a) Morristown, TN 72-71--143 +1
T30 Tom Schreiner (a) Chattanooga, TN 71-73--144 +2
T30 Chris Taylor Bristol, TN 72-72--144 +2
T30 Wes Roach (a) Knoxville, TN 75-69--144 +2
T30 Shane Vinson Hermitage, TN 70-74--144 +2
T30 Eric Lee (a) Nashville, TN 73-71--144 +2
T30 Justin Metzger Lenoir City 71-73--144 +2
T30 Loren Personett, Jr Antioch 69-75--144 +2
T30 Brad Stevens (a) Brentwood 73-71--144 +2
T30 Jason Tate (a) Murfreesboro, TN 74-70--144 +2
T30 Nick Garretson (a) Franklin 73-71--144 +2
T30 Audie Johnson Lebanon 73-71--144 +2
T30 Justin Walker (a) Greenbiar 71-73--144 +2
T42 Scott Moran Knoxville, TN 72-73--145 +3
T42 Bradley Farmer Hermitage 75-70--145 +3
T42 Reise Kelly Nashville, TN 75-70--145 +3
T42 Barrett Steakley Cookeville 75-70--145 +3
T42 Rob Long Clarksville 72-73--145 +3
T42 Hunter Green (a) Evensville, TN 73-72--145 +3
T42 Richard Rebne Chattanooga 73-72--145 +3
T49 James Brannen (a) Clarksville, TN 73-73--146 +4
T49 Trey Lewis (a) Hendersonville 71-75--146 +4
T49 Chris Stacy Big Stone Gap 71-75--146 +4
T49 Carson Jacobs (a) Hendersonville, TN 70-76--146 +4
T49 Danny Briggs Franklin, TN 74-72--146 +4
T49 Kelvin Burgin Fairfield Glade 74-72--146 +4
T55 Billy Joe Green (a) Franklin 72-75--147 +5
T55 Tom Shaw Franklin 73-74--147 +5
T55 Jason Gandy (a) Knoxville, TN 75-72--147 +5
T55 Parker Rush (a) Germantown, TN 76-71--147 +5
T55 Dan Crockett (a) Nashville 72-75--147 +5
T55 Craig McElhaney (a) Franklin 72-75--147 +5
T55 Brice Bailey Germantown, TN 75-72--147 +5

DID NOT FINISH

CUT Stephen Graham Rockvale, TN 75-73--148 +6
CUT Warren Goodrich (a) Nashville, TN 75-73--148 +6
CUT Richie Head Clarksville, TN 73-75--148 +6
CUT Mitch Brock Chattanooga, TN 69-79--148 +6
CUT Travis Womble (a) Nashville 77-71--148 +6
CUT Matthew Brock Chattanooga 76-72--148 +6
CUT Matthew Durand Bartlett, TN 79-69--148 +6
CUT Barney Alary Pleasant View, TN 71-77--148 +6
CUT Brian Lackey Hendersonville 76-72--148 +6
CUT Charles May (a) Nashville 78-71--149 +7
CUT Drew Frisby (a) Memphis, TN 76-73--149 +7
CUT Matthew Coles (a) Franklin, TN 75-74--149 +7
CUT Cory Parkinson (a) Nashville, TN 73-76--149 +7
CUT Lance Fossick (a) Nashville, TN 79-70--149 +7
CUT David Sciortino, Jr. (a) Franklin 70-79--149 +7
CUT Jeff Hall (a) Franklin 76-73--149 +7
CUT Bob Wolcott Burns 73-77--150 +8
CUT Randy Wylie Knoxville, TN 79-71--150 +8
CUT Nick Shelton (a) Franklin 76-74--150 +8
CUT Tom Provow (a) Murfreesboro, TN 75-75--150 +8
CUT Cole Floyd (a) Milan, TN 75-75--150 +8
CUT Bruce Etter Chattanooga, TN 82-69--151 +9
CUT Marshall Talkington (a) Jackson, TN 75-76--151 +9
CUT Carlson Cox (a) Churchill, TN 81-70--151 +9
CUT Christopher R. Owen (a) College Grove 77-74--151 +9
CUT Zachary Trimble Columbia, TN 78-73--151 +9
CUT Patrick Bell (a) Tullahoma, TN 74-77--151 +9
CUT Gregory Guinn (a) Clarksville 73-79--152 +10
CUT Steven Mann (a) Franklin 71-81--152 +10
CUT Andrew Green (a) White House, TN 78-74--152 +10
CUT Christopher Schwartz (a) Mt. Juliet, TN 78-74--152 +10
CUT Jim Morrison (a) Brentwood, TN 80-72--152 +10
CUT Paul Brannon Spring Hill, TN 77-75--152 +10
CUT Grant Milner (a) Knoxville, TN 77-76--153 +11
CUT Michael Atkeison (a) Somerville TN 77-76--153 +11
CUT Chris Dibble Knoxville 75-78--153 +11
CUT Randy Helton Murfreesboro 80-74--154 +12
CUT Ryan Smith (a) Brentwood, Tennessee 82-72--154 +12
CUT Doug Harris (a) Franklin, TN 76-78--154 +12
CUT Steve Munson Chuckey 80-75--155 +13
CUT Joey Bradley (a) Centerville, TN 73-82--155 +13
CUT Scott Pierce Franklin, TN 81-74--155 +13
CUT Dustin Smith (a) Nolensville, TN 79-76--155 +13
CUT Scott Vick (a) Franklin, TN 78-77--155 +13
CUT Dylan Waters (a) Franklin, TN 78-77--155 +13
CUT Andrew Jacobson (a) Nashville, TN 73-83--156 +14
CUT Rob Riddle Lookout Mt., TN 77-79--156 +14
CUT Jimmy Whitman (a) Greenbrier, TN 81-75--156 +14
CUT Scott Masters Knoxville 76-80--156 +14
CUT Ray Morton (a) Lenoir City 81-75--156 +14
CUT Michael Wallace (a) Murfreesboro, TN 77-79--156 +14
CUT Ryan parker DuLaney (a) Memphis, TN 81-75--156 +14
CUT Zack Molloy (a) McMinnville 77-80--157 +15
CUT Caleb Marsh (a) Strawberry Plains, TN 81-76--157 +15
CUT Trey Roberson (a) Nashville, TN 77-80--157 +15
CUT Ray Hockaday (a) Brentwood, TN 81-77--158 +16
CUT Ben Robertson (a) Nashville, TN 81-77--158 +16
CUT Gary Slayden (a) Murfreesboro, TN 78-81--159 +17
CUT Mark Hanfland (a) Brentwood, TN 82-77--159 +17
CUT Paul Korth (a) Cookeville 84-75--159 +17
CUT Daniell Blair (a) Columbia Tennessee 78-81--159 +17
CUT Cameron Thomas (a) Germantown, TN 81-78--159 +17
CUT Jim Webb (a) Brentwood, TN 81-79--160 +18
CUT Kyle Fulbright Jackson, TN 80-80--160 +18
CUT Mike Tankersley (a) Lewisburg 82-80--162 +20
CUT Trey Tarpley (a) Hendersonville, TN 85-78--163 +21
CUT Bryan Combiths Springhill, TN 80-83--163 +21
CUT Hunter Ingram (a) Spring Hill, TN 80-84--164 +22
CUT Jeff Brasfield (a) Jackson, TN 80-84--164 +22
CUT Scott Sinor (a) Nashville, TN 86-80--166 +24
CUT Trent Odle Lexington, TN 81-85--166 +24
CUT Paul Martens (a) Nolensville 81-85--166 +24
CUT Rusty Gates (a) Franklin, TN 82-86--168 +26
CUT Toru Hongo (a) Franklin, TN 87-83--170 +28
CUT Wayne Woolfall (a) Chattanooga, TN 87-83--170 +28
CUT Eddie Bailey (a) Chuckey, TN 85-85--170 +28
CUT Clint West (a) Livingston, TN 88-83--171 +29
CUT Douglas Harris (a) Franklin, TN 90-82--172 +30
CUT Tyler Stokes (a) Franklin, TN 83-91--174 +32
DQ Paul Kleine-Kracht I (a) Brentwood, TN

Ledford Third in State Open

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Open had a strong UTC flavor after the first round.
Former Moc golfer Bryce Ledford shot a 3-under-par 68 at Gaylord Springs Golf Links on Tuesday and is tied for low professional in the Tennessee Open.
Ledford stands in third place overall behind UTC signee Steven Fox of Hendersonville, who shot a 64, and Danny Simmerman of Nashville, who shot 67.
Other professionals who shot 68 on Tuesday are Mark Houser of Kingsport, Philip Pettitt, Jr. of Murfreesboro and Buddy Harston of Whites Creek.
For complete scores, go to the Tennessee Golf Association's tournament leaderboard website: http://tga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/tga9/event/tga99/contest/1/leaderboard.htm.

Mocs Advance to NCAA Finals

STILLWATER, Okla.—The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s golf team discovered that the third time is definitely the charm. Making its third straight regionals appearance, Chattanooga advanced to the NCAA Finals by virtue of finishing third in the South Central Regional at Karsten Creek Golf Club.

“I am pretty speechless,” said coach Mark Guhne. “To come this far, this fast … I am just so happy for our seniors (Jonathan Hodge and Ben Rickett). They have been there from the start with me and we would not be going anywhere without them.

“This was a team win,” added Guhne who is in his fourth year as the Mocs mentor. “Everyone contributed at least two rounds and we found a way to survive and advance on a tough, tough golf course.”

The Mocs shot a final round 309 (+21) to complete their 54 holes at 907. No. 4 Oklahoma State was the runaway winner shooting 17-over par 881 with a final round 296.

No. 9 Arkansas came in second at 903 (+39), just four ahead of UTC. No. 16 TCU shot 914 (+50) to tie for fourth with Northwestern for the last two berths into the final at 914 (+50). The duo finish just three shots clear of No. 21 LSU at 917. Baylor’s Cody Paladino and LSU’ John Peterson were in a playoff to join the five teams as the low individual on a non-advancing team.

Fredrik Qvicker’s 75 (+3) led the Mocs on this day. He did so with a birdie-less round scoring 15 pars and three bogeys playing steady golf the entire day. Qvicker finished tied for 21st at 227 (+11).

Jonathan Hodge and Derek Rende were two and three for Chattanooga. Hodge played his final 18 at four-over par 76, while Rende was one shot behind him at 77 (+5). Each had two birdies with Hodge’s coming on two and 11, while Rende registered his on one and 11. Rende tied for 46th at 236 (+20), while Hodge tied for 60th with a 241 (+25).

Ben Rickett and Stephan Jaeger had off days, but battled hard throughout to keep the Mocs in prime position. Rickett shot 81 (+9), while Jaeger came in at 83 (+11). The duo finished tied for low UTC golfer in 13th at 226 (+10).

The NCAA Finals is May 26-30 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. There will be 54 holes of stroke play in which 30 teams will be pared down to the top eight finishers which advance to match play. Two days of match play will determine the NCAA Champion.

“We are not going there just to show up and say we’ve been there,” said Guhne. “We are going there with a purpose. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the effort this week.”

Mocs in Second Place in NCAA Central Regional

STILLWATER, Okla.—The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s golf team is right where it wants to be in 24 hours; in the top five at the NCAA South Central Regional at the Karsten Creek Golf Course. The Mocs shot a 12-over par 300 and are alone in second place at 598 (+22).

No. 4 Oklahoma State is the leader after 36 holes at nine-over par 585. The Cowboys used the local knowledge of their home course to good use with an impressive one-over par score of 289 for the second round.

The Mocs made a lot of noise early. Fredrik Qvicker led off the day’s round and moved Chattanooga into a tie for first with OSU when he made a blind chip shot from off the third green as both teams were nine-over par for the tournament.

Derek Rende kept the momentum going with his first birdie of the day on eight to give the Mocs the outright lead at eight over. Stephan Jaeger followed with a birdie on seven to get UTC to seven-over par.

Chattanooga stumbled at the turn falling back seven shot to 14 over, while the Cowboys surged to plus seven. Within a 30-minute span, the Mocs charged back to tie it at 13-over par on a Qvicker birdie at 12.

But the Cowboys were not to be denied. OSU closed strong shooting five-under par as a team over the final eight holes to take a commanding 13-shot lead into the final round.

Jaeger was phenomenal on the day for Chattanooga with a two-under par round of 70. He is one-under par 143 for 36 holes sitting in third place overall, one shot behind OSU’s Peter Uihlein and Wichita State’s Connor McHenry at two-under 142.

Ben Rickett was solid all day shooting a one-over par 73. He had three birdies with four bogeys. Rickett is now in fourth at one-over par 145, just three shots out of the individual lead.

Qvicker bounced back from an opening round 79 (+7) with a 73 (+1) today. The junior made the turn at minus two and was at one under through 15. Qvicker carded bogeys at 16 and 17 before parring 18. He is now tied for 30th at 152 (+8).

It was a tough day for Rende and Jonathan Hodge. With winds at 20 miles per hour and gusting to 25 throughout the day, it was not the day to battle your swing. Rende finished his day at 84, while Hodge shot 87.

The top five teams advance to the NCAA Finals May 26-30 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. The current top five are OSU (585), Chattanooga (598), Arkansas (599), Northwestern (603) and LSU (605). Most importantly, the Mocs are 10 shots clear of sixth place Wichita State at 608.

Tomorrow’s final round starts at 9:40 a.m., with the Mocs playing again with Oklahoma State and Arkansas. Hodge leads off followed by Rende, Qvicker, Rickett and Jaeger.

TGA to Honor Gilbert at State Open

Each year at the State Open Championship, the Tennessee Golf Association honors a past State Open Champion, and this year’s honoree is four-time champion, Gibby Gilbert. Gibby joined the PGA Tour in 1967, and in 1991 he joined the Champions Tour where he has collected over $4 million in career earnings.
 
Gibby’s playing accomplishments are numerous. In winning his four State Open Championships, he became the only player to ever capture three consecutive titles in 1988, 1989 and 1990 to go with his first victory in 1986. Gibby has three PGA Tour victories and six Champions Tour victories. He has also captured the Tennessee PGA Championship title five times (1979, 1986, 1987, 1988 & 1990) and was inducted into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame in 1995.
 
The Tennessee Golf Association will honor Gibby Gilbert during the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 21st  at the 61st Annual State Open Championship presented by Coca-Cola which is being held at Gaylord Springs Golf Links in Nashville.