Nashville, Tenn. –
Tennessee PGA Professionals Capture the 58th Challenge Cup Title
On October 27 and 28, sixteen Tennessee PGA Professionals took on sixteen of the Tennessee Golf Association’s top Amateurs for the 58th playing of the Challenge Cup Matches. Hillwood Country Club set the stage for two days of competition, friendly rivalry, and plenty of Tennessee golf pride.
Leading the Professionals were Co Captains Bobby Greenwood, PGA and Joey Hickman, PGA, along with Vice Captain Chris Zumpano, PGA, Head Professional at Hillwood Country Club. Between the three of them, the team was in great hands. They brought decades of experience, leadership, and love for the game that kept everyone focused and fired up.
Bobby Greenwood’s connection to this event runs deep. A First Team NCAA All American from North Texas State University, Greenwood led the Amateur team that won the very first Challenge Cup back in 1968. He went on to play seven more times as a Professional, spent seven years on the PGA Tour, and later served as Director of Golf at TPC Sawgrass. With 32 Challenge Cups under his belt, his passion for the event is unmatched.
Joey Hickman, President of the Tennessee PGA, brought his own steady leadership and Section pride to the team. A PGA Member since 1994, Hickman spent 22 years at Old Hickory Country Club before becoming Director of Golf at Riverside Golf Links. His calm confidence and respect for the game set the tone for the team all week.
Rounding out the leadership team was Chris Zumpano, who provided key insight and local knowledge throughout the week as Hillwood’s Head Professional. Competing on his home course, Zumpano’s guidance helped the team stay sharp and confident from start to finish.
After Day 1, the Professionals took a three point lead with 9.5 points, setting themselves up nicely heading into singles. But the Amateurs came out hot early on Day 2, grabbing three and a half of the first four points to tie things up at 10 apiece. For a moment, it looked like an Amateur comeback might be brewing.
That’s when two veteran Professionals stepped up.
Audie Johnson, Head Professional at McCabe Golf Course, was four down to Riceville’s Rick Mays at the turn before catching fire. He made four birdies on the back nine and stormed back to win one up, flipping the momentum and stopping the Amateur rally. Moments later, Bill Breen of Harpeth Valley Golf Course battled to earn a clutch half point against Ray Morton of Lenoir City, making par on 18 to keep the Professionals in front.
From there, the Professionals went on a roll.
Josh Bevell of Profectus Golf took down Franklin’s Scotty Hudson three and two.
Kelvin Burgin of Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain edged Zeb Patten of Lookout Mountain one up.
Allen Fennell of Tennessee Golf Trail at Warriors Path closed out his match two up over Steven Mann of Franklin after winning the final two holes.
Within half an hour, the Professionals had rebuilt a four point cushion.
Allie Knight of Fairways and Greens added a big point with a two and one win over Knoxville’s Jack Smith, putting the team within half a point of retaining the John Deal Cup. A few groups later, Adam Forgey of Heatherhurst Golf Club rolled in a 25 foot birdie on 17 and parred 18 for a one up win over Nashville’s Tucker Jenkins, officially clinching the Cup for the Professionals.
Johan Kok of Troubadour Golf and Field Club added another point with a one up win over Brentwood’s Ryan Terry, while Amateur Craig Reasor of Knoxville birdied 17 to tie Lee Whitehead of Williams Creek Golf Course in the final match.
When it was all said and done, the Professionals won the Singles eight and a half to seven and a half and captured the 58th Tennessee Challenge Cup, extending their overall series lead to 34 to 24.
The Challenge Cup is about more than just competition. It’s about tradition, teamwork, and the shared love of the game that brings our Professionals and Amateurs together every year. With veteran leadership, clutch performances, and the spirit of Section pride, the Tennessee PGA Professionals once again proved what it means to represent the Section with excellence.
Photo Album Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TNj9OXcqZK10DhxVv9hu3SoTWpbZTNVD?usp=drive_link
Kelsey Ludwigsen, Communications Manager