(Crossville, TN) – Stonehenge Golf Course proved to be a challenge for the field of 126 golfers at this year’s Tennessee Senior State Open. Over the 36-hole championship only two players were able to card consecutive rounds under par.
Crossville’s Kip Henley, who regained his amateur standing recently, shot 70-71—141 (-3) to win the Tennessee State Senior Open Championship at Stonehenge Golf Club in Fairfield Glade. Henley, former PGA Professional at Fairfield Glade’s Heatherhurst Golf Course and PGA Tour caddie, is no stranger to the winner’s circle having won the TGA State Open twice and the TPGA Section four times. Gibby Gilbert III, Jared Melson, and round one leader Glenn Hudson were a shot behind to finish tied for second.
Down the stretch things heated up to get more interesting as there was a four-way tie at the top at 2-under par with just one hole to play. Gibby Gilbert III, PGA fired the low round of the tournament with a 68 (-4) to be the leader in the clubhouse and Jared Melson, PGA fired his second consecutive round of 71 (-1) to finish tied at 2-under par.
On the 18th hole the amateur Kip Henley and Glenn Hudson, PGA entered the final hole needing a birdie to claim the title. Henley put his approach shot to 15 feet just off the green to give himself a chance to win. Before his putt Henley looked up toward his former co-worker and current Director of Golf in Fairfield Glade Jeff Houston, PGA and shouted “Do it for the big guy,” in reference to the late Warren Huddleston, PGA who was a friend and staple of golf in the Fairfield Glade community. Huddleston would be looking down on Henley during that final putt as he drained the 15-foot putt to win the Tennessee Senior State Open.
“Coming into the round the big guy was on my heart,” said Henley. “I shot that last approach shot with my laser and put it in my bag saying this wasn’t going to go another hole and I was going to win it for Warren.”
Henley becomes the first amateur to win the Tennessee Senior State Open since Doug Harris won the event back in 2015.
Amateurs Gary Simpson of Memphis, TN and Tony Green of Kingsport captured a share of the Super Senior division title finishing tied at 3-over par overall. Full Super Senior Results
We’d like to give a special thank you to our sponsors: The City of Crossville, Imperial, and Sterling Cut Glass. Without their support this event wouldn’t be possible. In addition, we’d like to thank the entire staff at Stonehenge Golf Club for being outstanding hosts and keeping the course in pristine condition throughout tournament play.