MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Chickasaw Country Club provided a great test over the two days of the National Car Rental Tennessee Assistant PGA Professional Championship. The course was in pristine condition as it stretched out to over 6,700 Yards. With the course averaging 78 over the two days, the lightning fast greens proved to be some of the toughest in the state. Assistant Professionals from around the state were competing for the Tennessee title as well as three qualifying spots in the National Championship at PGA Golf Club in November.
After morning showers past through, round 1 gave the golfers a beautiful afternoon for golf. The Par-72 course saw an average score of 79 in Round 1. Michael Hutcherson of Jackson Country Club and Bobby O’Brien of Chickasaw Country Club would lead the way after Round 1 by firing a 2-under 70. Hutcherson put together a steady round with 4 birdies and 2 bogies on his way to shooting a 70. O’Brien used his local knowledge to manage the challenging hole locations, on his way to a 2-under 70. There would be 4 players within 6 shots of the lead, providing the opportunity for some drama on this tough course.
Day 2 would also be a beautiful day with players trying to beat the golf course. The 2nd Round would provide some fireworks coming down the stretch. After a Round 1 72, Lee Whitehead of Fox Den Country Club, came out in Round 2 determined to make a push. Whitehead collected 4 birdies on the front and fired a 2-under 34. He would make three birdies on the back, which would allow him to surpass O’Brien and Hutcherson. Whitehead finished with an impressive 3-under 69, for a total of 3-under 141. With his impressive 2nd round score, Lee secured the National Car Rental Tennessee Assistant PGA Professional Championship title. O’Brien had an up and down round on his way to firing an even par 72 and a two-day total of 2-under 142.
The top three finishers qualify for the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in November. The three representing Tennessee will be Lee Whitehead, Bobby O’Brien, and Ryan Botts.
Thank you to Dan Shinebarger, PGA and his staff at Chickasaw Country Club for the hospitality and allowing our PGA Assistants and Associates to play Chickasaw.