Tennessee Section of the PGA of America

(Chattanooga, TN) The Tennessee PGA Senior Section Championship concluded at Bear Trace at Harrison Bay.  Twenty Senior PGA Professionals from all over the state competed for a chance to be crowned the 2010 Senior Section Champion and advance to the Senior PGA Professional National Championship to be held La Quinta, CA in early October. 

Conditions proved to be ideal as temperatures were in the high 80’s and the course was in perfect condition.  After the first round defending champion Mark Houser from Tennessee Golf Trail at Warrior’s Path shot an impressive -4 under 68 to give him a one stroke lead over Will Brewer from Vanderbilt Legends Club and a two stroke lead over current Senior Player of the Year leader Randy Helton from Riverbend Country Club and Buddy Harston head coach of Lipscomb University Golf Team.  In the Gene Dixon division two time champion Gary Head from Bluegrass Country Club held a commanding seven stroke lead with an even par 72.

As day two began five players were within five strokes of defending champion Mark Houser.  With not only the Senior Section Championship on the line but three qualifying spots to the Senior Professional Championship tensions ran high.  As players made the turn things tightened up as first round leader Houser shot a disappointing 4 over par 40 which opened the door for many players in the field.  Buddy Harston seized the opportunity shooting a -3 under 33 on the back nine to clip Houser and Brewer by one stroke to win the Senior Section Championship.  Congratulations to Mark Houser and Will Brewer for also qualifying for the Senior Professional Championship.  In the Gene Dixon division Gary Head was able to hold onto his first round lead with a second round 79 to beat John Wylie from Holston Hills Country Club by three strokes. 

Special thanks to Robin Boyer and Keith Burdette PGA Professionals at Bear Trace at Harrison Bay for hosting the event.  Also thanks to Paul Carter Head Superintendent for having the course in great condition.   Be sure to follow our three qualifiers as they represent the Tennessee Section in the Senior Professional Championship on October 7-10, 2010 in California. 

For Complete Results CLICK HERE