Trio of champions triumph in rain-shortened tournament

JOHNNSON CITY, Tenn. — Three champions rose above the field at the Tennessee Women’s Senior and Mid-Amateur Championships, where steady play and resilience were on full display at Johnson City Country Club. Originally scheduled as a 36-hole event, the tournament was shortened to 18 holes due to inclement weather, raising the stakes for every shot.

Senior Amateur Championship Flight

Nashville’s Erica Chappell captured the Women’s Senior Amateur Championship with a composed 5-over 77, edging out a tightly packed leaderboard. Five players — Carole Fuller (Mt. Carmel), Susan Miller (Loudon), Helen Holland (Nashville), Rhonda Switzer-Nadasdi (Nashville), and Jayna Jones (Maryville) — all finished just one shot back at 78 (+6), creating a dramatic finish.

Senior Amateur Flights

In the First Flight, Heidrun Bullmer (Jonesborough) carded an 86 (+14) to win by two strokes over Lynna Rader (Knoxville) and Dena Bower (Powell). The Second Flight went to Sandie Baillie (Crossville), whose 93 (+21) gave her a one-stroke edge over Kimberle Harrison (Louisville).

Super Senior Amateur Flights

The Super Senior division saw strong play from Franklin’s Janice Sauter, who claimed the First Flight with an 82 (+10), three shots clear of co-runners-up Gena Ridings (Franklin) and Mary Ruth Geny (Nashville).

In the Second Flight, Darlene Werhnyak (Rossville) earned the victory with a 96 (+24). She outlasted a trio tied for second at 97 (+25): Jean Kraft (Fairfield Glade), Brenda McJunkin (Loudon), and Carol Hornstra (Knoxville).

Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship

In the Mid-Amateur competition, Allison Woodward (Erwin) stood tall, firing a 79 (+7) to secure the championship. Woodward’s steady play kept her four strokes ahead of Teleri Hughes (Knoxville), who finished runner-up at 83 (+11).