(Franklin, TN) - The 2010 tournament season officially began yesterday as player's competed in the TGA Championship Series event at The Governor's Club in Brentwood, TN. The season began, as it has the past couple of year's, with some of the state's top players competing in this Level I Player of the Year point event. A field of 72 players competed in their respective Mid-Amateur, Senior Amateur, and Super Senior divisions all hoping to get an early jump on the points race. Home court advantage may have played a part in this year's opener as two Governor's Club members claimed titles in the Mid-Amateur and Senior Amateur divisions.
Kevin Watford (Franklin) and Danny Simmerman (Nashville) found themselves in a tie for first after the completion of the 36 hole stroke play event, both carding a 3 over par total of 147. In the end, Mr. Watford took the Mid-Amateur title as he ran in a 30 foot birdie putt on the first hole of the sudden death playoff. Craig McElhaney (Nashville), the winner of last year's season opener, took third with a four over par total of 148. First round leader, Charlie Keene (Nashville), took fourth place honors with a five over total of 149.
Doug Harris (Franklin) set an early lead in the Senior Amateur division after day one posting a three under par 69 giving him a four shot lead heading into today's final round. Battling back from a late triple bogey, Mr. Harris managed to right the ship and post a 2 over par 74 giving him a two day total of 143 (-1). Tom Baird (Signal Mountain) finished second with a two day total of 146 (+2), three shots behind winner Doug Harris. Mike Carroll (Knoxville) rounded out the top three with a tournament score of 150 (+6).
2010 marked the introduction of the Super Senior division (65+) to each of the TGA Championship Series events. Bobby Perkinson (Alcoa) won in convincing fashion posting a two day total of 150 (+6), seven shots better than second and third place finishers Gary Pierce (Franklin) and Tony Cox (Crossville) who both posted totals of 157.
