Chattanooga’s golf scene is thriving in 2024, highlighted by major events such as the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at The Honors Course. The new Keep golf course at McLemore Resort is receiving rave reviews, and local talent shines on the PGA Tour. Community initiatives like the Elite 18 and expanded PGA HOPE program are fostering engagement and inclusivity. With impressive championships won by locals and plans for course renovations, the future of golf in Chattanooga looks promising.
Chattanooga has truly been buzzing with excitement this year in the world of golf! The city has celebrated some major milestones and events that have brought golf lovers together and showcased the area’s incredible talent and stunning courses.
In August 2024, the prestigious **69th U.S. Senior Amateur Championship** came to The Honors Course in Ooltewah, marking a significant moment as it hosted its fifth USGA championship. The tournament saw Atlanta’s Louis Brown come out on top, defeating Dan Sullivan from Pasadena, California, with a solid score of 4 and 3. This event not only highlighted the skills of senior golfers but also put the Chattanooga golf scene in the spotlight once again.
Adding to the excitement, the highly anticipated **Keep golf course** at McLemore Resort opened its doors in late summer 2024. Recognized by Links Magazine as one of the **”11 New U.S. Course Debuts to Know for 2024,”** this stunning course designed by Bill Bergin and Rees Jones features five breathtaking cliff-edge holes. Golf enthusiasts are already raving about the views and challenges the course presents, further elevating Chattanooga’s reputation as a top golf destination.
Chattanooga’s own Stephan Jaeger secured a significant victory in March at the **Texas Children’s Houston Open**—his first on the PGA Tour! This win not only earned him a coveted spot at the Masters but also topped off an impressive year for the former Baylor School and UTC golfer who raked in an incredible $4.7 million in earnings and four top 10 finishes throughout the season. Talk about a hometown hero!
The **Elite 18 initiative** swept through the local golf scene this year, allowing golfers to vote for their favorite holes from 25 different public and private courses. The results showcased a rich diversity of opinions and love for the local courses, bringing folks closer together in their shared passion. Additionally, the PGA HOPE program saw a significant expansion, graduating 91 veterans and hosting 11 playdays—a heartwarming testament to golf’s ability to unite and uplift communities.
Chattanooga’s golf scene continued to shine with local golfers making waves in their respective championships. Joe Markham Jr. made his mark by winning the **Tennessee Senior State Open**, marking his return to title-winning after a whopping 40 years! In other exciting news, Jay Potter and Todd Burgan claimed the **Tennessee Men’s Senior Match Play title** after a rain-spattered final, while Sheldon McKnight of Baylor School hoisted the trophy at the **Tennessee Four-Ball Championship** alongside JJ Zimmer.
On the course restoration front, **Eagle Bluff Golf Course** has ambitious plans to revamp its offerings after the recent purchase, while **Valleybrook Golf and Country Club** is set to undergo significant renovations. Meanwhile, **Sweetens Cove Golf Course** temporarily closed for three months due to damage from a fierce ice storm but is gearing up for expansion and new amenities by 2026. The commitment to improving and expanding these beloved courses bodes well for the future of golf in Chattanooga.
The youth in the Chattanooga golf community continues to impress! Junior golfers Griffin Law and Tucker Wick competed fiercely in the **Chattanooga TPC event**, with Wick coming out victorious. Meanwhile, Carlee Rogers from Baylor School, currently ranked No. 1 in Tennessee, announced her commitment to the University of Miami, showcasing the bright future ahead for local golf talent.
Sadly, the golf community bids farewell to Dr. Reed Sanderlin, the long-time coach at UTC who led the team to its first Southern Conference title in 1987. His contributions to the sport and mentorship will be remembered fondly.
With so much happening in 2024, it’s evident that Chattanooga’s golf community is thriving, and it looks like the best is yet to come!
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