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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
For full results from the Tennessee Women’s Senior and Mid-Amateur Championships, click here.