Lee University is tied for 11th out of 28 teams at 310 after the first round of the NAIA women’s national tournament in Greeneville, Tenn.
The Lady Flames’ Geandra Almeida shot 75 and is tied for 16th individually. Sloane Skinner shot 77, Kristin Bourg 78 and Madison Alexander 80.
Shorter leads with a 298 total, three shots better than second-place Lubbock Christian.
Bedwell now a pro
Former Ooltewah and Lee University golfer Sam Bedwell cashed his first check as a professional player in April when he tied for 10th in an Open Golf Atlanta Tournament. He won $165.
“That’s exactly how much I paid to enter the tournament,” the 23-year-old said.
Bedwell turned pro in early April and has set a goal of becoming a Nationwide Tour member within three years.
“It was either turn pro or go to grad school, and I know that I’m done with school,” said Bedwell, who graduated from Lee in December. “I talked with a lot of guys, and the consensus was that I’d regret it if I didn’t try.”
Bedwell said most of the funding for his tournament and travel fees will come from his parents for now.
“They believe in me,” he said. “They are good to me.”
Donation station
UTC senior Stephan Jaeger spent his entire certificate from winning the 2011 Signal Mountain Invitational for the Chattanooga Parks and Recreation C.H.I.P.S program, which encourages those with disablities to play golf. The Mocs led a golf clinic for C.H.I.P.S participants last year, which spurred Jaeger’s interest in the program.
“I don’t want to draw attention to myself,” Jaeger said. “Thank you for letting people know about C.H.I.P.S, but I’d prefer it to be officially anonymous. I have everything in the trunk of my car, and I will give it to those golfers.”
Hodge 13th on list
Former UTC golfer Jonathan Hodge is No. 13 on the NGA Hooters Tour money list with more than $18,000 in winnings this season. Former Mocs teammate Derek Rende is 27th with more than $12,000.
Scott Weatherly of Fort Payne, Ala., is No. 36, and former Hixson golfer Paul Apyan is No. 70. The tour will play PGA Tour Qualifying school entry fees for those in the top 30 at the end of the year.