Memphis' Jackson holds off Deraney for Old Waverly win

Playing in his home state, Memphis junior Isaiah Jackson clipped Joe Deraney, one of the top mid-ams in the country, to win the Old Waverly Invitational on Sunday. It’s Jackson’s first major title since winning the Patriot All-America in December.

Jackson had rounds of 68-70 at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point, Miss., host site of this summer’s U.S. Women’s Amateur, for a 6-under total. He played his final four holes of the day in 2 under, which was a good thing considering that Deraney played his final four holes in 4 under. Deraney eagled the par-5 15th then birdied Nos. 17 and 18 for a closing 69 that left him one shot short, in a tie for second with Jack Gnam. Both men were 5 under.

Deraney recently relocated from his home of Lexington, Ky., to Beldon, Miss. He is the reigning Canadian Mid-Amateur champ, which scores him a spot in the RBC Canadian Open later this summer. Deraney is coming off a tie for second at the Gasparilla Invitational and a tie for 15th at the Jones Cup, where he was the low mid-amateur.

Chase Harris and Thomas Hogan tied for fourth with 3-under totals.

In the senior flight, David Allen came out on top with a 1-under total. Rounds of 70-73 left him as the only player to get under par for 36 holes. He clipped Rickey Riley by three shots.

Three players topped the super senior division at 4-over 148 including Ben Thibeaux Jr., Brother Sandifer and Neil Spitalny.