Tennessee Open: Blades Brown, 16, contends for title, finishes as low amateur

Several professionals passed 16-year-old Blades Brown in the final round of the Tennessee Open, but he still claimed low amateur honors at Greystone Golf Club.

After making six birdies and an eagle en route to a 63 in the second round, Brown came in with a very respectable final round of 67 with six birdies and a derailing double bogey on the par 3 6th hole. His 54-hole total of 17-under par positioned Brown 5 shots behind the professional champ, Hunter Wolcott. Wolcott's brother Ben finished two shots back at 19-under.

The duo, sons of former PGA Tour player Bob Wolcott, both played for SEC schools -- Tennessee (Hunter) and Old Miss (Ben).

36-HOLE WRITEUP

Blades Brown, a 16-year-old from Brentwood, could become the youngest golfer to win the Tennessee State Open if he holds onto the lead he took in the second round Wednesday.

Brown shot a blistering 8-under-par 63 at GreyStone in Dickson to move into first place. He posted six birdies along with an eagle on No. 2.

The youngest winner in tournament history was Chattanooga's Derek Rende, who was 20 when he won in 2007 at Gaylord Springs.

"I remember looking up last year at the (Tennessee) State Amateur what's the youngest person to ever win that and I think it was a 16-year-old," Brown said.

"I didn't think to look it up before this tournament but I'm glad to find out I have the chance to be the youngest ever to win it. It doesn't put any added pressure on me. It just goes in one ear and out the other."

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