Adams putter 'catches fire' to lead Ridgefields

KINGSPORT — Blake Adams described his putter as "catching fire" during Saturday's opening round of the Ridgefields Invitational golf tournament. The Dobyns-Bennett graduate, who will play for Roane State the upcoming season, had eight birdies to post a low round of 5-under 67. He holds a one-stroke lead over Brandon Worley heading into Sunday's final round at the Ridgefields Golf & Athletick Club. "I putted really well," Adams said. "I didn't get off the tee very well, but my wedge was really good and my putter just caught fire. The greens and fairways were really good. I'm looking forward to tomorrow." Worley, who has been red-hot with wins in the East Tennessee Amateur and Lonesome Pine Invitational, is looking for a third "Tri-Cities major." His round of 4-under 68 consisted of five birdies and one bogey. He said the key to his round was consistency and not making mistakes. "I struck it really well today and didn't get out of position other than 17," Worley said. "I went over the green and had to punch it down to eight feet. I've always loved this course. It's right in front of you, and you just have to hit good shots." Leo Huddleston was third at 2-under 70, followed by Matt Bowers at 1-under 71. Jayden Foster, Jake Fowler and Garland Green were tied for fifth at even par. A group of six others, which included three-time Ridgefields winner Lucas Armstrong and defending tournament champion Carter Wolfe, were next at 2-over 74. SENIORS David Greer, also the first-round leader at the East Tennessee Amateur, took a two-stroke lead over Chris Jenkins after 18 holes. Greer finished with a 2-over 74 and Jenkins posted a 4-over 76. Joe Brooks with a 77 was third, followed by Andy Creech at 78, and Brian Ritz and Chris Smith tied at 79. Tony Green and Bill Lewis each posted a 2-over 74 to tie for the lead in Super Seniors. Mark Halvorsen finished two strokes back at 76. Former Times News sports editor Pat Kenney and Steve Shelton finished at 79, tied for fourth. Match play and a Reunions flight were also part of the tournament. Ridgefields Invitational Saturday At Ridgfields Country Club Championship Flight Blake Adams 67 Brandon Worley 68 Leo Huddleston 70 Matt Bowers 71 Jayden Foster 72 Jake Fowler 72 Garland Green 72 Lucas Armstrong 74 Lawrence Largent 74 Clint Lowe 74 Carter Wolfe 74 Blake Blizard 74 Julian Smith 74 Hunter Hartman 75 Kyle Young 75 Justin Harvey 85 Esteban Hicks 77 Dustin Davis 77 Tory Davis 78 Zach Briggs 78 Carter Myers 79 Gabe Sanders79 Max McClure 81 Stephen Ball 82 Gabe Johnson 83 Max Brian 84 Payton Johnson 84 Pierce Lovett 84 Wes Blaylock 85 Nick Cohen 85 Zach Howe 88 Drake Crawford 94 Seniors David Greer 74 Chris Jenkins 76 Joe Brooks 77 Andy Creech 78 Brian Ritz 79 Chad Smith 79 Anthony Stout 80 Brian Cook 82 David Ketron 83 Chris Bowen 93 Roger Chadwell 93 Super Seniors Tony Green 74 Bill Lewis 74 Mark Halvorsen 76 Pat Kenney 79 Steven Shelton 79 Bob Ross 80 Steve Love 81 Leonard Martin 81 Lyman Fulton 83 Tom Rapone 84 Mike Hicks 85 Chris McWherter 87