West’s Carson Kammann captured the 2021 5Star Preps Masters presented by Brad Rose Golf. Kammann fired a two-day total of 9-under 135 to post a four-shot victory. (Photo by Danny Parker)
By MIKE BLACKERBY
Carson Kammann enters an exciting stretch of golf riding a wave of momentum.
West’s rising senior, who led most of the way, won the two-day 5Star Preps Masters Tuesday at Three Ridges Golf Course.
Kammann’s two-day total of 135 (9-under par) was four shots better than runner-up Jaden Morrell, a sophomore at Bearden.
Kammann shot a 6-under 66 in Monday’s opening round at Oak Ridge Country Club.
He followed that up with a 3-under 69 Tuesday at Three Ridges.
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Kammann plays in the state amateur next week in Chattanooga.
He’ll tee it up in the 2021 U.S. Amateur Aug. 9-15 at legendary Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club.
“Definitely, my game is in a great spot right now,” said Kammann.
“This (winning the 5Star Prep Masters) gives me some confidence going into the U.S. Amateur.”
Kammann survived a late charge by Morrell, who carded a 2-under 70 Tuesday.
He made a clutch 15-foot putt on No. 15 to salvage par and maintain a 2-stroke lead over the Bearden star.
Kammann clinched the win when he made an eagle on No. 17, chipping in from 40 feet.
His bogey-free round included 16 pars and a birdie on No. 12.
“He (Kammann) is calm, collected and he doesn’t get rattled,” said West coach Todd O’Dell.
Ethan Whitaker of Halls shot 70 Tuesday and finished 4 under for the tournament to claim third place. Whitaker won the 5Star Preps Masters as a freshman last season.
Kammann, though, is especially looking forward to playing in the U.S. Amateur.
His father, former Tennessee golfer Scott Kammann, played in the event twice in the 1990s, losing to Tiger Woods in the quarterfinals in 1995.
“My dad has definitely been an influence on my golf game,” said Kammann.
“I can get him most of the time now, but I didn’t understand how good an amateur player he was. It’ll be good to go to Oakmont with him. He’ll be my caddy.”
CAK won the boys’ team title at 12 over, followed by Halls (15 over) and Kingston (34 over). The Warriors have won the event four years in a row.
Sydney Branson, a senior at Bearden, won the 2021 5Star Preps Masters individual girls championship. (Photo by Danny Parker)
On the girls’ side, Bearden senior-to-be Sydney Branson capped a remarkable turnaround by taking individual honors.
Branson shot a 74 Tuesday and finished at 3-over 147 for the tournament.
Three years ago as a freshman, Branson shot 132-128 (260) in the first 5Star Preps Masters at Tennessee National.
So, how did she do it?
“Just lots of practice everyday,” said Branson.
“Over the years my dad has been a lot of help along with (instructor) Brad Rose.”
Branson seemed amazed that she has come so far in just three short years.
“It feels really weird, for sure.”
She edged Kingston’s Brylee Crouse by one stroke. Crouse also shot 74 on Tuesday. After a double bogey at the par-3 eighth, Branson’s 17th hole of the day, she responded by matching Crouse’s birdie on the final hole to preserve her one-shot advantage. Crouse drove the green on the par-4 ninth, but her eagle putt to tie Crouse just narrowly missed the hole.
Freshman Lauren Davis of Halls, who was tied for the lead after the first day, finished with a 76 to wind up two shots back of Branson.
Davis helped Halls win the girls’ team title at 15 over.
Next were Bearden (22 over) and Maryville (24 over).
2021 5SP Masters FINAL RESULTS
Halls wins the 2021 Girls 5SP Masters Team Championship. (Photo by Danny Parker)
GIRLS (Par 288)
Halls 303, Bearden 310, Maryville 312, Kingston 315, Farragut 316, CAK 320, Sevier County 349, Catholic 366
Individuals (Par 144)
147 – Sydney Branson (Bearden)
148 – Brylee Crouse (Kingston)
149 – Lauren Davis (Halls)
154 – Bailey McGaha (Halls)
155 – Rylee Tucker (Maryville)
157 – Gabrielle Starling (Farragut)
157 – Brook Farmer (Gibbs)
157 – Parker Miller (Maryville)
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CAK wins the 2021 Boys 5SP Masters. (Photo by Danny Parker)
BOYS (Par 576)
CAK 588, Halls 591, Kingston 610, Bearden 615, Farragut 632, Maryville 636, Campbell County 649, Catholic 717, Sevier County 720.
Individuals (Par 144)
135 – Carson Kammann (West)
139 – Jaden Morrell (Bearden)
140 – Ethan Whitaker (Halls)
142 – Blake Woody (Kingston)
144 – Jackson Hughey (CAK)
145 – Jack Leach (Campbell County)
146 – Nick Talley (Maryville)
147 – David Bates (Campbell County)
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