Local golfer wins tourney

Jones takes SSJC Delta Junior title

By BILLY WOODS

Special to the Times

West Memphian Braden Jones overcame a five-stroke deficit in the final 11 holes on the final day to win the SSJC Delta Junior Tournament at Meadowbrook Country Club on Wednesday.

Jones, a rising junior at West Memphis Christian School, fired a 74-72 for a 146 total to win the boys 16-18 age group in a tournament involving players from multiple Southern states.

He outdistanced second- place Peyton Ellis, who had a 36-hole total of 149, and Cooper Williams, who was the first-day leader by three strokes over Jones and who fired a 78 on the final round for a 149 total.

Facing a three-stroke deficit entering Wednesday’s final round, Jones double bogeyed the par 3, No. 7 and was five strokes down to Williams at that point.

However, Jones carded a 1-under 35 on the back side, and made up three strokes alone on the par 3 15th hole.

After a birdie on No. 14 to slice Williams’ lead to one stroke, Jones put the pressure on Williams by dropping an 8-iron within 2 feet of the pin. Williams then pushed his tee shot into the sand and took a double bogey, while Jones sank his birdie putt to put him in the lead by two strokes with three holes to play.

“After No. 7 I knew I had to make birdies quick,” said Jones, 16. “The tee shot on No. 15 felt good. I had some momentum before that shot after making that birdie putt on 14.”

Marion’s Payne Bius placed second in the boys 14-15 division, carding scores of 87 and 79 for a 166 total. Marion High School rising senior Kelly Pederson also played well in the tournament, shooting 88 and 93 for a 181 total, good for fourth place in the girls 16- 18 division.

West Memphian Braden Jones accepts the first-place trophy from former West Memphian Jason Nall, who headed up the SSJC Delta Junior Golf Tournament.

Photos by Billy Woods

Braden Jones had a scorching back nine on the final day to win.

Marion golfer Kelly Pederson fires away in the SSJC Delta Junior Tournament.