UT signee Vandeventer wins AJGA event

University of Tennessee signee Jay Vandeventer of Bristol, Tenn., won the American Junior Golf Association Championship at the Virginian on Thursday.

Vandeventer made seven birdies, including four on his inward nine to shoot 2-over-par 70 and win by 10 shots.

He recorded 20 birdies in the tournament and after steady rain fell over the second and third rounds at The Virginian Golf Club in Bristol, Va., Vandeventer was the only player in the field to finish under par at 9-under 207.

"Even though this is my home course, in these conditions, it is very tough and you still have to play golf," said Vandeventer, who graduated from the Baylor School in Chattanooga. "I knew anything around par and I'd be good. I just wanted to stay calm and stay relaxed. I feel like I've gained a lot of confidence, especially playing in the rain."

Vandeventer has no time to savor this victory, however. He begins play in the TGA State Amateur Championship on Tuesday at The Honors Course in Chattanooga.

Alex Hoffman (75) of Myersville, Md., was second.

Jordan Jennings (70) of Jefferson City was in a five-way tie for fifth at 221 with Logan Hance of White Pine and Lucas Armstrong of Church Hill.

Davis Bunn (78) of Knoxville tied for 10th at 222.

Elizabeth Breed of Waynesboro, Pa., shot 73 for a six-shot victory over Courtney Ellenbogen (75) of Blacksburg, Va., in the girls division.

Sophia Schubert (79) of Oak Ridge was fourth at 230 and Kendall Martindale (76) of Jefferson City tied for fifth at 231.