Belmont's Conner Brown Captures First TGA Title at Tennessee Match Play Championship

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Belmont University golfer Conner Brown achieved a career milestone this week, capturing his first Tennessee Golf Association title at the 26th Tennessee Match Play Championship held at Vanderbilt Legends Club's South Course.

The Shelbyville, Tennessee native defeated Trenton Johnson by a decisive 4 & 3 margin in Friday's championship match, closing out the victory on the 15th hole without needing to play the final three holes. The triumph marked Brown's first TGA championship in what has been an impressive collegiate career for the Belmont Bruins golfer.

Championship Match Details

The tournament, which ran from August 12-15, featured the state's top amateur golfers competing on Vanderbilt Legends Club's challenging South Course layout. The 7,100-yard, par-71 course designed by Bob Cupp and Tom Kite provided a stern test throughout the week, but Brown navigated the conditions expertly to reach the championship match.

Brown's path to the championship demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the week. The 18th hole at Vanderbilt Legends Club's South Course had become a place of comfort for Brown during the tournament, serving as the backdrop for several memorable moments. However, his dominance in the final match meant he never needed to reach the closing hole against Johnson.

Belmont University Connection

As a key member of the Belmont University men's golf team, Brown brought his collegiate experience to bear in the championship match. During the 2024-25 season, he competed in 30 rounds across 11 events and ranked second on the team in scoring average, showcasing the consistency that served him well in match play format.

Earlier in 2025, Brown demonstrated his abilities on the national stage when he led Belmont after shooting a 71 in the opening round of The Peoples Championship in March, further establishing his credentials as one of Tennessee's top collegiate golfers.

Tournament Significance

The Tennessee Match Play Championship stands as one of 21 TGA Championships scheduled for 2025, representing one of the state's most prestigious amateur golf competitions. The match play format tests players' strategic thinking and mental toughness differently than stroke play events, requiring adaptability and competitive fire throughout each match.

Vanderbilt Legends Club provided an ideal venue for the championship, with its South Course offering a challenging yet fair test of golf. The Franklin facility has hosted numerous important championships throughout its history, adding to the prestige of Brown's victory.

Brown's triumph not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights the strength of Tennessee collegiate golf programs. His success adds to the growing list of achievements by Tennessee-based golfers on both the amateur and professional levels throughout 2025.

The victory positions Brown well for future competitive opportunities and demonstrates the high level of play being produced by Tennessee's golf programs. As he continues his collegiate career at Belmont University, this TGA title serves as validation of his potential and competitive abilities at the highest amateur levels.