University of Tennessee Athletics
October 21, 2026 | Men's Golf
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. – Pennson Badgett, a freshman on the No. 8 Tennessee men's golf team, earned the first individual win of his collegiate career on Wednesday at the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate.
One of two Vols competing in the 54-hole tournament as an individual at Blackthorn Club, Badgett closed the event at 16-under-par to secure a one-stroke victory.
The Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, native fired three consecutive rounds of 68 or better en route to Tennessee's best 54-hole score of the Fall. Badgett opened the tournament with a 4-under-par 68 in round one on Monday, before excelling to a 7-under-par 65 in Tuesday's second round. He concluded with a 5-under-par 67 in round three on Wednesday, draining a clutch birdie putt on hole No. 18 to clinch the title.
Across three rounds, Badgett tallied 18 birdies, one eagle and just four bogeys to cruise to the low score among the field of 93. He concludes the first semester of his collegiate career with eight rounds of par or better in 12 rounds completed and three top-25 finishes in four appearances.
Tennessee sophomore Luke Smith also competed in the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate, tying for 46th place with an even-par finish after 54 holes.
Badgett, Smith and the rest of the Tennessee squad will now pause for the Winter as the Fall college golf season has concluded. The Vols will open the Spring season at the Watersound Invitational, Feb. 14-16 in Watersound, Florida.
Tennessee Results (Final)
1. Pennson Badgett: 68-65-67 = 200 (-16)
T-46. Luke Smith: 73-73-70 = 216 (E)
One of two Vols competing in the 54-hole tournament as an individual at Blackthorn Club, Badgett closed the event at 16-under-par to secure a one-stroke victory.
The Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, native fired three consecutive rounds of 68 or better en route to Tennessee's best 54-hole score of the Fall. Badgett opened the tournament with a 4-under-par 68 in round one on Monday, before excelling to a 7-under-par 65 in Tuesday's second round. He concluded with a 5-under-par 67 in round three on Wednesday, draining a clutch birdie putt on hole No. 18 to clinch the title.
Across three rounds, Badgett tallied 18 birdies, one eagle and just four bogeys to cruise to the low score among the field of 93. He concludes the first semester of his collegiate career with eight rounds of par or better in 12 rounds completed and three top-25 finishes in four appearances.
Tennessee sophomore Luke Smith also competed in the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate, tying for 46th place with an even-par finish after 54 holes.
Badgett, Smith and the rest of the Tennessee squad will now pause for the Winter as the Fall college golf season has concluded. The Vols will open the Spring season at the Watersound Invitational, Feb. 14-16 in Watersound, Florida.
Tennessee Results (Final)
1. Pennson Badgett: 68-65-67 = 200 (-16)
T-46. Luke Smith: 73-73-70 = 216 (E)
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
Friday, May 15
Tuesday, September 02
Tuesday, September 03
Friday, April 26
