MEMPHIS, Tenn.---University of Tennessee at Chattanooga junior Derek Rende birdied the first playoff hole to capture the 2008 Tennessee State Amateur at Ridgeway Country Club in Memphis, Tenn.  Rende fired a final round 69 (-2) to complete 72 holes at 270 (-14). 

All four of Rende’s rounds were in the 60’s as his solid play carried him to the title.  Even so, he need extra holes to top Madison, Tenn., native Joe David who overcame Rende’s four-stroke lead going into the final 18 by virtue of a six-under par 65.

“Derek played extremely well all week,” said Head Coach Mark Guhne.  “He is playing great golf right now winning at Springbrook in Athens (Tenn.) and finishing as first alternate for the U.S. Amateur.”

This is the second year Rende has captured one of the Tennessee Golf Association’s signature events.  Last year, Rende won the Tennessee State Open in Nashville at the Gaylord Springs Golf Links.

UTC senior Jonathan Hodge finished tied for sixth with a four-under par total of 280 (72-69-70-69).