Chattanooga TPC Tournament Has Begun

The 33rd annual match play event kicked off at the Council Fire Club.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Golf

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a golfer in mid-swing on a rolling green fairway with trees in the distance. — The 33rd annual Chattanooga TPC tournament has commenced at the Council Fire Club, continuing a long-standing tradition of local match play golf. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Chattanooga TPC tournament has officially commenced its 33rd annual competition at the Council Fire Club. This long-standing event continues its tradition of utilizing a match play format to showcase top local talent.

Why it matters

The tournament serves as a key initiative to stimulate participation in golf events across the Chattanooga area. It remains a staple of the local sporting calendar, having hosted players for over three decades.

The tournament field includes 16 golfers in the Regular Division and eight in the Senior Division, following qualifier results like Jay Potter's 1-under 71. Twenty-five different champions have been crowned throughout the event's 32-year history.

The players

Mike Jenkins

He is the founder of the Chattanooga TPC who established the tournament to increase local golf participation.

Jay Potter

He is a golfer who recently earned medalist honors in the Senior Division qualifier.

Jon Kinsey

He is the former owner of the tournament who sold his interest to club members earlier this year.

The details

Founded by Mike Jenkins to bolster local interest in golf, the tournament has been hosted by the Council Fire Club every year since 1992. The event recently transitioned to ownership by club members after Jon Kinsey sold his stake earlier this year.

The Council Fire Club has hosted the tournament annually since 1992.
The Senior Division was introduced to the tournament in 2013.
Qualifier matches for the Senior Division concluded on Thursday.
The tournament match play bracket began on Friday.
Championship rounds will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

Season Trajectory

The 2026 event maintains the competitive structure that has defined local golf since the 1992 inaugural Chattanooga TPC. This year marks a significant shift as ownership moves from an individual owner to the club membership, potentially altering the long-term management model.

The match play format will determine the 2026 champion by Sunday after the field of 16 Regular and eight Senior division golfers compete through the bracket. Performance in these high-stakes matches will dictate the final standings for this year's championship cycle.

The takeaway

The event continues to serve as a cornerstone for local amateur golf development in the Chattanooga area. Participants and spectators can expect intense competition through the weekend as the bracket plays out to decide the latest tournament winner.