A Redemption Story on the Greens
Chad Hare, a soccer dad and general manager for Gadsden Water Works, surged to a 5‑under‑par 67 in the opening round of the Gadsden City Championship, placing him joint‑leader atop the leaderboard.
The performance marks a personal comeback for Hare, who has been seeking to turn a recent setback on the soccer field into a triumph on the golf course.
The Back Nine Surge
Hare’s hot putter ignited a flurry of birdies on the back nine, where he carded strokes on holes 11, 13, 14, 15 and 17, propelling him into the lead.
His daughter Vivian, who plays rec‑league soccer for the Blue Unicorns, and his son John, a high‑school player, have been constant companions on the course, giving Hare an extra edge of motivation.
Andrew Weathers, a fellow competitor from Chattanooga, also posted a 5‑under‑par round, tying Hare for the lead and chasing his second Tour victory after his first taste of the Twin Bridges course on Friday.
Clayton Chandler trails by two strokes at 69, while a group at 2‑under 70 includes Ty Cole, Sawyer Edwards, Cam Hurst, John Rollins and C.J. Taylor, setting the stage for a tight battle in the final rounds.
The championship not only showcases individual talent but also reflects the close‑knit community of Gadsden, where local businesses like Gadsden Water Works sponsor and celebrate athletic achievement.