LOUISVILLE, KY – As the first group teed off for the final round of the 105th Kentucky Open at the University of Louisville Golf Club, there were over a dozen golfers who were in contention to take home the most prestigious trophy in the state. Little did they know, Georgetown native Ashton Van Horne was about to put on a true masterclass, carding a bogey-free 63(-9) and taking home his second Kentucky Open title by a three-stroke margin. 

Van Horne is no stranger to success, and he showed true poise on Thursday. The Belmont University graduate started the day one shot off of the lead, but he immediately claimed a share of the lead after making birdie on the first hole. From there, Van Horne never looked back. His playing partners, Shubham Jaglan and Joshua Rhodes, both played extremely well and carded rounds of 67(-5). Anytime they put pressure on Van Horne, though, he answered the call. For example, when Rhodes birdied holes 11-13, Van Horne matched his score each time. When a mistake from Rhodes led to a bogey on hole #14, Van Horne didn't let off the gas. He made par on the hole and proved that he had the endurance to stay sharp throughout the entire round. 

Ashton commented that he "loved playing with those guys" and that when his group mates are playing well, it pushes him to be even better. He also commented that he loves taking part in this tournament each year and that he won't be letting off the gas any time soon. "I want to win every single one of these that I play in". 

By the time the final group reached the 18th tee, Van Horn had amassed a three-stroke lead. He striped his drive down the middle of the fairway, leading to a comfortable two-putt par. As Van Horne walked off the green, he was showered with water by his fellow competitors who had waited around to watch him see the victory through. Van Horne couldn't hold back his excitement as he hugged his mother and father before walking up to the clubhouse and laying his hands on the Kentucky Open trophy once again. 

His victory today granted him a $13,000 share of the total purse. 

Later this summer, Van Horne will be playing in various mini-tour events before heading to PGA Tour Q-School in an attempt to pick up tour membership.  

Other Notable Rounds: 

• Jay Kirchdorfer, Joshua Rhodes, and Shubham Jaglan tied for second place at 15-under-par with respective rounds of 65(-7), 67(-5), and 67(-5). The trio also shared the title of low amateur at this year's event.
• Stephen Stallings shot a seven-under 65 to finish in 6th place at -13. 
• Jacob Settles and Frankie Morgan each shot six-under on their first nine holes, and both golfers finished with rounds of 65(-7). 
• Daniel Iceman finished as the low KPGA Professional at -9.

Click Here to View the Final Leaderboard

NOTES AND STATS:

• The par-three 12th hole played the hardest on the course today with an average score of 3.31 strokes. 
• The par-five 17th hole played the easiest, averaging a score of 4.31 strokes. 
• Eight holes averaged scores under par on Thursday: #1, #2, #4, #8, #9, #13, #15, and #17.
• The average score on the day was nearly a shot under par at 71.2 strokes. 
• Frankie Morgan and Timothy Pinkston each had 19 birdies throughout the tournament, leading the field.

Photos from the 105th Kentucky Open can be found HERE. The full gallery will be uploaded in the coming days, so be sure to check back at the beginning of next week for new photos. 

Golf House Kentucky extends its deep appreciation to the professional staff at the University of Louisville Golf Club head golf professional Chad Stocker, PGA as well as assistant professionals Brad Orick and Zach Frasher for their assistance in preparing and maintaining a wonderful championship environment. Golf House Kentucky also would like to thank the rest of the University of Louisville Golf Club staff for their hospitality as they have worked tirelessly to prepare the entire property, from the course to the clubhouse, for this year's tournament. Your hard work is appreciated, and we look forward to crowning a champion together on Thursday! 

Golf House Kentucky would also like to extend its appreciation to MPC Promotions for their supporting partnership in this year's events. A special thanks Mike Beckwith of MPC for his assistance and service towards the Kentucky Open. Visit the MPC Promotions website today and explore the countless products available and endless customization options MPC has to offer for all of your promotional needs!

About the Kentucky PGA:

The Kentucky PGA Section (KPGA) is one of forty-one Sections across the country representing the PGA of America and its Members. It is also one of three organizations encompassed within Golf House Kentucky, including the Kentucky Golf Association (KGA) and Kentucky Golf Foundation (KGF). The KPGA contains more than 300 Members and more than 30 Associates working in various roles across Kentucky; all of whom share the goal of bettering the game and its players. The KPGA and its Members assist with the organization of many chief growth-of-the-game initiatives including PGA HOPE and PGA Jr. League among others. The Section also operates more than thirty tournaments throughout the golf season, including the three State Open championships and qualifiers for the Isco Championship.