J.B. Williams is the victor of one of the most historic championships in the history of Kentucky golf. Not only did he capture the championship’s centennial anniversary, he also matched the low score in the competition’s history. The Danville product recorded a round of 65 (-7) during Thursday’s final round, following rounds of 68-64 to give him a total score of 197 (-19). The mark was previously set by Mark Savage in the 2006 Kentucky Open at University Club of Kentucky and was also matched by Evan Davis this week.

Williams defeated Davis on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff with a birdie on the par-five 14^th. Both players birdied the par-five 18^th to begin the playoff, but Williams secured the win when Davis was unable to find the green in regulation and match Williams’ birdie. Each player entered the final round tied for the lead with Brendon Doyle at 132 (-12), but both Williams and Davis separated themselves from the rest of the pack thanks to bogey-free rounds from each player. Clay Amlung and Justin Tereshko were the next closest competitors, each of whom finished the 100^th Kentucky Open at 199 (-17) and two strokes shy of the playoff.

The opening stretch of the final round featured a bunched leaderboard with Williams leading by one at the turn, but consistent birdies from Williams and Davis slowly distanced themselves from the rest of the pack, which effectively became a two-man race after the 14^th hole. Davis made an eagle putt from approximately fifty feet to take the lead from Williams by a stroke heading into the final four holes. After pars from each player on the 15^th, 16^th and 17^th holes, Williams had an eagle putt from inside ten feet on the 18^th while Davis had five feet for birdie. Both players missed their putts but made the following tap-ins, giving Williams the stroke back he needed to force the playoff.

“It feels great,” Williams said after the playoff. “I was hitting the ball well all week and to make only one bogey (which was a double bogey on the 15^th during the first round) throughout the tournament has to go down as one of the best accomplishments of my golfing career. I had to be patient today; Evan played some great golf and it was back and forth pretty much all day. Considering it went into extra holes makes it that much sweeter to get the job done.”

DAY THREE NOTES:

• Thursday’s play began with eleven players needing to finish their second round, which resumed at 7:15 a.m. EDT. After each player had finished, the cut was made at +3 which led to 83 players making the cut.
• The 65 (-7) scores shot by Williams and Davis were the lowest of round three. The 63 (-9) shot by Justin Tereshko during the second round will go down as the low round of the competition. Tereshko followed up his 63 with 66 (-6) in the final round, which tied for the next low score of the final round.
• Davis may not have won the championship, but along with the runner-up prize and joining Williams and Savage as owners of the championship low, he collected the Kentucky Open’s low amateur prize.
• Williams receives a first-place check of $10,000 for his victory. He joins names such as Byron Nelson, Gay Brewer Jr., Larry Gilbert, Jodie Mudd, and another J.B in J.B Holmes as Kentucky Open champions.

Click here for the final results. 

On behalf of the Kentucky Section of the PGA of America, our sincerest thanks goes out to the players, volunteers and fans who helped make this such a memorable week. Deserving of even more thanks is Chris Boysel, PGA Head Golf Professional and his staff at Kearney Hill Links for the first-class hospitality they provided. The golf course was in phenomenal condition and was a fantastic host of this prestigious championship. The 101^st Kentucky Open will take place at Triple Crown Country Club next year and will hopefully be just as memorable as this year’s competition.