FRANKFORT, KY (August 31, 2020) – The Kentucky Senior Open is off to a resounding start and a star-studded group of contenders has formed at the top of the leaderboard to set up an exciting finish tomorrow. The lead is shared by Jim Volpenhein and Mark Knecht at 68 (-4). Plenty is on the line from a legacy standpoint for each player going into tomorrow’s final round. Volpenhein, who was inducted into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame last year, seeks his first Kentucky Senior Open title which would add to his stacked playing resume that includes numerous regional amateur titles, many USGA Championship appearances, and an appearance in the 2013 Senior Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Knecht can join an illustrious but short list of players to win the “Kentucky Senior Slam” for the year. Knecht won the Kentucky Senior Amateur two weeks ago in Danville and the Paducah resident can add the Senior Open to his collection by winning tomorrow.

The path to victory won’t be easy for the co-leaders though. Former State Am champion Buddy Bryant trails by a stroke at 69 (-3) and will join Volpenhein and Knecht in tomorrow’s final group. Solid players lurk behind looking to make a charge to the top, including Jon Staley who shot 70 (-2), and Bruce Oldendick and Scott Porter who each recorded 71 (-1).

There is also a Super Senior Division taking place this week for players aged 60 years or older. Two former overall champions of the event, Steve Rogers and Craig RauvolaBouta, share the lead after posting 70 (-2) in the opening round. Greg Engle trails each of them by one stroke after his 71 (-1).

NOTES AND STATS

• Play was briefly suspended shortly after the tournament began. Nearby thunderstorms caused a delay at 7:38 a.m. EDT before play resumed without any hitches for the rest of the day at 8:20.
• Keith Reese made the only eagle of the day by chipping in on the par-five 5^th. That helped Reese shoot 77 (+5) which sits T21.
• The short par-three 10^th was the easiest hole of the day. It played to a stroke-to-par average of +0.10 with twelve birdies made.
• The hole prior, the par-four 9^th, was the hardest of the round after playing +0.74.

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Golf House Kentucky will continue to have full coverage of the event on its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. A live video will be available to view on Facebook when the final group reaches its last hole tomorrow afternoon. Another live video will become available if a playoff is needed to determine a champion. Please remember that caddies and spectators remain prohibited throughout the competition.