DANVILLE, KY (July 12, 2021) - Despite a torrential downpour in the early afternoon, round one of the Kentucky Women’s Open is in the books. Danville Country Club is playing host to some of the top players from around the state as well as from around the country. 62 women are vying to be crowned the champion of the most prestigious women’s tournament in Kentucky.

Former Tennessee Volunteer and recently turned professional Michaela Williams sits in a tie for first after a round of 69 (-3). Williams made four birdies on the day and one eagle. She made birdie on her very first hole of the day and made her eagle on the par-five 17th. Former Kentucky Wildcat Sarah Shipley has also recently turned professional and sits atop the leaderboard alongside her SEC rival after shooting 69 (-3). Shipley was steady all day as she played a bogey-free round and tagged on three birdies. She got off to a nice start after canning birdies on the 3rd and 5th holes. Her final birdie came on the 15th hole where she got to -3 for the day which is where she ultimately finished. Shipley and Williams are no strangers to each other as they were in the same graduating class of 2020. As if they didn’t have enough in common, Williams was ranked 300th in the WAGR rankings and Shipley was ranked 299th. Not even a shot today or a position in the World Rankings can separate these SEC rivals.

Trailing the leaders by two are Caroline Smith of Inverness, Illinois and Rylee Suttor of Shelbyville. Smith is entering her sophomore year at Wake Forest. She made four birdies on the day including birdies on her last two holes, 17 and 18, to fire a round of 71 (-1). The Demon Deacon will certainly be a name to watch for tomorrow as she got her momentum going on the back nine today with a 34 (-2). Suttor is playing for the hometown team of Centre College this week. She is very familiar with Danville Country Club as it is where the Colonels play and practice. She also racked up four birdies today, including two in the last four holes, to shoot 71 (-1). Smith and Suttor are also co-leaders in the amatuer side of the competition.

Rounding out the top-five is Lexington’s Casey Ott. Ott had a colorful scorecard en route to a 72 (E) which included an eagle on the par-five 1st and four birdies. She made birdie on her last hole to move into her solo fifth position.

NOTES AND STATS

• The par-five 3rd played as the easiest hole of the day, averaging just 0.02 shots above par.
• The par-four 14th was the most difficult hole of the day as it averaged 0.79 shots above par.
• Two eagles were made today thanks to first round co-leader Micheala Williams and Casey Ott. Williams made hers on the par-five 17th and Ott made hers on the par-five 1st.
• The average first round score was 79.48.

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Golf House Kentucky will continue to have full coverage on its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages during the final round. Additionally, the final hole of Tuesday’s final group will be live-streamed on Facebook as will any playoff holes necessary to determine the champion.