LEXINGTON, KY - Taryn (Durham) Walker has claimed her second Kentucky Women's Open Championship with a two-stroke victory today at Kearney Hills Golf Links. The 38-year-old from Prospect, Kentucky, has solidified herself as a legend in the state, becoming the sixth woman to win multiple Kentucky Women's Open Championships.

Walker's victory did not come without adversity, as she was locked in a back-and-forth battle with round one leader Haeri Lee all day long. Walker started her round with two consecutive bogeys on the first two holes, allowing Lee's lead to stretch to three strokes. Things quickly took a turn as Walker recorded a birdie on the par-5 fifth hole, which Lee bogeyed. Lee also made a bogey on the sixth hole where Walker made par. Lee recovered brilliantly with birdies on the next two holes to regain a two-stroke lead, which she maintained through the rest of the front nine holes. 

Walker came out swinging on the back nine, making back-to-back birdies on the tenth and eleventh holes. A bogey on the par-four eleventh for Lee meant that Walker had finally taken her first lead of the day. With just two holes left to play in the tournament, Walker still held on to a one-stroke lead. On the seventeenth tee, Lee hit a perfect drive while Walker found the rough on the right side. Despite the rising winds, Lee followed up her amazing drive with something even more incredible - a 120-yard approach shot that settled mere inches from the hole. Lee tapped in for an impressive birdie while Walker settled for par. The pair headed to the eighteenth hole all squared at two-under-par for the tournament. An errant drive from Lee left the door open for Walker, who capitalized on the moment and found the fairway. Lee's ball off the tee was unfortunately not identified within the regulated three-minute search period and she was forced to take a penalty and re-tee. Walker finished the hole with a par, while Lee ended up making a double-bogey. 

Walker finished the tournament with a final score of 142 (-2), followed by Haeri Lee and Nina McMurtrey at 144 (E). 

2024 Kentucky Women's Open Runners-Up Haeri Lee (left) and Nina McMurtrey (right)

After tapping in her final putt to solidify an even-par round of 72, Taryn Walker was joined by friends and family on the eighteenth green as they celebrated together. Walker's victory comes thirteen years after her first Kentucky Women's Open win, which took place at Standard Country Club in 2011. 

Two-time Kentucky Women's Open Champion Taryn (Durham) Walker Celebrates With Her Son

The KPGA extends its appreciation to Kearney Hills Golf Links for their hospitality in hosting this year's event and maintaining a championship environment. The KPGA would also like to thank all of the competitors who took part in the 28th Kentucky Women's Open for their participation. 

QUICK STATS:

• There were 94 birdies on the day and 1 eagle. 
• Nina McMurtrey shot the low round of the day at 70 (-2). 
• The par-5 fifth hole played the easiest of the day at an average of 0.25 strokes under par. 
• The par-4 thirteenth hole played the hardest of the day at an average of 0.73 strokes over par. 

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About the Kentucky PGA:

The Kentucky PGA (KPGA) is one of the 41 sections that comprise The PGA of America.  Formed in 1925, the Kentucky PGA has a professional membership of more than 325 men and women professionals across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, each of whom is dedicated to promoting the game in Kentucky.

The Kentucky PGA is dedicated to the promotion of the game of golf and providing ongoing education and professional development of Kentucky PGA Professionals.  Kentucky PGA Professionals are responsible for conducting a variety of golf-related functions, which include general management, golf instruction, tournament operations, golf shop merchandising, junior golf programs, golf club repair, and much more.  KPGA is a founding member of Golf House Kentucky, the umbrella organization that manages Kentucky’s Family of Golf Organizations.