It was a fantastic day for golf in Eastern Kentucky and a golfer from the western part of the Commonwealth took full advantage.  Andy Roberts of Owensboro was crowned the 2016 Clark's Pump-n-Shop Marathon Kentucky Amateur Champion on Thursday, July 14 at Bellefonte Country Club in Ashland.  

He began the day one shot ahead of Billy Basham of Louisville and Joe Deraney of Lexington.  Much like his 2010 Kentucky Open victory, Roberts' game never faltered.  He carded three birdies to offset two bogeys on his way to final round of one-under-par 69 to finish at nine-under-par (201) and complete a two shot victory over fellow competitors and good friends Denver Haddix, Jr. of Lexington and Deraney.  This marks the third year in a row that Haddix has finished in the Runner-Up Position in the Amateur. Temperatures were still warm and the day completed amidst booms of thunder from an impending that the last group beat by a few moments - but all in all it was a day made for championship golf. Roberts remarked in his acceptance speech that it was wonderful to share this week with the many friends he's made over the years through golf in Kentucky (many of whom were in attendance at the ceremony upon completion of their final rounds) and that he was excited to make the five hour trip back to Owensboro to celebrate with his family. In addition to finishing in the Runner-Up Position, Haddix and Deraney took home the Uncle Joe Dickson Award for being the Low Public Amateur Links players in the field with rounds of 203.  Deraney carded a final round of even par and Haddix a two-under-par 68.  

The Herrald Kirkpatrick Award, given to the Low Senior Golfer in the field, was again received by John Gagai of Ironton with an impressive five-over-par total. He also won this award at Big Spring Country Club last year.  Gagai was also recognized with the Rodney Clark Award, which was presented to the Low Bellefonte Country Club Men's Golf Association Member finishing in the field this week.  This is a unique award presented in 2016 by the Clark Family (owners of title sponsor, Clark's Pump-n-Shop) in remembrance of their brother, taken too soon earlier this year.  Erik Edwards of Louisville was presented with the Colonel Lee Read Award, for the Low Junior in the field.  Edwards fired terrific rounds of 69-70-68 for the honor.  The low three rounds of the Championship were also awarded to Andrew McKinney of Danville for his opening round of 64, Billy Basham of Louisville for his second round 65 and to Ryan Gillum of Grayson for his final round of 65. Many great rounds of golf were posted on the final day and we certainly hope the 71 players who competed enjoyed their superb golf as much as we did! A sincere thank you to Bellefonte Country Club for rolling out the "green" carpet for the Kentucky Golf Association! Their hospitality and welcoming of this Championship are unmatched!  We would also like to extend gratitude to our Title Sponsors: Clark's Pump-n-Shop and Marathon and the entire Clark Family and team. It was a unique and special event!