The forecast for the final round of the 97th Kentucky Open at University of Louisville Golf Club on Thursday, July 28 looked very bleak.  Strong storms with heavy rains were threatening to hinder the play of the 75 remaining contestants in the field on an already saturated golf course after a night of tumultuous weather.  Luckily Mother Nature wanted to witness some great golf and many players did not disappoint her! Ashton Van Horne of Georgetown was a bit downtrodden after an opening round of 74 but a second round 66 helped rally his spirits.  Even more than that, Van Horne made his presence felt early in the final round by firing an opening nine 31 and finishing with another round of 66 to finish the tournament at ten-under-par.  In his second professional event after graduating from Belmont University, Van Horne found himself tied with second round leader, Daniel Iceman of Shelbyville.  

Iceman, the Assistant at Weissinger Hills Golf Course, posted a steady final round two-under-par 70.  Iceman, Van Horne and Patrick Newcomb of Benton shared the lead (back and forth every which way) for much of the day.  In their first playoff hole, beginning on 18, both Van Horne and Iceman made pars to advance to the 10th.  Iceman hit his approach shot long and left and was unable to convert his par chance, while Van Horne hit the green in regulation and made his three foot putt to become the best golfer in Kentucky for 2016. Congratulations to Ashton Van Horne on his fine play and to Daniel Iceman on his Runner-Up finish!  C

ooper Musselman of Louisville, a University of Kentucky player, finished as the Low Amateur (much like he did at Hunting Creek Country Club two years ago) at seven-under-par. We would like to thank all of our competitors and qualifying hopefuls for the 2016.  We would also like to thank University of Louisville Golf Club and PGA Head Professional Jake Spott and PGA General Manager, Jack Sauers for their wonderful hospitality all week long.  We look forward to a great championship in 2017 when we move to Hurstbourne Country Club in Louisville!