It was another hot and humid day on a difficult championship facility.  The Kentucky PGA Professional core teed it up seeking four qualifying spots and three alternate positions to Sunriver Resort, in Central Oregon, who will host the 50th PGA Professional National Championship presented by Club Car, Mercedes-Benz and OMEGA, June 18-21 2017 in addition to the top spot among Section Professionals.  A steady breeze made a difficult test just a bit more tricky.

Blake Watts, PGA Professional at Wildwood Country Club and the first round leader, was up to the task!  Watts got off to a hot start in the second round with a two-under-par start on the front side. He held off nice charges made by Andover Golf and Country Club’s PGA Professional Jared Jones and Big Spring Country Club PGA Assistant Professional John Bachman.  Watts was able to post an even-par round by day’s end, tying the low round of the day with High Performance Golf Academy PGA Professional Grover Justice to win his second Kentucky PGA Professional Title.  Watts was also the Champion in 2010.  Bachman (71-74) and Jones (70-75) finished tied for second.  Rounding out the group headed to Oregon next July was Defending Champion, Keith Ohr (72-74).  Finishing in the Alternate Positions were Justice, Crescent Hill PGA Professional Barry Bonifield and Gay Brewer, Jr. Golf Course PGA Professional Aaron McDowell.

Congratulations to our fine representatives in the PGA Professional National Championship next summer – we look forward to rooting these gentlemen on! We would like to thank everyone who participated, the Valhalla Golf Club staff and our event sponsors for a terrific Championship!

First Round Highlights

Temperatures were hot and humid for the opening round of Kentucky PGA Professional Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on September 6. 61 of the top Kentucky PGA Professionals teed it up in hopes of not only being named as the top PGA Professional in the Commonwealth but also for a chance to advance to next year’s PGA Professional National Championship.  There are four spots and three alternate positions up for grabs this year. A long, difficult golf course and speedy greens in addition to the hot conditions made for a difficult but fun day!

Blake Watts, PGA Head Professional at Wildwood Country Club, may have teed off last and his score definitely added up to be the least!  Watts fired a terrific round five-under-par 67.  His round included seven birdies.  Jared Jones, Head PGA Professional at Andover Golf and Country Club in Lexington was in the first group of the day and made the early statement by posting a two-under-par 70.  That really strong round also included seven birdies and a three-under-par back nine.  Big Spring Country Club PGA Assistant Golf Professional, John Bachman fired a one-under-par 71. Bachman’s round included five birdies and a three-under-par front nine.  Defending Champion, Keith Ohr, Head PGA Professional at Lake Forest Country Club in Louisville posted a steady round of even-par 72; a round that featured three birdies.  His playing partner, Barry Bonifield, Head PGA Professional at Crescent Hill Golf Course in Louisville also fired an even-par 72. Bonifield also posted three birdies in his opening round. Rounding out the top scores in the clubhouse were Valhalla’s own PGA General Manager, Keith Reese and South Park Country Club Head PGA Professional Chad Stocker, who both posted rounds of three-over-par 75.

Those wishing to follow final round scoring on the free Golf Genius app, please use the GGID 16kypga to access the tournament page.