July 23, 2009

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. – Former member of the Kentucky women’s golf team and recent graduate Mallory Blackwelder took second place at the 2009 American Express Kentucky Women’s Open, carding a 2-under-par 70 in the final round on Wednesday at Champions Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, Ky.

Blackwelder, now a professional, finished the tournament behind fellow pro Leah Wigger (66, 75). Posting a first-round 76, Blackwelder finished the first day 10 strokes behind Wigger. Blackwelder made a charge at Wigger during the rain-soaked final round, but came short, losing by five strokes.

Sophomore Ashlee Rose finished in fourth place with a 5-over-par 149 (73, 76), and Kristin Vincent finished fifth recording a 151 (74, 77). Rose and Vincent finished second and third, respectively, in the amateur division.

“Ashlee Rose and Kristin Vincent continued their solid play in the Kentucky Open with top five finishes,” head coach Myra Blackwelder said. “Kristin Vincent will use this as a tune up for the U.S. Amateur in early August.

Incoming freshman Betsie Johnson finished the tournament in 11th place, recording a 161 (79, 82). Sophomore Laura McGehee shot a 167 (79, 88), while fellow sophomore Megan Moir recorded a 171 (82, 89).

“The weather was very difficult yesterday, but the girls have learned how to compete and handle tough weather conditions due to the experience they obtained while traveling for UK last spring,” Myra Blackwelder said. “Every hole was a challenge and it was the kind of day that everyone in the field would have difficulty along the way. I am very pleased with the mental toughness they showed yesterday, as it was easy to lose your will.