Oct. 14, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Former Kentucky women’s golf team member Mallory Blackwelder fired a 7-under-par 137 (70-67) to take first place at the SunCoast Ladies Series event held at Lake Region Yacht & C.C. in Winter Haven, Fla., Tuesday.

After recording an opening-round 70, Blackwelder entered the final round in a four-way tie for fourth.

Blackwelder’s second round 5-under-par 67 catapulted her to the top of the leader board. The Versailles, Ky. native finished the event three strokes ahead of the second place finishers.

The SunCoast Ladies Series is a developmental tour for female golfers who aspire to play in the LPGA. Based in Orlando, Fla., the events are held in the Orlando and Tampa, Fla. area. Competition is open to professionals and amateurs.

A 2009 graduate, Blackwelder participated in every event for the Wildcats during 2008-09. She finished the season with a team-low 75.52 stroke average. Blackwelder also led Kentucky to a victory at the UTC Lady Mocs Tournament, taking the event’s individual title with a 77. The Southeastern Conference also named Blackwelder SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in April.

Stay tuned to UKAthletics.com for complete coverage of the women’s golf team.