PADUCAH, Ky. — Mike Vance made a final-round charge Tuesday at the Country Club of Paducah, climbing four spots on the leaderboard to capture the 27th Kentucky Senior Open with a two-day total of even-par 144.

Vance, native of Jackson, TN, entered the championship round four shots off the lead after opening the tournament with a 2-over-par 74. With the championship still up for grabs, Vance delivered when it mattered most, firing at 2-under-par 70 in the final round to finish at even par and claim the Senior Division title.

Vance’s final-round 70 was the lowest round among the leaders and allowed him to make a significant move up the leaderboard. His strong finish proved to be the difference as he pulled away from a tightly packed field to secure the championship.

Cliff Kresge from Knoxville, TN finished runner-up at 1-over-par 145 after rounds of 73 and 72. Kresge also made a move up the leaderboard during the final round, climbing one spot with his 2-under-par 72.

Three players finished tied for third at 3-over-par 147. Kentucky natives Mark Knecht (Paducah), Marcus Meloan (Augusta), and Bryan Conway (Frankfort) all finished just three shots behind Vance. Knecht and Meloan both posted final-round 72s to move up four spots, while Conway, who opened the championship with a 72, followed with a 75 to finish at 147.

Knecht, a Paducah resident, also claimed Low Amateur honors alongside Conway after putting together rounds of 75 and 72 for a two-day total of 147.

Bill Breen and Grover Justice, PGA rounded out the top seven, finishing tied for sixth at 5-over-par 149. Breen carded a 73 in the final round, while Justice posted a 74.

Justice claims the bragging rights as low KPGA Professional, with Dan Utley, PGA finishing two shots behind at a two-day total of 7-over-par 151.

Super-Senior Division

The Super-Senior Division, featuring players aged 60 and older, provided another exciting finish at the Country Club of Paducah, with James Brown holding onto the top spot to claim the championship.

Brown, a Paducah resident and amateur, entered the final round with a two-shot lead after opening with a 2-under-par 70. He followed with a 1-under-par 71 on Tuesday to finish at 3-under-par 141, three shots clear of the field.

Michael Hall made a strong push during the final round, matching Brown’s 71 to finish at even-par 144 and secure runner-up honors. Hall finished with rounds of 73 and 71.

Tommy Webb finished third at 8-over-par 152 after posting matching rounds of 76.

Keith Reese, PGA claims the low KPGA Professional honors for this division finishing at 9-over-par 153.

The 27th Kentucky Senior Open brought together a strong field of senior golfers for two days of competition at the Country Club of Paducah, with both divisions delivering competitive finishes and plenty of movement on the leaderboard.

Congratulations to Mike Vance, your 27th Kentucky Senior Open Champion, and James Brown, your Super-Senior Division Champion!

The KPGA extends its gratitude to the Country Club of Paducah and its entire staff for hosting the 27th Kentucky Senior Open and providing an outstanding setting for this year’s championship. The support of the host facility and its team helped make for a successful week of competition in Paducah.

Full leaderboard – CLICK HERE

Round 1 photos – CLICK HERE

Final Round Photos – CLICK HERE
Media Kit – CLICK HERE

Championship Details

The 27th Kentucky Senior Open runs August 17-18 at the Country Club of Paducah in Paducah, KY. Tee times and the full field are available by clicking here. Follow live coverage throughout the week on Kentucky PGA’s website and social media channels.

About the KPGA

The Kentucky PGA (KPGA) is one of the 41 sections that comprise The PGA of America. Formed in 1925, the Kentucky PGA has a professional membership of more than 350 men and women professionals across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, each of whom is dedicated to promoting the game in Kentucky. The Kentucky PGA is dedicated to the promotion of the game of golf and providing ongoing education and professional development of Kentucky PGA Professionals. Kentucky PGA Professionals are responsible for conducting a variety of golf-related functions, which include general management, golf instruction, tournament operations, golf shop merchandising, junior golf programs, golf club repair, and much more. The KPGA is a founding member of Golf House Kentucky, the umbrella organization that manages Kentucky’s Family of Golf Organizations.