Read more: Kipp Popert leads after record-breaking opening round at new U.S. Adaptive Open venue

(Newton, KS) - American Bailey Bish and Englishman Kipp Popert emerged as the champions of the 2024 US Adaptive Open, held at Sand Creek Station Golf Club in Newton, Kansas.

Bish captured her first overall women's title in just her second appearance in the tournament. Struggling to complete 18 holes last year in her debut, the 24-year-old from Tucson, Arizona showed tremendous growth as she carded rounds of 69-78-77 to finish at eight-over par overall. Her opening 69 set the women's scoring record for the Open.

Bailey Bish, 24, of Tucson, Ariz., who plays with a neurological movement disorder, set a U.S. Adaptive Open female scoring record with a 69. (Jeff Haynes/USGA)

“We have an amazing camaraderie in the adaptive golf community,” Bish said. “Having their support with the win like this is absolutely incredible. They saw me when I wasn't able to play nine holes back-to back.”

Despite starting her third round four-over through three holes, Bish rallied with an eagle to shoot 77 and clinch the championship. She defeated 2022 winner Kim Moore by four shots. "I think showing my growth is really inspiring to many people in the community," said Bish.

Bish's journey to the top has been an inspiring one. She contracted encephalitis from a sinus infection in high school, which led to neurological issues limiting the use of her right side. She must use a golf cart and crutch to navigate the course. 

Bailey Bish has done it! She wins the women’s division of the 2024 #USAdaptiveOpen pic.twitter.com/ry1iDQGx9Z

— Cameron Jourdan (@Cam_Jourdan) July 10, 2024

Basketball was her first love before the illness, making her golfing success even more remarkable. “I learned that it's hard to play golf, and even if there is challenges, you can push back and keep going,” she said. “The mistakes will get overwritten by other accomplishments.”

In the men's competition, Kipp Popert of England successfully defended his title, becoming a two-time champion. Popert, who has cerebral palsy, Kipp Popert shot a 7-under 65 in the opening round of the 2024 U.S. Adaptive Open, setting a new championship record for the lowest single round score. He maintained a sub-par score each day and finished the tournament at 14-under par, winning by four shots over 2022 champion Simon Seugmin Lee of South Korea. Popert's wire-to-wire victory made him the first player to secure consecutive overall wins at the U.S. Adaptive Open.

Defending men's champion Kipp Popert, 25, of England, set a new championship scoring record with a 7-under 65 on Monday. (Kathryn Riley/USGA)

“I enjoy all of the pressure,” Popert said. “I was like, ‘All right, let’s go show them that we’re still winning this thing despite a little trip up.'”

With their grit and determination in overcoming adversity, Bish and Popert provided an inspiration to all with their breakthrough victories at the US Adaptive Open. It was a momentous week for the adaptive golf community.

Kipp Popert sinks the birdie and goes back-to-back as the #USAdaptiveOpen champion pic.twitter.com/MLClLHWlM2

— Cameron Jourdan (@Cam_Jourdan) July 10, 2024

References: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/us-adaptive-open-winners-bailey-bish-kipp-popert