Kipp Popert three-peats at U.S. Adaptive Open, while Kim Moore wins for a second time

USA Today

16 hours ago

England's Kipp Popert made history with a third consecutive U.S. Adaptive Open victory, trouncing the field by 12 strokes at Woodmont Country Club. Popert becomes only the fourth male to win a USGA championship three years in a row and the first since Tiger Woods won a third U.S. Amateur in 1996.
Born 10 weeks early and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, 26-year-old Popert carded a championship record 11-under 61 in the first round and never looked back, adding rounds of 66 and 65 to get to 24 under. In January, the Englishman underwent a toe fusion surgery that took longer than expected to heal. He was unable to play more than four holes of a practice round earlier in the week.
"Extremely grateful for my dad," said Popert. "Many of you know, he's a doctor. He's come out the last couple U.S. Opens. Obviously my foot was sore and it really helped, you know, double-dosing and doing everything we could to keep the foot going."
Simon Lee and Lachlan Wood took a share of second at 12 under.
Popert, the No. 1-ranked disability golfer, will next take part in final qualifying on July 14 for a chance to compete in the U.S. Amateur this August at The Olympic Club.
Kim Moore wins women's division at 2025 U.S. Adaptive Open
In the women's division, Kim Moore won for a second time and the first since 2022, defeating Bailey Bish and Amanda Cunha by three strokes. Moore closed with a 75 on Wednesday and praised the championship for adding live television coverage this year for the first time, broadcasting the final round on Golf Channel.
Moore, 44, was born without a right foot, a severely clubbed left foot and a slight case of spina bifida.
"It's just awesome that we were able to get the live coverage this year," said Moore, head coach at Western Michigan. "I think we should be getting live coverage for all the rounds. I know it's going to be something that people would watch."
A total of 96 players representing eight impairment categories competed on Woodmont's South course in Rockville, Maryland. While Popert and Moore won the overall titles, each category featured an individual winner, including Max Togisala of Utah, who won the seated division, for a third straight time, by 23 strokes.
The 21-year-old – who was set to play college golf before he was paralyzed in a ski accident in February 2022 – had to re-learn the game after his accident from a seated position.
"This is a great time for us to shine our light," said Togisala, who rolled in an eagle putt on the 18th to finish off his closing 71 in style.