April Emerson, an incoming freshman golfer at Eastern Kentucky University, survived a late collaspe and an odd ruling to win the 2009 Kentucky Women's State Amateur championship. Emerson defeated North Hardin freshman Lydia Gumm, 1-up, in sudden death.

Emerson was 4-up with four holes remaining, but watched as Gumm cut her lead to one shot heading into the par-4 18th at Cherry Blossom Golf and Country Club.

Emerson missed her birdie putt and marked her ball to allow Gumm to try for par. Gumm missed her par putt, while Emerson rolled in a two-footer for the apparant win.

However, a rules official said Emerson improperly marked her par putt, allowing Gumm to win the hole, forcing sudden death.

Emerson won the championship on the third hole of sudden death, capturing her first State Am title.