Ball State player Eric Steger of Noblesville found his second win at the IGA Match Play Championship at The Trophy Club when he defeated Purdue’s Erich Johnston of Fort Wayne in 21 holes. His first win came at the IGA Public Links. “I have practiced a lot this past year, and I knew I was right there at the beginning of this summer with the ability to win,” said Steger. “Now I believe in myself that I can win when I come to these events.”
Both players had a 1 up advantage at some point on the front nine, but it was Steger who got the largest lead of the day at 2 up on 13 after making a 15-foot putt for birdie. Johnston came back with a birdie at 16 and saved par with an up and down on 17 to take it back to all square. Hole 18 was halved and the match continued back at the first hole.
Pars from both players on hole 1 kept the battle going. At the second hole, Johnston chipped out of the weeds to four feet, while Steger left himself a lengthy putt to halve. “I let things go at the end and I thought it was over on the second green,” said Steger. In his head he was ready to pack the car and head home, but Johnston missed the short putt and on to three they went.
All day Johnston drove the ball past Steger, and he continued to do so at the third when he placed it in the middle of the fairway about 100 yards out. Steger found himself in a bunker 130 away and again thought he was done. However, a great shot stuck to three feet got him right back in it. Johnston two-putted and Steger took advantage of the opportunity.