Select Page
#

All News

Barnes Maintains Lead

Jun 24, 2009


First round leader Erik Barnes of Marion (67) carded a
second day 71 to hold on to his lead at the Indiana Amateur at Rock Hollow Golf
Club in Peru. He stood alone through the morning wave of tee times, but Richard
Lamb of South Bend fired a 66 to add to his 72 and share the top of the
leaderboard. Both players seek their first IGA title. “The best I have finished
in the State Am is tied for fourth at Broadmoor Country Club,” Barnes said.

 

Barnes’ other achievements this year include two individual
wins as a men’s golf team member at Austin Peay State University and being
named 2008-09 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year. He also qualified for
the Regional US Open qualifier after making it out of the local qualifier at
French Lick Resort with a 70. The Indiana Open added him to the field after he tied
for first at his Rozella Ford Golf Course qualifier with a 68.

 

The lowest round of Barnes’ career is 64 at Xavier’s
tournament, and he feels it is possible again in this event. “If you are smart
out there and hit it in play, you can shoot under par,” he said of Rock Hollow.
“You find yourself with a lot of wedges in hand, and so if you make putts you
can take it low.” He did just that the first day with six birdies.

 

Contesting the lead is Erich Johnston of Fort Wayne and Keith
Blythe of Decatur two strokes behind at 140. Brad Smith of Peru, son of Rock
Hollow Professional Todd Smith, carded two 72’s to stay in the hunt at his home
course.

 

The original 156 amateur field was cut to the low 60 scores
and ties after 36 holes, keeping the 65 players who combined for a 151 total or
lower coming back for two more rounds of stroke play.

Second Round Results

Third Round Pairings