Professional Brad Gehl of Carmel posted an impressive 6-under-par, 66 today at Rock Hollow Golf Club in Peru, Ind. to grab a three-shot lead at the 105th Indiana Open Championship. Gehl looks for his first major win this week, competing against the state’s top amateurs and professionals.
“I’ve been really close before, but I’ve never won a State Am or State Open,” said Gehl. “I had a one-shot lead heading to the final round of the State Am in 2010 at CCI (The Country Club of Indianapolis), and it still gets me.”
Gehl’s round today consisted of eight birdies and only two bogeys.
“My goal for the next couple of days is not to make any bogeys,” said Gehl. “This course sets up well for me, requiring accurate tee shots. I think if I can continue to drive the ball straight and clean up my bogeys, I’ll do alright.”
Gehl leads the field by three shots, but the leaderboard remains very crowded with eight players tied at 3-under-par. Those players include: Defending champion, Michael Davan, Zionsville, 2014 runner-up, Andy Winings, Brownsburg, two-time Open champion (’02, ’03), Jamie Broce, Indianapolis, Shane Bryant, Williamsport, Wyatt Larkin, Apex Golf Lab, Jake Miller, Richmond, Nick Bienz, Hoagland and Brett Seward, Valparaiso.
Additionally, 11 players are tied for ninth at 2-under-par, and a total of 27 players are within five shots of the lead – making tomorrow’s round crucial. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 70 players, including ties.
For full field results, click here.