Indiana Professional Golfers Association Speedway, Ind. (July 8, 2026)
The Indiana Open Championship has long been one of the state’s premier tests, bringing together Indiana’s top amateurs and professionals to compete for one of the most historic titles in Indiana golf. First played in 1915, the championship returned for its 111th playing July 6-8 at Brickyard Crossing Golf Club in Speedway, where three days of firming conditions, a crowded leaderboard and a dramatic three-way playoff created a memorable finish.
Brickyard Crossing served as an outstanding host throughout the week, providing championship conditions and a setting unlike any other in the state. From the golf staff to the maintenance crew, the entire team at Brickyard helped create a strong test for the field, and as the week went on, the golf course continued to firm up and demand more from every player in contention.
With temperatures in the mid-80s, the week was slightly cooler than the championship conditions players faced the week prior at the Indiana State Amateur, but the course still presented plenty of challenge. Unlike some championship weeks, there were no extremely low numbers posted early to separate the field. Instead, the leaderboard shifted constantly, with players moving in and out of contention as the pressure built toward Wednesday’s final round.
Michael Davan entered the final round with a two-shot lead, but the closing day quickly became far from predictable. Davan’s final round included plenty of movement, with bogeys on Nos. 1, 3, 5 and 7, and birdies on Nos. 6, 10, 12 and 15. He ultimately posted an even-par round, keeping himself in contention while opening the door for several players behind him. At one point during the championship round, as many as six players were near the top at 5-under-par, creating a tight race down the stretch.
Eric Steger made one of the strongest final-round moves, shooting 5-under-par to reach 5-under for the championship and stay in contention as he played the closing holes. But as the round continued, three players separated themselves from the pack and pushed the championship toward a playoff.
Micah Sheffer, of Brownstown, put together a strong final round of his own, shooting 2-under-par to reach 7-under for the championship. Sheffer made birdies on Nos. 3, 6, 9, 12 and 13, moving himself into position as the final group worked through the closing stretch.
Brayden Miller made the biggest charge of the day. Starting outside the final championship group, Miller posted a 4-under-par round to reach 7-under overall. His final round included birdies on Nos. 1, 3, 6, 10, 14 and 15, allowing him to steadily climb the leaderboard while the leaders battled behind him.
By the time the final group reached No. 18, Miller, Davan and Sheffer were tied at 7-under-par. Both Davan and Sheffer had a chance to break the tie, but each parred the final hole, forcing a three-way playoff to decide the 111th Indiana Open Champion.
The playoff began with all three players unable to make birdie on the opening hole, sending the group to No. 17 for the second playoff hole. Davan found the left-side bunker but played an impressive shot out to give himself a chance to save par. Sheffer hit a strong tee shot but was unable to convert his opportunity. Miller, meanwhile, faced a birdie putt from roughly 15 feet and delivered the championship-winning moment, rolling it in to claim the 2026 Indiana Open Championship.
For Miller, the victory marked a major breakthrough. A former Indiana junior golfer who now plays for the University of Cincinnati, Miller was supported by a large following of friends and former junior golf peers as he captured one of the biggest wins of his career.
“It was big for me,” Miller said. “I think I needed this for my own mental sanity a little bit. I felt like the last couple of years I’ve been really struggling with my game in general and just haven’t really won or contended in anything. This was a nice one to get.”
Miller said the win was especially meaningful after a disappointing finish at the Indiana Amateur, making the Indiana Open title even more satisfying.
“This is the best one by far,” Miller said. “I’ve won a lot of big junior tournaments, but this is my first amateur win, my first big win. This means a lot to me.”
With the leaderboard crowded throughout the day, Miller said he did not know exactly where he stood until the final hole of regulation.
“The first time I checked the leaderboard was on 18 fairway,” Miller said. “I saw I was tied, so I had to go after the pin. I ended up with par, but got it done in the playoff.”
Miller credited his driving and ball striking as the biggest strengths of the week, saying he missed only a handful of fairways over three rounds and consistently gave himself scoring opportunities.
“I drove the ball really well,” Miller said. “I think I might have missed four fairways through three rounds and hit a lot of greens. I missed quite a few putts the first two rounds, but the putting was a little better today.”
The win also came with one of the most unique traditions in Indiana golf, as Miller had the chance to kiss the bricks at Brickyard Crossing.
“It’s awesome,” Miller said. “You get to see the guys on TV do it, and you think it’s awesome. It’s a great experience, and I’m really thankful to be here.”
After three days at Brickyard Crossing, the 111th Indiana Open Championship came down to one final putt in a three-way playoff. With a crowded leaderboard, a historic venue and a dramatic finish, Miller’s victory added another memorable chapter to one of Indiana Golf’s longest-running championships.
Tournament Results: https://iga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/iga26/event/iga2629/contest/9/leaderboard.htm