Two Division I golfers are neck and neck after two completed rounds in the 123rd Indiana State Amateur taking place at the Pfau Course at Indiana University.
Among these two competitors is University of Cincinnati’s Connor McNeely sitting 4-under (67,71) and 22’ defending State Am champion and Purdue University Junior, Luke Prall who closed out 3-under (68,71). McNeely is looking for his first State Amateur win but is no stranger to being a highly decorated player. He played his freshmen year at Butler University where he was one of two Bulldogs to play in all 11 events in addition to the BIG EAST Match Play, where he scored an average of 73.2 and placed second on the team and fifth overall. Prior to his first year as a collegiate golfer, McNeely closed out 2021 with a win at the Golfweek Junior Tour Event at Chatham Hills, placed third at the Indiana Junior Golf Boys State, sixth at the AJGA Circle K Junior Championship, and earned medalist honors in two regular season events as well as the regional championship, with his team finishing runner-up in the state finals. McNeely transferred to the University of Cincinnati ahead of the 2023-24 season and will have three years of eligibility with the Bearcats.
“I think the course was a lot more challenging today and the pin locations were a little more difficult, a bit tucked. It was a lot windier towards the start of my round and the back nine were longer and playing tough. I could have shot a few lower today but I made some good putts, missed some bad putts, but it all evened out” said McNeely.
When asked what part of his play stood out the most, McNeely added “ I stayed in it mentally, played smart, made sure I didn’t do anything dumb. Off the tee was a little bit wild but I got it back into play, made some putts, saved par, and I’m happy about it.”
Prall appeared in seven events and posted a 75.35 stroke average in 2022-2023 and had a breakout season the year prior finishing tied-22nd at the Marquette Intercollegiate, 29th at the Calusa Cup, winning the Indiana State Amateur, and being named to the Big Ten’s All-Academic Team.
“I think out here, putting is so key. If I can putt good tomorrow, I think I’ll have a good chance. Obviously keeping it in play is pretty important just because the fairways can be narrow and the rough can be pretty penal” said Prall.
Prall added “I made a double on hole 12 and that kind of set me back but I feel like I played pretty well over the two days.”
McNeely is going into the final round with Prall on his heels but is just focusing on his performance for the final round.
“Tomorrow I’m going to play my own game. Stay in my own lane and just do what I’ve been doing the past two days” said McNeely.
Trailing closely behind McNeely and Prall are two Mid Amateur Champions and USGA Four Ball partners, Kenny Cook (3rd) and Sean Rowen (T4). Rowen secured the 2015 State Amatuer title and Cook is looking for his first win. Joining Cook tied for fourth is Lafayette’s Nic Hoffman who is also looking for his first Indiana State Am victory.
*The cut was made to the low 60 scores and ties with 69 players advancing to the final round.