Chris Smith, of Peru, Ind. began Tuesday’s final round of the Indiana PGA Indianapolis Open at Harbour Trees Golf Course in Noblesville, with a two shot lead – but quickly saw it slip away. In his first six holes, Smith was 4-over-par, but rebounded nicely in his next twelve holes, playing in 4-under-par. His even-par, 71 today was enough to grab a first place finish and force a playoff with Thomas Lewis of Westfield, Ind., who posted a 4-under par, 67 during today’s round.
It was a chip-in-birdie on the seventh hole that served as a turning point for Smith. He followed up that birdie with another birdie on nine to make the turn at 2-over par.
“I definitely think the chip-in on seven and the birdie on nine is what made me feel good heading to the back nine,” said Smith.
Heading into 17, the leaderboard was crowded as Rylan Porter, Brickyard Crossing GC, made a charge with three straight birdies on holes 13, 14 and 15 to move to 4-under par – just one shot behind Smith and Lewis.
Smith took a brief one shot lead over Lewis as he got up and down for birdie on the par-5 17th – but it was short-lived. Lewis matched with a birdie on the par-3, 18th card 6-under-par for the tournament and prove he wasn’t finished yet.
The duo headed to the par-4, 1st for a playoff. Smith’s tee shot found the fairway, while Lewis hooked it left into the heather. Lewis ended up making double bogey from there, giving Smith his first Indianapolis Open win.
Thank you to Yamaha Golf Cars Plus and Advantage Golf for sponsoring this year's Indianapolis Open.
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