After receiving a call last night at 7 p.m., Baylor Payne went from alternate to officially registered at the Indianapolis Open. And it turns out, his lucky streak had just begun. The rising college sophomore posted a career best of 7-under-par, 65 today at Prairie View GC and leads the event by two shots. Payne’s tremendous round also ties the course record.
“It’s crazy that I was even able to be here today,” Payne said. “I got a call last night and wasn’t prepared at all. I hadn’t played here since the State Championship last spring.”
Payne’s 65 was partly made possible after carding just 19 putts in his 18-hole round today.
“Having 19 putts was just ridiculous,” Payne said. “It is definitely the fewest I have ever had.”
Payne’s round consisted of six birdies coming on holes 1, 7, 14, 15, 16 and 18. He also carded an eagle on the par-5, 13th. He says this is the best golf he has played consistently in a couple of years.
“My swing has become more controlled and my putting obviously saved me today,” Payne said. “I’m so happy I was given the opportunity to play.”
Payne is a rising sophomore at Stetson University and is hoping to qualify for the Indiana Amateur Championship, the Indiana Open Championship and the US Amateur Championship this summer.
“Winning this event would be a huge confidence booster for me heading into the rest of the summer,” Payne said. “I’m not sure if it’s possible to putt like I did today, but I’m definitely going to try.”
Andrew Rhodes of Westfield is currently second after firing a 5-under-par, 67.
After today’s round, the field was cut to the low sixty scores including ties at 5-over-par, 77.
Thank you to Advantage Golf and Yamaha-Golf Cars Plus for sponsoring this event.