Columbus, Ind. – Devin Jenkins from Floyds Knobs, Ind. currently leads the boy’s field at the Oakley Hoosier Junior Championship held at Otter Creek Golf Course. Jenkins fired a solid 1-under par, 71, today to take a one-shot.
“I hit the ball straight all day off the tee,” said Jenkin’s, this year’s Master’s Tour Championship Champion. “I made some good putts too, which definitely saved me,” he added.
Jenkins found himself in a similar position last year, with a lead heading into the final round. He fired 71-81 and quickly fell off the pace. This year he hopes for a different finish.
“I would really like to redeem myself this year,” said Jenkins. “It would mean a lot to me to win.”
Carpenter also played very steady today, firing an even par, 72.
“I started off birdie birdie, 2-under. After that, I just played solid and I only made a few mistakes here and there,” said Carpenter. “Tomorrow I hope to go out and do the same thing. There are a lot of great players here, and it means a lot to me to be able to play in the final group tomorrow,” he added.
Jenkins and Carpenter will play together tomorrow in the final group.
Chris Meuth, Jackson Wright, and Jake Coffey are also tied for second after firing even-par 72s.
In the girl’s division, Kayla Katterhenry from Newburg, Ind. leads after firing a 5-over par 77 today.
“I had four birdies and two doubles,” said Katterhenry. “I was driving the ball well and putting pretty good, I just struggled with chips from the thick rough,” she added.
Katterhenry won the Girl’s State Junior Championship in 2011, and had a runner-up finish in the Women’s Am this summer.
“I hope to go lower tomorrow,” said Katthenry. “I played well, but I felt like I left some shots out there.”
Abigail Gleixner is currently in second, after firing a 6-over par 78 today.
“I putted really well,” said Gleixner. “The greens were a little tough today because they were aerated, and I didn’t necessarily hit the ball that well, but I made up for it with my chipping and putting,” she added.
Gleixner looks forward to playing in the final group tomorrow and enjoys playing with all of her fellow competitors.
“It’ll be nice to play with my friends tomorrow. I hope to hit a few more greens and putt like I did today,” said Gleixner.
Morgan Nadaline, the reigning state junior champion, is tied for third right now after firing a 10-over par 82 today.
Only five shots out of the lead, Nadaline hopes to add this title to her list of achievements.
“To hit 13 greens and shoot 82 isn’t too great. I putted poorly and really hope to improve on that tomorrow,” said Nadaline. “It would mean a lot to win this tournament and I’m hoping tomorrow goes a lot better.”
Karli LaGrotte and Lauren Tibbets are also in the hunt after firing 7-over par 79s. They are tied for third.