Seeking to avenge his one shot defeat at the 2009 Indiana
Amateur, Erich Johnston (a) of Fort Wayne finds himself once again in
contention for a state title. “Winning [the Indiana Open] would mean a lot,
especially after my mess up at the State Am,” he said. He held a two shot lead
over eventual champion Erik Barnes of Marion with two holes to play, but
bogeyed 17 and 18. Barnes was able to birdie 17 and par the final hole for the
late comeback.
Johnston’s second day score of 67 July 8 at Brickyard
Crossing in Indianapolis added to his first round 69 landed him tied in third
place and one shot behind leaders Chris Baker of Brownstown (67-68=135) and
Andy Winings of Brownsburg (66-69=135). Only the state’s best amateurs and
professionals and 36 more holes at Brickyard Crossing stand in Johnston’s way
of his first Open victory. “This would be a nice stepping stone into my next
college season,” he said.
Winings has his own motivation for winning this event. Now
that he has turned professional, he is no longer eligible for the USGA
qualifiers and championships that once conflicted with the Indiana Open. “I was
privileged to win the State Amateur (in 2007), but haven’t been able to compete
in this event very often. It would be a great honor to win this now,” he said.
Baker is also a former State Am champ who hopes to capture
his first Open and second title as a professional. One final professional
stands near the top – Aaron Harrell of Bedford. His rounds of 67-69 put him in
third with Johnston.
Competition continues July 9 at 7:30 a.m. The field was cut
to the low 70 scores and ties after 36 holes. All players who carded a two-day
total 148 continued on to the final 36 holes of stroke play.