After difficult course conditions the entire week at the Hawthorn G & CC, Joshua Keating of Noblesville, wrapped up his second win of the summer in 20 holes at the 90th Boys State Junior Championship.
The match came to a close on a hot Saturday afternoon, where Keating had to play 45 total holes to claim the championship.
“It was a challenge, but I felt like I was well prepared for a full day of golf,” Keating said. “The course was, as expected, wet all week long. With as much rain as the course received, I am very impressed with how well it played.”
Keating’s opponent in the final, Nicolas Osterburg of Indianapolis, had to play 44 holes on Saturday to add to the intensity of the last round matchup.
“I’ve never played that much golf in one day ever,” Osterburg told Indiana Golf. “I really enjoyed the experience of it. I did my best to stay hydrated throughout the day and conserve my energy.”
The two met after Keating defeated Ryan Ward, Indianapolis, 1-up in a close battle, and Osterburg knocked off Andrew Lewis of Carmel, also 1-up. Both matchups played tightly all the way until the end, and the weather was definitely a factor.
Saturday was not the only day with difficult conditions, though. Part of the course was shut down earlier in the week due to an overflow of water from rain the previous night, and therefore left the boys battling an adjusted schedule. For Keating, this break in play was a massive benefit.
“The first weather delay may actually have been a gift to me. I was 1-down to Blake Vise when we were called off of the golf course. After some waiting, we were able to return and play three holes and I won all of them. It was a huge momentum shift in the match.”
For Osterburg, though, things were slightly different.
“The schedule being thrown off didn’t affect my mindset at all,” Osterburg said. “It was my goal to win Boys State from the beginning.”
Despite the weather, the boys were still pleased with how the course played overall.
“The course was in great shape all week and The Hawthorns grounds crew did a great job in getting the back nine ready for play. The greens were especially good,” Osterburg said.
Putting was a big part of Keating’s second win of the summer, the first coming at the Central Junior Masters at Ulen Country Club just two weeks ago.
“The greens were in absolutely perfect shape for all four days of competition. The Hawthorns staff did an excellent job,” Keating said.
And when it came it all came down to the final day, Keating was delighted with his finish.
“It is an amazing feeling. I have been telling my friends for a while now that this was the tournament I wanted to win more than any other. The match play bracket format makes it easily my favorite tournament of the year. I am honored to join the list of winners as the 90th Boys State Champion.”
The summers of both our finalists have not yet come to a close, but with school slowly approaching the two are looking forward to finishing the season strong.