Noblesville’s Kenny Cook grabs his first-ever IGA Mid-Amateur Championship title today at The Fort Golf Club. Cook began today’s final round with a three-shot lead over long-time playing partner, Sean Rowen, Greenwood.
"It’s always fun from the standpoint that he’s always going to grind until the end,” Cook said of Rowen. “We were going back and forth today, and he had a bad break on 16, but it’s always a grind.”
With an even-par, 36 on his opening nine holes, Cook’s lead remained three heading to the back nine. His only hiccup came on the par-5, 7th hole after being forced to take an unplayable lie from a bush. He went on to make double bogey and Rowen got within two shots.
“Hitting it in the bush on 7 definitely hurt, but I stayed in there and just tried to continue to hit some good shots.”
With three birdies on his back nine, Cook widened the gap. Heading to the par-5, 16th, his lead was four shots. He went on to hit the green in two on the reachable par-5, while Rowen's second shot was well right of the fairway. After a three minute search, Rowen's ball was deemed lost. He carded a double bogey to Cook's two-putt birdie, and suddenly Cook's lead was seven.
With pars on holes 17 and 18, Cook claimed his first Mid-Am title.
“It’s always nice to get a win,” Cook said. “I haven’t had the chance to play in many IGA events this year because I’ve been so busy, but it feels nice to be able to get a win. The golf course was in great shape and it was a great field.”
Cook finished the tournament with a 36-hole total of 10-under-par, 134. Joe Mahurin, Noblesville, playing two groups ahead finished runner-up today at 3-under-par, 141.