Although the last two Indiana Open Championships have been
won by amateurs, this year it’s the professionals who are leading the way. A
late-round eagle by Ryan Ford and five birdies by Stephen Conrad gave them the
edge they needed to lead the 156-player field during the first round. Ford
fired 34-34=68 and Conrad 35-33=68 to stay one ahead of C.D. Hockersmith and
Brian Maurer who both carded 35-34.
But the professionals’ dominance of the opening round is yet
to truly be determined. Due to a severe thunderstorm, the afternoon wave of tee
times was delayed by 3 ½ hours and not all of the players were able to complete
18 holes before dark. The groups will resume play at 8:15am on Tuesday, and
then second round tee times will begin at 10:30am, which is a 2 ½ hour
delay.
Two-time champion Jamie Broce set himself up for a shot at a
third title by turning in a 70. Also of note is that this year marks Rick
Hemsoth’s 35th Indiana Open appearance.
After all players complete 36 holes, the field will be cut
to the low 70 scores and ties.
See adjusted second round pairings here.