Heading into the final round of the Indianapolis Open at Prairie View GC, Andrew Rhodes of Westfield was two shots back. Rhodes posted an opening round of 5-under-par, 67 and paired that with a 3-under-par, 69 today to win by four shots.
“I was playing really good coming into this event,” Rhodes said. “I like to work the ball left to right and right to left so this course definitely fits my game.”
Rhodes grabbed the share of the lead after back-to-back birdies on holes two and three. From that point forward, he remained steady, except for a minor hiccup on the par-5, 7th.
Playing partner Michael Williams of Indianapolis made eagle on seven to move to 5-under-par for the tournament and was just two shots back. Rhodes hit his third shot into the hazard right of the green.
“When Michael made eagle and I hit my chip shot into the hazard, I definitely felt the nerves," Rhodes said. "I chipped out to about 20 feet, which wasn't great, but I made the putt for par. That was definitely a big moment for me.”
After grabbing the lead on three, Rhodes never let it slip away. He made par on the par-5, 18th to finish the event at 7-under-par. This is his first Indiana Golf win, with a past runner-up finish at the Indiana Amateur Championship in ’07 and a third place finish at the Indiana Open Championship, also in ’07.
“It feels awesome,” Rhodes said. “I figured if I could post 69 or 70 today then I might be okay. This gives me confidence heading into the Am and Open this summer. I’m looking forward to playing more golf.”
2014 Indiana Open Champion, Craig Bowden, finished runner-up today. Bowden posted a two-day total of 3-under-par, 141. He was also the low professional in this event.
There was a three-way tie for third at 1-under-par. Those players include: Tucker Guisewite of Woodstock Club, Timothy Wiseman of Corydon and Zach Schroeder of Lebanon.
Thank you to Advantage Golf and Yamaha – Golf Cars Plus for sponsoring this event.