44 year-old Sean Rowen credits course management and experience to his low scores this week at the 118th Indiana Amateur Championship at Otter Creek GC in Columbus. Looking for his second win at this event in the last four years, Rowen finds himself with a one shot lead heading into round three.
After round one, Rowen put himself in contention, posting a 4-under-par, 68 and grabbing a four-way share of the lead with Keegan Bronnenberg of Muncie, Keith Blythe of Decatur, and Cole Bradley of West Lafayette.
Today, Rowen proved consistency was key, carding three birdies, 15 pars and zero bogeys for a second round total of 3-under-par, 69. He currently leads the field by one shot over Bradley who posted a 2-under-par, 70 during today’s round.
“I had to manage the course a lot differently today due to stronger winds and firm greens,” said Rowen. “I really tried to take bogey out of play and use my tournament experience to my advantage.”
Rowen is a four-time IGA John K. David Player of the Year (’14, ’15, ’16, 17) and a former Indiana Amateur Champion (’15). In 2015, he won this event at Otter Creek and now finds himself in position to make a run for it again.
“My plan is to keep trying to hit fairways and greens and hopefully make some putts,” said Rowen. “I always feel like I leave a few putts out there – as I’m sure everyone does – but hopefully I’ll continue to give myself chances and putts will start to drop.”
Cole Bradley, a sophomore at Purdue University, also finds himself in the hunt for the title after carding a 36-hole total of 6-under-par, 138 during his opening two rounds.
“I feel good heading into tomorrow,” said Bradley. “I’m putting really well right now and I saved myself with some good 25 footers today. I hope to putt well again the next couple of days and convert some more birdies.”
Keegan Bronnenberg, a sophomore at Ball State University, is currently third after shooting a 2-under-par, 70 today. He is 5-under-par for the tournament and trails Rowen by two shots.
After today’s round, the field was cut to the low 60 players including ties at 8-over-par, 152. Tee times will begin tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. off of holes one and ten.