To say the final round of the 103rd Indiana Open Championship came down to the wire almost seems like an understatement. CJ Jones of Muncie was the first player to post a 54-hole total of 6-under-par, but certainly not the last. Chris Smith (Peru), Andy Winings (Fishers), and Patrick Allgeier (Fort Wayne), headed to the par-5, 18th tied at 6-under-par. With three solid shots, all three players left themselves with realistic birdie looks – but just fell short. It was recent Michigan State grad, Michael Sharp, who converted his 10 footer for the win.
Sharp’s week was consistent – with rounds of 70, 69, and 70 for a 54-hole total of 7-under-par, 209. With the tournament coming down to the very last putt, Sharp remained calm and approached it with confidence.
“I took a look at the leaderboard on my walk up to the green, so I knew where I stood,” said Sharp. “When I went to look at my putt, it just really fit my eye. It was a little right to left breaker and it was just the perfect putt for me.”
After converting his birdie putt, Sharp watched the final group finish, including Patrick Allgeier who needed to make his putt to force a playoff. Missing on the high side with a little bit too much speed, Sharp grabbed his first career win since playing on the Indiana Junior Golf Tour.
“This is really something special,” said Sharp. “I haven’t won an event in years so this really means a lot.”
With the biggest win of his career under his belt, Sharp’s summer is far from over. He hopes to qualify for the USGA Amateur Championship next week, and will attend Q-School within the next few months in the hopes of turning professional.
This was one of the most exciting finishes at a State Open in the last several years. Impressive play this week by runners-up CJ Jones, Chris Smith, and Andy Winings who all finished the event at 6-under-par. Patrick Allgeier finished fifth at 5-under-par.
Thank you to Prairie View Golf Club for hosting this week’s event!