A fog delay loomed over the morning practice on the range at
Otter Creek May 3rd as some of the 144 competitors prepared for a
challenging day at the Indiana PGA Southern Open presented by Bushnell and
TaylorMade. Although the sun managed to lift the fog before the 8:00 am
starting time, it indicated the very wet course conditions the morning wave of
groups would encounter. The mix of rain and unusually thick rough prevented any
subpar rounds from being turned in. As the sunshine continued to dry the course
throughout the day, it seemed the potential for lower scores increased. But as
the wind picked up in the afternoon, nobody was able to outdo Randy Nichols’
(a) even par round.
Despite starting with a double bogey at the 10th
hole and carding three other bogeys, he was able to balance it out by making
five birdies to finish 35-37=72 and win his first Southern Open.
Coming in at 73 tied for second place was Denny Hepler of
Raccoon Run GC, Shawn Marshall of Riverside GC, Quinn Griffing of The Donald
Ross GC, Dean Prange of Hillcrest CC, Skip Runnels (a) of Richmond, Brooks
Snyder (a) of Williamsport, David Carich of The Bridgewater Club, and Brian
Garrett of Southern Dunes.
Full results here.