Columbus, Ind. – Hometown favorite Michael VanDeventer captured the title at the Oakley Hoosier Junior Championship today at Otter Creek Golf Course. VanDeventer paired yesterday’s 2-over par 74 with a 1-over par 73 today, for an impressive two-day total of 147.
“I got off to a great start and was 3-under through five,” said VanDeventer. “I bogeyed four of the last six holes, but still finished strong,” he added.
VanDeventer and Noblesville’s Jackson Wright were tied after 36 holes, which forced the two into a sudden death playoff.
Both players failed to get up-and-down on hole 10, their first playoff hole, so they headed to the par 5, 18th. Wright hit his third shot to about 20 feet, and VanDeventer stuck it to eight feet. Wright two-putted for par and VanDeventer sunk his birdie putt for the win.
“This really means a lot to me,” said VanDeventer. “I’ve never played in this tournament before, but this is my home course. It feels great to win here,” he added.
Even though Wright didn’t come out on top, he still feels proud of his runner-up finish.
“Michael and I were shot for shot in the playoff. Even though things didn’t turn out as I had hoped, I feel really proud to come in second,” said Wright.
In the girl’s division, Kendallville’s Katie Sharp took the title after firing a two day total of 156, with a first round 8-over par 80, and a final round 4-over par 76.
“The wind was ferocious, but for some reason I usually play really well in wind,” said Sharp. “I was swinging the club well, putting well, and I got up-and-down a lot,” she added.
Sharp’s round consisted of 12 pars, five bogeys, and one birdie, coming on the par 4, 12th hole.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting to win after shooting 80 yesterday but it feels great,” said Sharp.
Abigal Gleixner secured her second place finish after firing a two day total of 157, with a 6-over par 78 coming in her first round and a 7-over par 79 today.
“I played pretty good today, but I tripled the last hole,” said a disappointed Gleixner. “It still feels good to finish second. I’ve been putting a lot of work into my game so I am happy,” she added.