Brett Widner headed to the final round of the IGA Mid-Amateur
Championship with a one shot lead and never looked back. Carding a 3-under-par, 67 today at Tippecanoe
Lake CC, Widner defended his title for his fifth win in 12 months.
“I drove the ball really well this week, which is a huge key
to my game,” said Widner of Avon, Ind. “The
golf course is in perfect shape and the greens are so good that every putt you
have you feel like you can realistically make it.”
Widner finished the event at 7-under-par for a two day total
of 133. Playing with Ricky Jones and Joe
Hayden who began the day just one shot behind, and Mike Bell who trailed by
two, Widner came out of the gate hot with three birdies in his first four
holes. From that point forward, his lead
continued to grow.
Curt Puckett was the early leader in the clubhouse after
posting a 4-under-par, 136 total, but Widner’s par on 18 gave him an easy three
shot victory. This win marks Widner’s
fifth in the last year including two IGA Tournament Series titles (Harbour
Trees and Brickyard Crossing), the 2013 Mid-Amateur Championship at Briar Ridge
GC, and the IGA Four Ball earlier this year at Forest Hills GC.
“I was definitely nervous today, but I tried to always stay
in the moment,” Widner said. “My hard
work this past year has definitely paid off and I am very honored to have been
able to defend my title.”
His win this week solidified his spot in the USGA State Team
Championship, which will take place late September at the Dye Course at French
Lick Resort.
“My goal this year was to play in the USGA State Team
Championship and I knew I had a chance if I played well,” Widner said. “Indiana has some tremendous golfers and I am
excited to have the opportunity to represent them in this event.”
Jones of Pendleton and Todd Palmer of Fishers finished in a
tie for third with two day totals of 3-under-par, 137.