The 2009 Indiana State Open ended Friday, July 10 with a fantastic round of 63 by Aaron Monson to claim the title.

First let’s recap Round Three, which ended Thursday after some morning rain and some real nifty pin placements. The course bit back after the first two rounds in which there were a lot of players under par. The tees got shoved back and course was a little softer, so it was playing longer. A lot of the players were talking how tough the finishing holes were playing. So the course got some respect back after the birdie fest the first two days.

At the end of the third round, it looked like it was just going to be a two-horse race between Chris Baker and Erich Johnston after Andy Winings fell back with score of 74. Johnston was leading Baker by one shot, at 13-under par. Monson was at 6-under.

Round Four began Friday with warm, humid temperatures. Monson go hot early and stayed hot as he shot a bogey-free 63. He birdied holes 1, 3, 8, 9 ,10, 12, 14, 15 and 16. He then two-putted from a different county on No. 18 to shoot 15-under for the tournament and then wait for the last group, with Johnston needing a birdie to tie. Johnston just missed his birdie attempt, and Monson won the 2009 Indiana State Open as an amateur. He just missed the course record of 62 set by Mike McCullough in 1999 during the Comfort Classic senior tour event.

Now that the tournament is over, the course is going to be setup similar to the Open championship this weekend. So book a tee time and come out and play the Open setup.

I want to welcome Allison Fouch to the blog team. Allison is a very talented LPGA player, and everyone should enjoy her blogs from the U.S. Women’s Open.

As for me, I have a birthday party to attend on Saturday – my own. So the next time I blog, it will be my first as senior. Hopefully my AARP card arrives, and I can get some discounts.

Fairways and greens to everyone, and my only birthday wish is for one-putt greens.

Jeff Schroeder

PGA Head Professional

Brickyard Crossing