Tyler Merkel wins Indiana Amateur

June 21, 2012 | by

Gusting winds and extreme heat did not get in the way of Ball State’s Tyler Merke

CARMEL, Ind. (June 21, 2012) -- Gusting winds and extreme heat did not get in the way of Ball State’s Tyler Merkel, who finished three-under par to win the 112 Indiana Amateur Championship at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel Indiana. The field consisted of 156 amateurs from all over Indiana, which was cut down to 60 after 36 holes. Headed into the final round, Merkel shared the lead with former Ball State Player and mid-amateur, Scott Pieri. On the first hole of the day, Merkel made a 15-foot putt for birdie and Pieri failed to get up-and-down for par, giving Merkel an immediate two-shot lead. On the par 5 number 13, Pieri played aggressively, and went for the green in two from about 250 yards, while Merkel played conservatively, and laid up down the left hand side. Pieri’s risk paid off, as he made birdie to Merkel’s par, putting him within one shot of the lead. Merkel went on to birdie 14, and Pieri was unable to catch him in their final holes. “I had a crazy week,” said Pieri. “I had a triple bogey, two double bogeys, a two-shot penalty for giving a spectator a ride in my cart, and a whiff today.” Despite Pieri’s ups and downs, he played very steady for four days, finishing the tournament at even par, 288. Pieri and Merkel played together for the last two days and Pieri commented, “Tyler was everything I heard he was, and I really enjoyed getting to play with him.” As previously mentioned, Merkel is a rising junior at Ball State University, who recently qualified for the NCAA regionals as an individual, and finished third at last year’s Indiana State Open. Yesterday, Merkel said he did not make many short putts, but today claims he putted well, and like the past three days, kept the ball in the fairway off the tee. “It hasn’t hit me yet,” Merkel said after two-putting for the win on 18. “It feels awesome, though.” Merkel finished the tournament at three-under par, 285, and won $750 worth of merchandise from Prairie View Golf Club. Todd Palmer, from Fishers Indiana, and Bobby Delagrange, from Westfield Indiana, tied for third with a two-over par 290.

About the Indiana Amateur

District Qualifiers for non-exempt players. 18-hole qualifier, 72-hole championship. Players must have an Indiana address and a handicap of no greater than 9.9.

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