Noah Gillard following the 120th Indiana Am (Noah Gillard photo)

The Greenwood, Indiana native got better each day of the 54-hole championship, firing a 68, 67, and a final-round tournament-low 66 to close out the championship, clearing the field by five shots. Despite the separation, Gillard kept the throttle down.

“I never really felt like I had won until the very end,” Gillard told the Indiana Golf Association. “Golf is the craziest sport and anything can happen. I kept sticking to my game plan of staying patient and playing conservatively and was pretty fortunate.”

Sticking to his game plan proved the smart play. With the lead swinging between Gillard and Mississippi State's Austin Vukovits as the final group began the back nine, Gillard kept his head down making three birdies on the final four holes to give him a comfortable win.

“The adrenaline was going and I was definitely nervous today, but that’s what you want out here,” Gillard said. “I remember growing up as a kid and hearing about people who had won the Indiana Am and wondering how that was possible. I’m really thankful to have won today and feel super blessed.”

Vukovits closed out the championship with a 2-over 72 for a total of 206, 4 under par. The Unviersity of Cincinnati's Ty Gingerich finished third at 2 under.