The 43-year-old from Decatur, Indiana started the day with a one-shot lead after an opening round five-under 65, and held steady atop a crowded leaderboard that featured 12 players under par after the first round. The scoring was higher for round two, with only four players breaking par.
Blythe stumbled out of the blocks, picking up bogeys on the second and third holes, but quickly righted himself with birdies on three of the next four holes. With his closest pursuers falling back--Jeffrey Meyer of Garrett faded to a 73 after an opening 66, and Todd Palmer of Fishers shooting a 74 after a 67--Blythe had to play steady golf, which he did by playing even par to the clubhouse. His closing 69 gave him a six-under 134 total.
A good friend’s memory helps Keith Blythe to IGA Mid-Am title pic.twitter.com/wvzUnWXLht
— Indiana Golf (@IndianaGolf) August 12, 2017
Brian Harris of Carmel (68-69) and Terry Werner (67-70) shared second place at three-under 137. Kenny Cook of Noblesville (69-69) was solo fourth at 138, and Meyer tied with Kent Frandsen of Lebanon (69-70) at one-under 139.
The round of the day was shot by 70-year-old Mike Bell of Indianapolis, who shot three shots under his age to finish in a tie for ninth at 141.