Although the last two Indiana Open Championships have been won by amateurs, this year it’s the professionals who are leading the way. A late-round eagle by Ryan Ford and five birdies by Stephen Conrad gave them the edge they needed to lead the 156-player field during the first round. Ford fired 34-34=68 and Conrad 35-33=68 to stay one ahead of C.D. Hockersmith and Brian Maurer who both carded 35-34.

But the professionals’ dominance of the opening round is yet to truly be determined. Due to a severe thunderstorm, the afternoon wave of tee times was delayed by 3 ½ hours and not all of the players were able to complete 18 holes before dark. The groups will resume play at 8:15am on Tuesday, and then second round tee times will begin at 10:30am, which is a 2 ½ hour delay. 

Two-time champion Jamie Broce set himself up for a shot at a third title by turning in a 70. Also of note is that this year marks Rick Hemsoth’s 35^th Indiana Open appearance.

After all players complete 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 70 scores and ties.