Columbus resident Tobi Herron finished the first round of the Indiana Women’s Golf Association Championship just one stroke out of first place despite being a little under the weather.
Herron fired a 68 at Otter Creek, finishing with five birdies and just one bogey. She said ending the day with a score anywhere around par would have been a good day for Herron, so finishing the first round 4-under was unexpected.
Herron usually plays up to three tournaments a year, but this is the first 2017 tournament for the 38-year-old Columbus North graduate.
“I just hit a lot of great shots, Herron said. “I just had like 10-footers all day for birdie. It was amazing. I probably left five shots out there. My ball burned the edge probably four or five times, so it could have been something crazy low. But I just hit it really solid and kept it in play.”
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Julia Potter of Indianapolis holds the first-round lead following a 67.
Columbus sisters Sydney and Holly Anderson are competing in the tournament, as well. Sydney, a North graduate who will be a junior at Ball State, shot a 73 with three birdies and is tied for fourth overall.
Sydney Anderson began with a birdie, then after six consecutive pars, bogeyed No. 8.
“I had a good front nine,” she said. “Then I kind of struggled on the back nine a little bit. But then I ended my round with two birdies.”
Holly Anderson’s 80 ties her for 29th place after the first round. This was her first competition since winning state medalist honors for the Bull Dogs last October.
Holly said she felt like she scored a lot better than she played, but said it was exciting to get back on her home course after not competing for so long. She was pleased with how she putted and said that helped save her score.
“I was excited to be out here in the atmosphere of a tournament and just being with all my friends,” she said.
Holly Anderson will be joining her sister at Ball State this fall. They are having fun trying to beat each other in the tournament but are looking forward to playing with one another next year.
“It was kind of fun to see who would win when we were out here today,” Sydney said. “But I’m pretty excited (about next year). She just can’t wait to hang out with me. We’re all excited for her to come up there and be with us.”
Today’s final round begins at 11 a.m. at Otter Creek.
