Wayne Moore of Greenwood finished tied for 25th at the 2014 IGA Mid-Am held at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. (Photo by Mike Deak)

LEESBURG – Brett Widner headed to the final round of the IGA Mid-Amateur Championship with a one shot lead and never looked back. Carding a 3-under-par, 67 today at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club, Widner defended his title for his fifth win in 12 months.

“I drove the ball really well this week, which is a huge key to my game,” said Widner of Avon, Ind. “The golf course is in perfect shape and the greens are so good that every putt you have you feel like you can realistically make it.”

Widner finished the event at 7-under-par for a two day total of 133. Playing with Ricky Jones and Joe Hayden who began the day just one shot behind, and Mike Bell who trailed by two, Widner came out of the gate hot with three birdies in his first four holes. From that point forward, his lead continued to grow.

Curt Puckett was the early leader in the clubhouse after posting a 4-under-par, 136 total, but Widner’s par on 18 gave him an easy three shot victory. This win marks Widner’s fifth in the last year including two IGA Tournament Series titles (Harbour Trees and Brickyard Crossing), the 2013 Mid-Amateur Championship at Briar Ridge GC, and the IGA Four Ball earlier this year at Forest Hills GC.

“I was definitely nervous today, but I tried to always stay in the moment,” Widner said. “My hard work this past year has definitely paid off and I am very honored to have been able to defend my title.”

His win this week solidified his spot in the USGA State Team Championship, which will take place late September at the Dye Course at French Lick Resort.

“My goal this year was to play in the USGA State Team Championship and I knew I had a chance if I played well,” Widner said. “Indiana has some tremendous golfers and I am excited to have the opportunity to represent them in this event.”

Jones of Pendleton and Todd Palmer of Fishers finished in a tie for third with two day totals of 3-under-par, 137.

Locally, the top finisher was Wabash’s Wayne Denger, who carded a round two score of 70 to land even at 140 to tie Bill Barnes of Carmel for sixth overall.

Tracy Miller of Bremen tied for 16th at 142 after a Friday round of 70. Tim Cmar of South Whitley matched his 75 on Thursday with another 75 Friday to finish at 150 and tied for 43rd. Stanley Gebo of South Bend shot 77 Friday to finish tied for 48th at 151.

Full results from the Mid-Am can be found here.