ELKHART – The oldest and most prestigious golf tournament in the state began today at Elcona Country Club in Elkhart. 156 players entered the event with hopes of a title at the 116th Indiana Amateur Championship.

The morning and afternoon waves were separated by a two hour rain delay, bringing very different playing conditions. Early morning tee times battled wind and slick greens, with zero players bettering par.

This afternoon, the wind stopped blowing, the greens slowed down and scores were lower.

Keegan McKinney of Avon proved to be today’s player to watch. McKinney posted the only under-par round of the day with a 3-under-par, 69.  He leads by three.

“My whole goal was to stay patient,” McKinney said. “I tried to take advantage of the good draw in the tee times and I ended up playing well.”

McKinney is a Boys State Junior Champion (’13) and a rising senior at Ball State University (with two remaining years of eligibility).

“I didn’t have any expectations heading into today, and I honestly think it worked in my favor.”

Sean Busch of West Lafayette posted the first even par round of the day, early this afternoon. Just finishing his senior season at Ohio State University, Busch said he thinks a State Am title is possible.

“My goal coming into this event was to win,” Busch said. “I think it will take fairways and good putting on this course to do it.  I like where I stand after today’s round and I think I have a chance.”

Busch finished 11th at last year’s State Am at Otter Creek GC, after firing a 66 during the final round.

Keegan Bronnenberg of Muncie also posted 72 early this evening.

“I made three birdies in a row on holes 13, 14 and 15,” Bronnenberg said. “I hope to hit my first fairway of the day tomorrow and set the tone for the rest of the round.”

Bronnenberg is an Indiana PGA Northern Open Champion (’15) and will attend IPFW this fall.

“Being one of the younger players in the field and finishing towards the top today definitely gives me some confidence heading into college,” Bronnenberg said. “It makes me feel like I can hang with the best players in the state.”

Seven players posted 1-over-par, 73s, including defending Champion Sean Rowen of Greenwood.

Tee times begin this morning at 8 a.m. A full listing of results can be found here.