INDIANAPOLIS- Incoming UIndy sophomore Aaron Monson ripped off a near-course-record 63 at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course Friday to take the 2009 PGA Indiana Open.  Down seven shots after three rounds, Monson's final-day performance put him at 15-under for the tournament, making him just the second amateur since 1970 to win the Open title.

Monson (68-69-73-63) began play Friday in fourth place before orchestrating his epic charge.  The Perry Meridian High School graduate racked-up nine birdies on the final day of the tourney, including an amazing seven birds in a nine-hole span.

“This is a career round I can always go back on and have good, positive memories,” said Monson of his performance.

Purdue junior Erich Johnston (69-67-67-71) began the final day as the leader at 13 under, with pro Chris Baker (67-68-69-71) just one shot behind, but both players finished the tourney with a one-under 71 to place second and third, respectively.  Click here to view the complete leaderboard.

This fall, Monson - the 2009 Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year - will be one of four returners from last year's five-man team that finished tied for sixth at the NCAA Division II Championships.  Monson led the Greyhounds with a score of eight-over that tournament to tie for fifth and help the lefty earn All-American Honorable Mention from the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) in his first collegiate season.


Note: Monson's 63 was one shot off the course record set by professional Mike McCullough in the 1999 Comfort Classic at the Brickyard, a Champions Tour event...Monson is the second amateur to win the Open in 39 years and the sixth in the past 50.  A total of 15 amatuers have won the event, which began in 1915.