Kerns wins Ohio Amateur by 2

Associated Press

WORTHINGTON

Nathan Kerns admitted he was a little rattled after four-putting for double-bogey on the 16th hole Friday in the final round of the Ohio Amateur.

But even with his four-shot lead cut in half, he shook aside any lingering doubts and closed it out with two solid pars.

“I never got ahead of myself because anything can happen,” he said.

Kerns built a big lead and then subdued his nerves after his one lapse to capture the 106th edition of the biggest amateur prize in the state.

The Marshall University senior — he was greeted by a “We are ... Marshall!” cheer by his followers after tapping in for par on the 72nd hole — shot a 2-over 74 to finish at 6-under 282.

He was asked what the win might mean for him.

“It opens a ton of stuff. First of all, it opens my mind. I know I can play now with just about anybody,” the 21-year-old from Ironton said. “In these Ohio Ams, there are so many good players. To come out on top, I just feel so fortunate.”

Kerns followed rounds of 66, 74 and 68. He led after the tournament’s first and third rounds, each time by two strokes.

Former Ohio State player Alex Redfield, who shot a 70 to finish second by two shots, had never met Kerns before.

“I didn’t know him,” Redfield said. “But he’s playing like a champion.”

Others also noticed his poise and precision.

“[Kerns] doesn’t make many mistakes,” said David Haley, who tied for fourth with a 75 while playing alongside Kerns. “He hit a lot of fairways, he hit a lot greens. That’s what you’ve got to do on a course like this.”

Kerns began the day with a two-shot edge on Bill Williamson and a four-stroke head start on Haley.

All alone in third was another former Ohio State player, Kevin Grabeman, a member at Brookside. His 71 left him at 286.

Defending champion Korey Ward shot a 72 and finished at even-par 288.