Andy Johnson was a middle of-the-pack player when he played on the Ball State golf team in the early 1990s, but he was at the top of his game on Sunday.
Johnson, a Ball State 1994 graduate who turned professional the following year, broke through with his first Nationwide Tour victory on Sunday at the Cleveland Open Presented by Legend Financial Group.
“It’s one of those things that I’ve worked so hard for so many years that it’s surreal,” Johnson, 33, said. “When you work for 10 years, to see a goal or dream realized is awesome.”
Earl Yestingsmeier, former men’s golf coach, said he had high expectations after Johnson won the IHSAA golf title in his senior year of high school.
“I was very hopeful for him to be a very good golfer,” Yestingsmeier said.
“He played regularly for four years, but he never was a top player. He was always in the middle of the lineup.”
Yestingsmeier said Johnson averaged about a 75 during his career at Ball State. Despite never shooting great scores in college, Yestingsmeier thought Johnson was capable of being successful as a pro.
“I think [the win] will be good for him,” Yestingsmeier said. “I knew he was good, but he showed that he can win.”
Johnson fired a course-record 9-under 62 on Saturday that vaulted him into a tie for the lead. A final round 67 sealed a three-stroke victory.
“I don’t know if I ever say I’m in the zone,” Johnson said. “I see the target and hit. I was hitting it close all day [on Saturday], and I kept knocking the putts in.”
After shooting 73-68 in the first two rounds, Johnson made the cut by just two shots.
“I didn’t have thoughts of winning [heading into the weekend],” Johnson said. “I was just trying to play as good as I could over the weekend because you never know what you’re gonna do.”
The win was important for Johnson on many levels. Johnson collected the largest paycheck of his career ($81,000), earned full-time exempt status on the Nationwide Tour for the rest of this season and next year and is allowed to bypass the first stage of PGA Tour qualifying school.
“When I realized I didn’t have to go to first stage, it was a big weight relieved,” Johnson said. “To avoid all those things in one shot was awesome.”
Johnson’s career at Ball State was highlighted by his senior year. He was the team captain and MVP, finished second at the Mid-American Conference Championships and was a Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar.
In his first full season on the Nationwide Tour, Johnson has played in many tours since turning pro. He played on the European Challenge Tour, Canadian Tour, Hooters Tour and the Maverick Tour.
Prior to his breakthrough victory, Johnson had struggled making cuts. A tie for 21st place at the BMW Charity Pro-Am at The Cliffs was his previous best finish.
“I’ve been playing all right — been making a lot of birdies,” Johnson said. “But a lot of mistakes have cost me from shooting some low scores.
“The times I’ve played good I really hadn’t gotten that much out of it, like finishing 50th when I’m making the cut.”
Johnson admitted the struggles have made him think about his game.
“[There was] a lot of doubt whether I can compete and make it out here,” Johnson said. “So this is great for me.”
The Nationwide Tour plays in Alberta, Canada, this week. Johnson is playing in the Alberta Classic and plans to play again next week before taking some time off.
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