Golfer Kenny Leseur finishes runner-up in big Indiana tournament
Kenny Leseur was back in the spotlight on the US college golf scene after finishing runner-up in the Purdue Fall Invitational.
The top amateur carded an impressive four-under 209 to finish three shots behind winner Bence Bertenyi in the 54-hole tournament, which concluded on Monday at the par-72 Ackerman-Allen Course in West Lafayette, Indiana.
“I was pleased with my performance,” Leseur told The Royal Gazette.
“It is the second-best finish in my college career so I think it’s going to give me some confidence going forward to play even better.
“It was a tough course and not many people were under par. It’s 7,500 yards and it was raining all weekend.”
The Butler University student was a model of consistency in the trying conditions as he carded impressive rounds of 69, 68 and 72 on the way to a podium finish.
“I am starting to play a lot better after switching putters and I’m hitting the ball off the tee very well at the moment, which has helped me take advantage of my length over the field and turn it into some good scores” said Leseur, who’s best showing at this level was victory at the IU-Kokomo Spring Invitational last year.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a highly successful summer back on island before resuming his studies abroad after chalking up two victories on the Gosling’s Moongate Tour and winning the Bermuda Amateur Men’s Stroke Play Championship title.
Leseur had hoped to compete in this month’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship Local Qualifier at Port Royal Golf Course but was ruled through school commitments.
The Butler University junior was the youngest local player to play in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship as well as the youngest player to play on the PGA Tour since 2014 when he qualified for the inaugural event in 2019 at the age of 15 before being succeeded by compatriot and fellow amateur Oliver Betschart last year.