NEWBURGH — The Romain Cadillac Evansville Men’s City Tournament got more interesting following the third round.
Luke Johnston posted a 3-under par 69 at Rolling Hills Country Club on Saturday to earn a two-shot lead over Peyton Blackard entering the final round. Johnston had four birdies and, more importantly, minimal mistakes compared to the rest of the field to finish at 12-under.
The North graduate was the most consistent player among the final groups at Rolling Hills. Johnston caught Blackard by the eighth hole before cementing his lead with back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18. It continues an impressive summer for the incoming Ball State freshman.
“I stayed in the moment and had fun,” Johnston said. “I didn’t get in my head or upset at any mistakes. I’m hitting it good right now but really trying to avoid making doubles or bogeys. If I miss it in the right spot, I should have a good day and be in contention. Keep playing how I am and doing the right things.”
Blackard, the first weekend leader following a competitive course record at Helfrich, struggled on the front nine at Rolling Hills. The Gibson Southern graduate made the turn in 5-over and didn’t make a birdie until 11. Blackard briefly regained the lead with a birdie at 16 before falling behind again.
The defending city champion sits at 10-under following a 4-over 76 but still remains in a good position. He’ll be in the final group, along with Matt Monroe (-7 after a third-round 69), on Sunday at Evansville Country Club.
“I didn’t feel like I played as bad as the score showed,” Blackard. “On the back nine, I started playing a little bit better. I kind of got it rolling with two birdies and then sloppy bogey on 17 and three-putt on 18. I know what I need to do is clean up the putting and a few tee shots.”
Daymian Rij shot a 73 with five birdies and is tied for third with Monroe at 7-under. Spencer Wagner matched the low round of the day with a 69 and is fifth at 6-under. Hank Schreiber and Chase Emge are tied for sixth at 5-under. Rounding out the top 10 are Zach Thomas, Brayden Lamborne, Caleb Wassmer, Reid Lorey, Mark Wehner and Cameron Weyer at 4-under.
Below are the complete standings. The final group is scheduled to tee off at 10:10 a.m. CT at ECC.
2025 Evansville Men’s City Tournament
Luke Johnston (-12); Peyton Blackard (-10); Matt Monroe, Daymian Rij (-7); Spencer Wagner (-6); Hank Schreiber, Chase Emge (-5); Zach Thomas, Brayden Lamborne, Caleb Wassmer, Reid Lorey, Mark Wehner, Cameron Weyer (-4); David Mills, Luke Price (-3); Wade Worthington (-2); Cade Schiff, Logan Osborne (-1); Layne Cunningham, Lucas Ray, Jacob Fleming, Troy Wagner (E); Trevor Wagner (+2); Isaac Rohleder, Alex Cook (+3); Drew Cahill, Evan Bonnell, Alex Turner, Thomas Broshears, Eric Brinker, Treston Short, Kaden Gengelbach (+4); Steven Blake Ruckman (+5); Walker Beck, Chip Tiemann (+6); Dave Turpin, Blake Merrill (+7); Chad Houchin, Ryan Chandler (+8); Brandon Moore (+10); Carson Cook (+14).
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