Purdue commit Will Harvey of Westfield wins IHSAA boys golf state title in historic fashion
CARMEL – Soon after Will Harvey celebrated winning the IHSAA boys golf state title by imitating Tiger Woods’ iconic fist pump, the Westfield senior walked toward the crowd to embrace his teammates and family. High-fives and smiles with teammates turned to tears when the Purdue commit fell into his father’s arms just outside the 18th hole at Prairie View Golf Club.
Eric Harvey introduced Will to golf when he was around 3 years old. For hours, a toddler Will found himself shooting balls over his neighbor’s fence with his family’s plastic clubs.
“He’s always there for me. He knows the journey I’ve been on and how much work I put into this game and hugging him meant a little bit more to me,” Harvey said. “I’m really grateful my dad put clubs in his hands.”
Eric’s decision put his son in Indiana record books. Harvey birdied the final two holes to win the individual title at 9-under, becoming Westfield’s first individual state champion. Harvey’s 135 ties a 36-hole record going back to 2003. Westfield finished 8-under-par as a team, 30 strokes better than second-place Homestead.
Westfield coach Josh Bryant informed Harvey he had a two-shot lead heading into the final hole. In response, Harvey decided not to “jam it in” but rather “hit his line” on his stroke, knowing a par would still mean victory if he missed.
“Last year, I didn’t play well, so I was trying to come in with a clear mind, not try to beat the moment and stay right where your head and feet are,” said Harvey, who finished 15th in the 2024 state finals at 7-over-par. “There are definitely times out there when you think about what you’re going to shoot and where you are on the leaderboard. It’s hard to stay in the present, but I think I did a great job grinding that out this week.”
Harvey admitted to not “knowing his game” during his freshman and sophomore years but believes improving his ability to control how high or low his shots went was one of the difference makers Wednesday.
The other? Lighthearted interaction.
After Zionsville’s Max Steiner hit what Harvey described as a “bomb” for par on the 15th hole, Steiner told Harvey, “Well, I just stepped up and hit it. Maybe I should start doing it more often.” Engaging with Steiner’s humor and “messing around” with his teammates during the three-hour weather delay Wednesday settled Harvey for the final three holes.
“You’re not out there for four hours just to be by yourself,” Harvey said. “You have to enjoy the moment and have fun with the guys.”
Harvey’s heart for connecting with others on the golf course is a testament to his upbringing. Whether it’s helping new students get accustomed to Westfield or giving a team speech alongside teammate Jack Cesare before round two of state, Harvey prioritizes the interests of others over his own.
“One thing my wife and I always told him is that we don’t care about his score; we care more about how he treats others on the course, whether you win or lose,” Eric said. “When you have kids, you never know what they are doing when you’re not around. If you talk to most people around the state who play golf, they would say they really enjoy playing with Will.”
The IHSAA honored Harvey with the Mental Attitude Award after Wednesday’s match. The award is presented following each state championship event and is given to a senior who displays “excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability during their high school career,” according to IHSAA.org. Harvey also played on Westfield’s varsity basketball team and boasts a perfect GPA.
“The trifecta,” Bryant said after Harvey received the award alongside two state championships. “He is competitive but fun-spirited and cares about his teammates. It’s hard in this day and age to share success. He and Jake (Cesare) have had an incredible four-year run together.
“Neither of those guys was ever jealous of each other for the other’s accomplishments. In this sport, where one guy wins and one guy doesn’t, they were always focused on the team. Playing two varsity sports and the amount of commitment that takes and keeping a 4.1 GPA, Will checks all the boxes, no doubt.”
Will Harvey. A name now synonymous with grace and triumph on Westfield’s grounds.
With Wednesday’s achievements, Harvey knows it’s four years of a tight-knit community that established the legacy he and his team now leave behind as Shamrocks.
“It makes me so grateful for this team and coach Bryant for the opportunity to play and wear Westfield each and every week. For all those people to believe in me, it means the world,” Harvey said. “I would never leave Westfield because of the community. They always have your back. This community has been with us for three straight runner-ups. You hear all the roars out here and it’s all Westfield. These guys have your back through dark times and good times. It means a lot to be Westfield.”
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Westfield High School senior Will Harvey wins IHSAA boys golf state title
