Zylstra among leaders at OFSAA golf

   The St. Joseph's Ram as an individual and teammates O'Brien, Gold and Slaats,  

   as a team, in the medal hunt at the high school provincial championship

  October 12, 2022

By Rob J. Ross

KOMOKA, Ont. - Jack Zylstra is within striking range of provincial gold.

The St. Joseph's Ram sits tied for third overall, after carding a 74, on day one of the OFSAA boys golf championship, at FireRock Golf Club.

Matthew Javier, of Crescent school, in North York, leads the field, after firing a two-under 70.

Eric Zhao, also from Crescent school, is two strokes back, even at 72, over 18 holes.

"I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Nice to catch up with some old friends too," Zylstra said. "Haven't had a lot of my best stuff in the school tournaments so far, but looking for that to change tomorrow. In all honesty just being consistent with every aspect of my game was a massive aspect for my round. My mentality was also a defining factor. The fact of me knowing I'm here for a reason and I know, no one can beat me but myself was a big thing for me today."

There are two divisions at OFSAA, open and high school.

St. Joe's is in the high school division, with Zylstra tied for first, individually, with Charlie Votkins, of Etobicoke Bishop Allen Academy and Cole Thompson, Grimsby Blessed Trinity high school.

Two strokes behind, at 75, are London Oakridge's Liam McKeiver and Matthew Lyons, of Aurora St. Andrew's College.

Zylstra overcame an injury, to put himself in a position for a provincial medal, something he will be aiming for on day two.

"Tomorrow, hoping to physically feel better. I have strains in my left leg which caused a lot of pain throughout the round," Zylstra said. "The biggest thing for me is be a big time player. Big time players make big time plays and I'm hoping to show that tomorrow."

Will O'Brien (81), Ethan Slaats (84) and Gryffen Gold (100), complete the St. Joe's team, with day one scores.

Cameron Wanlin, in the open division, led the Medway Cowboys, the host school, with a round of 78.

Rylan Hall, the WOSSAA champion, from Stratford St. Mike's, carded a 78.

Crescent leads the team standings with a four person total score of 221.

St. Andrew's College is second, at 229, followed by Guelph JF Ross, 238, and the Zylstra led Rams, at 239.

Medway, the host school, is ninth, at 246.

At OFSAA girls golf, at Flamborough golf club, near Ancaster, St. Joseph's Rams Jadelina Tep-Chhun, carded a day one score of 84.

Celina Yeo, the WOSSAA champion, from London Aquinas, has a share of first place, with a day one score of 71. plays for 31 yards.

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