Area golfers ready for 102nd Ohio Open
Jun. 24—Everybody enjoys a second chance.
That is the opportunity that 250-plus golfers from across Ohio will be presented with when the Ohio Open returns to Westfield Country Club from June 26-28.
The 54-hole, stroke-play tournament was also held at Westfield last year. The Northern Ohio PGA is excited to run it back this year with the 102nd Ohio Open.
And those area golfers who played in the 101st Ohio Open LAST year are looking forward to a second crack at Westfield's North and South courses as well.
"I've probably played in the Ohio open a dozen or so times," said Joe Meglen of Mentor, who is the director of player development at Stonewater Golf Club. "I missed the cut last year. I played pretty well on the second day; shot a 71 on the North course. I think I shot a 77 on the South.
"The challenge is making more birdies."
Of the 250-plus golfers who are registered for the tournament, 14 hail from The News-Herald area.
Area players teeing off on the North course on June 26 will be Garrett Korte (Willoughby), Ayden Richmond (Geneva), Jay Schiffbauer (Fairport Harbor), Scott Pollack (Chagrin Falls), Kevin Sullivan (Painesville), Chris Okeson (Beachwood), Nick Zaller (Mentor) and Meglen.
Going off on the South course on Day 1 of the tournament from the area are Cosic, Gary Rusnak (Painesville), Ryan Chipps (Painesville), Alex Andrews (Kirtland), Zander Gibson (Concord Township), Trevor Cohen (Concord) and Nick Gustin (Perry).
The field will switch courses on Day 2 of the tournament. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 60 scores for the final round of the tournament on June 28.
"We played there last year and for the most part it's right in front of you," said Gustin, senior golf manager at Erie Shores Golf Course. "It's a good test. The North is more of a links style and the South is more typical country club with treelines and fairways."
Playing conditions might be different for participants this year. Combine weekend rain with the possibility of more rain on Day 1 of the tournament on June 26, and most are expecting a softer course that will allow for potentially lower scores.
"Even though I'll try to make more birdies, I've got to stay patient and not force it," Meglen said. "When I try to force it, you get too aggressive and fire at flags you shouldn't or go after a putt and run it by. You just have to trust your game and allow birdies to happen instead of forcing them."
As usual, the field is loaded with top talent both of PGA professionals and amateur players. Reigning champion Jordan Gilkison, 2018-2019 champ Stephen Gangluff and 2021 champion Jake McBride are in the same group that tees off at 1:15 on the north course.
Another intriguing group is that of 2016 champion TT Crouch, 2014 winner Tim Ailes and 2013 champ Colin Biles that plays at 12:55 p.m. on the South course.
"I like to play and compete," Meglen said. "But I don't look at this as if I'm going to compete with guys who play golf for a living. I teach a lot of golf. I'm going out to be in a competitive environment with good players. My goals aren't to win the tournament in or be in the top 10. I'm happy to go shoot a couple rounds under par and make the cut."
Gustin is in the same mindset. Teaching golf lessons and working at Erie Shores affords him time to play one or two rounds per week. That being said, Gustin — who is also the head boys basketball coach at Madison — is excited for the tournament.
"Tournament golf is tough," he said. "Being in a mindset for 4 1/2-5 hours to keep your mind from wandering, that's tough to do when you don't do it every day.
"For me, the key is to be able to stay focused and make you're I'm mentally prepared. Don't make a big number. Just try to be sharp for three rounds."
For Cosic, a recent graduate of Lake Catholic who is headed to Cleveland State University on a golf scholarship, it's a continuation of a promising golf career. A year ago, Cosic missed the by one stroke, so the 18-year-old All-Ohioan is eager to get a second crack at what Westfield has to offer.
"I'm just hoping to make a few more putts," he said. "Westfield South is very tight. If I keep it in play and give myself a shot to the green, I should be OK. It's a fun course to play. I missed the cut last year, so I'm eager to get back and get some revenge on it."
102 Ohio Open
When: June 26-28
Who: More than 250 professionals and amateurs from throughout Ohio.
Where: Westfield Country Club, North and South Courses, 6500 Greenwich Road,
Westfield Center
Format: 54 holes, stroke play. Cut to low 60 scores plus ties after 36 holes.
Conducted by: The Northern Ohio Section of the Professional Golfers Association
of America (NOPGA).
Title sponsor: Pyramid Treating PRESENTING SPONSOR: Meritech, Inc.
About Westfield: It opened as a 9-hole course in 1937. The South Course is the
older of the two and will play to 6,774 yards. The North Course opened in 1975 and will
play to 6,733 yards. Both have a par-70.
