MOUNT VERNON — Centerburg High School junior Troy Lemke had one of his best days as a golfer on Tuesday. He may not have shot his best score ever, but he did enough at the Division III District Tournament at Cumberland Trails Golf Course.
Lemke carded a 78 during his round, which put him into a playoff for the last spot to go to the state tournament. After not making a birdie all day, Lemke birdied the first playoff hole to seize the final spot.
“Troy was very solid tee to green today,” said Centerburg coach Nathan Altizer. “He struck the ball really well, especially on the second nine. He started on hole 10, so he finished on the front nine. I know on the front nine, he didn’t miss the fairway and he hit eight of nine greens. His ball striking was very solid today.”
For Lemke, Tuesday’s performance was a culmination of a season of hard work. He is just beginning to peak, which is leading to his improved play.
“He has been playing really well lately and I think it is a confidence thing,” Altizer said. “He has been playing with a lot of confidence and that has shown in his scores. He shot 74 or 75 at one of our last tournaments and it has all kind of started from there. He did really well at the last MBC tournament at Apple Valley. He has been playing really well and it carried over to today.”
Heading into the Division III State Tournament at The Ohio State University Scarlet Course, Lemke will get to experience what teammate Garrison Myles did last year. Altizer believes that Lemke is ready for the challenge, and is looking forward to seeing what his player can do.
“This will be huge,” said Altizer. “It will be a huge confidence booster for him. This is great for him. He and Garrison have played on the same team competitively for five years, since seventh grade, and he has kind of always been in Garrison’s shadow. Garrison learned a lot from going to state last year, and I’m sure Troy will this year. It will do wonders for his confidence.”
The state tournament will be held Oct. 16 and 17.