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Timko goes for state golf title
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Boo Timko
By Greg Gulas
CANFIELD
As he prepares for his fourth trip to the state golf tournament, Canfield’s Bruce “Boo” Timko must be thinking the thing in his favor is that he has improved his finish in each of his three previous appearances.
If that trend continues this weekend, then look for him to “drive off” with top honors at this year’s Division I championships.
As a freshman in the 2007 Div. III tourney and representing Warren JFK, he shot a 163 to finish in a four-way tie for 13th place. As a sophomore, his 155 was good enough for a ninth-place finish in the same tournament.
Last season, he made it to the Div. I tourney representing Canfield, and despite inclement weather that canceled the first round, he shot a 75 on the final day of play to finish in a four-way tie for second-place.
That was just one stroke off from Korey Ward of West Chester Lakota West.
Timko, an early commitment to Ohio State, is excited about his possibilities.
“Last year, I started the season with a new swing and thought about it probably more than I should have,” said Timko. “This year, there’s been more consistency with my swing and my ball striking has been more consistent as well.
Timko helped the Cardinals to an 18-1 overall mark this season and a 36-2 mark over the past two campaigns, earning medalist honors in 32 of those 38 events.
He credits Canfield coach Mike Murphy with his development over the past two seasons.
“Coach Murphy is the one who knows everything about golf,” said Timko. “He’s an excellent teacher and coach; is there for everyone on the team and sets up your practice rounds so you’re best prepared for your next match or tournament.”
Murphy, who also took the Canfield team to the state tournament in 2008 and directed Ursuline to the Div. II state tournament in 2005, feels Timko can be the medalist this year for one very important reason — his mental toughness.
“Boo is mentally tough from all of the tourneys in which he plays. Plus, he’s in good shape as well,” said Murphy.
“He had a personal trainer and that has helped him improve his stamina, along with the fact that he gets stronger as the tourney goes on. That is definitely an added plus for him,” added Murphy.
Timko birdied three of the last six holes in the district tournament at Pine Hills Golf Course in Hinckley last week to qualify, and while he has played the Scarlet Course at least a dozen times, Murphy has instructed him not to take anything for granted.
“The course is very demanding and Jim Brown, the former Buckeyes’ golf coach, sets up the course specifically that way,” said Murphy. “He tells everyone ahead of time that two things in golf remain the same; the difficulty of the U.S. Open and how challenging the Ohio Division I Golf Championships will be.
“In order for Boo to win he must be on his game in all facets both days. Take what the golf course gives you and when in trouble, just play.”
Timko feels like he is peaking at the right time.
“Putting is always important, but so is maintaining your composure when you are going well and also when you are being challenged,” he said.