Boardman's Christman chases Ohio Amateur title in Findlay

July 13, 2016 at 12:05a.m.

By STEVE WILAJ

FINDLAY

Cole Christman, just a sophomore at Boardman High, knows what he’s getting into today with the start of the Ohio Amateur at Findlay Country Club.

“There’s a lot of people in it and they’re all good,” he said of the tournament, which features players of all ages. “It’s a very diverse field, so it’s pretty cool to be a part of this.”

Christman, along with a few other locals, will compete in the four-day event beginning this morning.

There will be cuts after the second and third rounds for the field that features high schoolers, college golfers and adults.

“It means a lot because this is a very big tournament,” Christman said.

Other locals competing are Evan Standohar (Girard), Brandon Pluchinsky (North Lima) and Ryan Fowler (Warren).

Standohar and Pluchinsky were both members of Youngstown State’s golf team last season, while Fowler plays for Palm Beach Atlantic University.

They’ll try to join past local winners like Warren’s Jason Kokrak (2006, 2007) and Youngstown’s Rick Jones, who won the tournament in 1975.

“(Jones is) an inspiration to all,” Christman said.

Christman qualified for the Ohio Amateur championship by shooting a 72 at Portage Country Club on June 6. He entered the final three holes plus-five, but birdied all three to finish two-over and clinch his spot.

Christman — who also just clinched his spot in The Vindicator Greatest Golfer of the Valley championship round with a first place finish at Salem Hills on Thursday — will tee off this morning at 9:50 a.m.

Also, Pluchinsky will tee-off at 9 a.m. and Standohar and Fowler will each start at 1:30 a.m.

“I feel like I have some momentum going into this,” Christman said. “It’s a big one to do well in.”