By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

The OHSAA Division I boys district tournament at Pine Hills Golf Club has a reputation as one of the toughest in the state.

LIAM CURTIS

This year’s event, which was held on Monday in Hinckley, lived up to that reputation.

Playing the tough course from the back tees (6,666 yards) the 20 teams and 20 individuals maneuvered the fairways well, as three individuals were under par and 41 golfers fired 79 or better.

Among the talented golfers at the district, one rose to the top as the medalist and first-qualifying individual to the state tournament at the NCR Country Club in Kettering.

That golfer was Liam Curtis, a senior representing Kent Roosevelt.

Curtis fired a 3-under-par 68 to earn medalist honors by one stroke over Sam Fauver, a Hudson senior.

Curtis was consistent throughout the round, firing five birdies and two bogeys to go with his 11 pars and two nine-hole rounds under par.

Being at the top is not a surprise for this talented golfer. He is often in the mix for medalist honors throughout his high school career.

Qualifying for the state tournament in 2023, Curtis fired a 73 as a junior, good for a tie for 10^th place at the Ohio State University Scarlet Golf Club in Columbus.

This year, the Division I boys and girls state tournaments are hosted by the NCR Country Club, which is designed by Dick Wilson, who boasts Doral, Bay Hill and Laurel Valley among his architectural achievements.

Curtis, who has already verbally committed to Kent State University to continue his golf and education. Ben Curtis is the coach of the Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders. He has an impressive resume of his own as a standout golfer for Kent State and winner of The Open Championship in 2003, among other accomplishments.

Other local golfers at the Division-I district event included Aurora’s Kyle Lancaster, playing as an individual. Lancaster fired a 79 and Chris Pollak, also of Aurora, competing for state-qualifier Hoban. Pollak carded a 75.