Lucas Kim Claims Ontario Men’s Public Player Title

Lakefield, ON (GOLF ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO) – Eighteen-year old Lucas Kim of Toronto earned his second provincial title on Friday after topping the leaderboard at the Baka Mobile Ontario Men’s Public Player championship hosted by Wildfire Golf Club near Lakefield.

The former Ontario Junior Boys’ champion (2011) took a decisive five stroke lead in Thursday’s opening round after carding a three-under par 69, before turning out a 73 on Friday to retain his five stroke advantage and hoist the trophy. 

“This means a lot to me,” said Kim of his win. “I had a rough season this year and I told myself I wanted to finish by making a statement, so it means quite a bit.”

Kim played his final round paired alongside defending champion Arnold Johnson of Toronto and Chris Willis of Toronto as the trio battled for the top spot throughout the final eighteen holes.

“We had a really good time, and they came close after the front nine which really got me to focus on my golf game,” explained Kim. “I got the hang of it on the back nine and I really enjoyed it today, they are two really good players.”

The commentary in the clubhouse following the competition centered on the outstanding shape of the course, which was playing at 6322 yards this week.

“It was perfect,” said Kim of Wildfire. “I really enjoyed playing this golf course. It was short, but challenging, I had to put the ball in play all the time and the greens were just rolling perfectly.”

Johnson delivered two solid performances to earn runner-up honours after closing out the competition with a total score of 147 (75-72), while Morton finished tied for third place alongside Toronto resident Chris Willis. Both golfers wrapped up the tournament at 148, four-over par.

In the “B” flight, Bradford resident Greg Colling dominated the field after carding a one-over par 73 on Friday, picking up the gold medal with a nine stroke victory. Colling carded three birdies against four bogeys in his final round, adding to his opening round score of 80 for a final tally of 153, +9. Two golfers tied for second place; Scarborough resident Regan O’Halloran, and Brooklin’s Troy Darbyson. Both golfers finished with a total score of 162 (+18).

In the “C” flight Bolton’s Andres Nieto came out on top, delivering an opening round 81 followed by an 85 on Friday for a total score of 166 and a resounding eleven stroke win. Oshawa’s Mitch Ouellette earned runner-up honours with a total score of 177 (87-90) while Orangeville’s Roland Hill rounded out the top three at 179 (91-88).

The Golf Association of Ontario would like to thank Wildfire Golf Club for their hospitality and use of the course, and Baka Mobile for their continued support of the Ontario Public Player Championship and of amateur golf in Ontario.