Rain washes away first round of Mid-Ohio Invitational

WEST LAFAYETTE – Saturday's rain washed away the first round of the 51st annual Mid-Ohio Invitational and almost canceled the second.

"We decided early on to cancel Saturday's round," said Dick Baker, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Golf Association. "Under those circumstances, it went pretty well."

Despite the conditions, the association did go ahead with the second round, and finished the tournament in 18 holes. This marked the first time in the tournament's history that it finished without a Saturday round.

Although the tournament didn't start as planned, it ended with an exciting eight-hole playoff.

Austin Peay golfer Justin Arens outlasted Josh Zornes to win the tournament with a birdie on the last hole. Jack Carter, from Iowa State, also was in the playoff but was eliminated after the first hole.

Finishing in a tie for fourth was Matt Meyer, of New Albany, and Grant Weaver, of Ohio State, with a 69.

Rounding out the top 10 and finishing 1 under par, with a 70, was Dennis Holub, of Reminderville; Tom Lydic, of New Bloomfield; Brandon Pluchinsky, of North Lima; Mark Wright, of Westerville; and Ryan Troyer, of Dover.

There also were some familiar names from Coshocton, Muskingum and Morgan counties that competed.

Tanner Stoffer led the way for the Coshocton County competitors, as he shot a 74, finishing 26th. Brad Byers shot an 84, finishing in 82nd, while Austin Manning shot an 87, finishing 97th.

Tyler Hull led the way for the Muskingum County competitors, as he shot a 76, finishing tied for 39th. Dylan Van Fossen and Todd Hixson, both shot 77 and tied for 43rd; Zackhery Forker shot a 78, finishing 53rd; and Brandon Spears shot an 85 to finish 86th.

The lone Morgan County competitor, Joe Lemon, of McConnelsville, shot an 85, finishing in 86th place.