ARCANUM — Twin Valley South sophomore Nathan Osborn is heading to his second Southwest District tournament, having finished second as an individual at the sectional held at Beechwood Golf Course in Arcanum on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
The top four teams advanced to the next phase in the postseason. Mechanicsburg led the 14 teams in the event with a team score of 341. Ft. Loramie and Fairlawn tied with a 347, while Lehmen took fourth with a 359. South’s team finished in 10th place with a 393.
Osborn advanced because any player who finishes in the top four individually, but not on a qualifying team moves on to the district tournament. He scored an 81 in the event, tying two others. But, he was second overall among players whose teams did not advance.
“Nathan had a strong start — he played the front nine very well,” said TVS coach Darcy Robinson. “But as the wind picked up throughout the afternoon, it just got harder and harder for everyone to keep their scores down. For the second year in a row, he was forced to play a tie-breaking playoff on the first hole.
“Last year, it was a real nail-biter, because it was to determine who got to fill that fourth spot, which Nathan won,” Robinson said. “This year, it was to determine who came in second and third place. More or less, it was just a matter of determining tee times for the district tournament. Still, I think Nathan made it a matter of pride, parring the hole to the other player’s bogey, earning himself that second place finish.”
For the second year in a row, Osborn is moving on in the post season.
“I know he is anxious to get another opportunity, as he didn’t play that well in the district last year,” Robinson said. “His game has improved so much this year, so I have a feeling he’s going to do much better, hopefully getting a chance to advance to state. That’s obviously everyone’s goal, but it’s a very difficult goal to achieve, being that they only take the top two individuals from the district. Really, it’s anyone’s game at this level — whoever shows up and has the ball dropping in the cup like they want it to, will advance.”
The Southwest District tournament will be held on Oct. 6, at the Beavercreek Golf Club.
