Tottenham, ON — Clear and sunny skies welcomed the players to Woodington Lake GC for the second round of the Ontario Open today. Things were as close as ever after the first round, with only two strokes separating the top eleven players, making today’s round of the utmost importance.
All eyes we’re on Matthew Scobie (Deer Creek GC) after his impressive performance in the first round, but it was Gregory Eason (Kissimmee, FL) who stole the spotlight. Finishing -1 after 18, Scobie was seen as the early favourite heading into today’s round, but the story quickly changed once Eason caught heat early in the round. Eason kicked off his day with a birdie on 2, followed by seven straight pars to close out his front nine at -1. With the leaderboarding crowding up, the 27-year-old knew he would have to ride the momentum to make a push for first.
Continuing his success, Eason would go on to card a birdie on his eleventh hole, and an eagle on the thirteenth. Finishing the day with a round score of -5, a tournament low, Eason quickly found himself at the top of the leaderboard.
“It’s been a while since I’ve had the lead in a tournament, so this is a great feeling,” said Eason. “Tomorrow will be good fun. I’ve got to keep hitting the ball well if I want to stay ahead of the talented field behind me.” Eason finished the day with a total score of -4 after two rounds.
Keeping with the narrative of the close race, trailing in second place is a four way tie between Blair Bursey (Gander, NL), Thomas DeMarco (Essex G&CC), Branson Ferrier (Barrie, ON), and Jake McNulty (Lindsay G&CC) at +2. The four players have all showed some maturity and skills over the past two days, as they continue to battle through the challenging course. And although they all sit a few strokes behind Eason, the tournament is anything but over. This track has proved that only a single hole can change the course for one’s entire round, and surely tomorrow will be no different.
As for the Amateur Division, it was Thomas Giroux (The Club at North Halton), Derek Dalziel (London, ON), and Sudershan Yellamarau (Blue Springs GC) who lead after round two with a total score of +4. The trio all found themselves in a good rhythm today as they continue to impress throughout the championship.
Tee times for round three begin tomorrow begin at 8:00. For future results and information on the tournament, visit the official tournament page HERE
For photos from the tournament, CLICK HERE
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization and is focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 450 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.
About the Ontario Open
The Ontario Open has a storied history dating back to 1923, making this Championship one of the oldest Championships in the world. Past champions of this event reads like a who’s who of Canadian and International golf, and includes the immortal Sam Snead, Canadian golfing legends George Knudson and Moe Norman, as well as seven-time champion Nick Weslock.
Other notable past players include PGA members such as (Masters Champion) Mike Weir, (2020 Ryder Cup Captain) Steve Stricker, Ray Stewart, Jim Rutledge, Ian Leggett, Dave Morland, Jerry Anderson, Steve Flesch, Ashley Chinner, Trevor Dodds, Chris DiMarco, Dan Haldorson, Grant Waite, Ian Leggatt and Scott Dunlap.
About Woodington Lake Golf Club
Woodington Lake Golf Club is home to 36 holes of picturesque golf in Tottenham, Ontario, just north of Toronto. The original course, The Legend Course opened in 1995, and is built on over 200 acres of rolling terrain. Carved from towering pine forest and nestle around Woodington Lake, this course Is truly legendary. The newest addition to Woodington Lake Golf Club is the Legacy course, a true mix of Links and Stadium styles. With very challenging water hazards, along with fast and undulating greens, the Legacy course will keep golfers of every skill coming back for more.
Ryan MacKenzie
rmackenzie@gao.ca
