The Olentangy girls golf team is playing the first round of the Division I state tournament without one of its top competitors.
Sophomore Jodie Han, who has carded several of central Ohio’s best rounds this season, is missing the first day of the tournament at Firestone Country Club in Akron because she is competing in the American Junior Golf Association’s 1st Clubs for Kids Foundation Junior All-Star Invitational in Broussard, Louisiana.
Han has several rounds in the 60s this season, including a 61 on Sept. 4 at Oakhaven during the Olentangy Invitational and a 63 to win the district championship Oct. 6 at The Links at Echo Springs.
Olentangy coach Micah Conley told The Dispatch that Han will be subbed into the Braves’ lineup for the final round at state Oct. 13.
Olentangy is playing the first round with senior Meadow Tian — last year’s co-state runner-up — in the lead spot, followed by juniors Kaylee Keys, Aubrey Davis, Sophia Dreischarf and Varshita Vivek in that order.
Han, who won this AJGA event last year, earned a chance to defend her title when she was named to the AJGA’s Junior All-Star Team. That came with an invitation to play in this weekend’s tournament.
She shot a 3-over par 75 in the first round Oct. 10 and a 69 in the second round and enters the final round tied for fifth, nine shots behind leader Grace Carter from Jupiter, Florida.
High school sports reporter Dave Purpura can be reached at dpurpura@dispatch.com and at @dp_dispatch on X.
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