Stark County will once again play host to a state amateur ‘major’: the Ohio Public Golfers Association (OPGA) State Public Links Championship (better known as the Ohio Publinx) will be played at the Seven Hills Golf Course in Hartville, Ohio in 2011 and 2012.
The 2011 championship will be held starting Tuesday, July 26th through Friday, July 29th, with a free practice round on Monday, July 25th.
The Ohio Publinx is a 72-hole stroke play tournament that is open to public and private golfers. The tournament features a $5,000 merchandise prize to be divided among the top 60 finishers. Kevin Miller of Dover is the defending champion.
Ken Kyland, president of the Ohio Public Golf Association is proud of the choice. “Our goal is to crown the top amateur golfer in Ohio, and Seven Hills is a perfect test. It’s not only one of the top courses in Stark County, but the state as well. The layout is challenging and it’s always in great condition.”
Stark County is no stranger to hosting the Ohio Publinx, as Tannenhauf Golf Course (Alliance), Tam O-Shanter (Canton), and The Elms (Massillon) have all served as venues.
Past Stark County Ohio Publinx Champions include Don Nist (Massillon) 1957, 1965, 1972; Jim McFarren (Canton) 1974; Ken Hyland (Louisville) 1975; Alex Rotar Jr. (Canton) 1980; Bob Vogley (Canton) 1983; Rob Wakeling (Canton) 1993, and Jeff Mallette (Canton) 1998.
Founded in 1928, the Ohio Public Golf Association organizes four Ohio championships, including the OPGA’s Junior Championship, Mid-Am Championship, Publinx State Amateur Championship and the Memorial Senior Championship. Please visit OPGA.us for more information or contact Ken Hyland at 330-875-4196.
