Top Returning Boys Golfers Set the Stage for 2027 Season

The OHSAA boys’ golf season officially tees off on July 29, and the 2027 campaign begins with plenty of proven talent returning to area courses.

The region is coming off another successful postseason, highlighted by two teams that reached the state tournament. University School placed ninth in Division I and returns all four golfers who competed at state: seniors Carter Pinney, Eddie Gardiner, Nathan Chege, and Will Cody. Pinney and Gardiner each tied for 51st with identical 36-hole totals of 164, while Chege tied for 56th at 167 and Cody finished 61st at 171.

In Division II, Gilmour Academy qualified for the state tournament as a team and returns junior Enzo Marous, who gained valuable experience competing on Ohio’s biggest stage.

The area’s individual success was equally impressive. Dylan Phillips, a senior at West Geauga, captured the Division II district championship before finishing sixth at the state tournament. Jordan Clotman, a senior at Orange, also advanced to state after winning a playoff at districts.

With seven returning state tournament participants and several additional district qualifiers back in the lineup, Northeast Ohio enters the 2027 season with no shortage of golfers capable of making another deep postseason run.

Division I

Carter Pinney, Senior, University School

Pinney enters the season as one of Northeast Ohio’s premier golfers after placing fourth at the Division I district tournament with a 71. He followed that by tying for 51st at the state tournament with rounds of 81 and 83 for a 164 total.

Eddie Gardiner, Senior, University School

Gardiner finished seventh at the district tournament with a 73 before matching Pinney’s 164 total at the state tournament. Along with Pinney, he gives University School one of the strongest returning duos in Division I.

Nathan Chege, Senior, University School

Chege qualified for the state tournament after finishing 50th at districts with an 80. He improved significantly at state, shooting an opening-round 88 before bouncing back with a 79 to finish tied for 56th.

Will Cody, Senior, University School

Cody rounded out University School’s scoring four at the state tournament, placing 61st with rounds of 89 and 82 for a 171 total. His state experience adds even more depth to an already talented Preppers lineup.

Aiden Curtis, Senior, Mentor

Aiden Curtis qualified for the district tournament and finished 30th with a 77, returning as Mentor’s top postseason performer.

Jacobb Duaso, Junior, Madison

Jacobb Duaso posted an 82 at districts and returns as one of Madison’s top young golfers.

Ben Ozinga, Junior, Riverside

Ozinga gained district tournament experience as a sophomore and returns as one of Riverside’s top players.

Division II

Dylan Phillips, Senior, West Geauga

Phillips headlines the area’s returning golfers after winning the Division II district championship with a 71 before placing sixth at the state tournament. He enters the season as one of Northeast Ohio’s leading contenders for a state medal.

Jordan Clotman, Senior, Orange

Clotman earned his trip to the state tournament by winning a playoff after shooting a 75 to finish fifth at districts. He returns as one of Division II’s top postseason-tested golfers.

Enzo Marous, Junior, Gilmour Academy

Marous helped Gilmour Academy qualify for the state tournament as a team while also advancing individually through districts. He returns after gaining valuable experience competing against the state’s best.

Ben Dame, Senior, Perry

Ben Dame narrowly missed a state berth after finishing 11th at the district tournament with a 77. He returns as one of Perry’s top golfers.

Charlie Thomas, Senior, Orange

Charlie Thomas shot an 84 at the district tournament and provides Orange with another experienced postseason golfer.

Hamilton Miller, Junior, NDCL

Hamilton Miller qualified for districts as a sophomore and carded an 84, making him one of Division II’s top returning juniors.

Carson Porcello, Junior, Perry

Carson Porcello returns after competing at districts and will be an important part of Perry’s lineup.

Connor Penny, Senior, Edgewood

Connor Penny gained district tournament experience in 2026 and returns to lead Edgewood this season.

Preston Rupert, Junior, Perry

Preston Rupert also qualified for districts and adds another experienced postseason golfer to Perry’s roster.

Division III

Johnny Walsh, Senior, Independence

Johnny Walsh leads the Division III returning class after placing 11th at the district tournament with an 82. He enters the season as one of the favorites to earn a state tournament berth.

Kaden Schuette, Senior, Independence

Kaden Schuette finished 20th at districts with an 84, giving Independence another experienced postseason golfer.

Nick Nead, Senior, Kirtland

Nick Nead tied for 23rd at districts after carding an 86 and returns to lead Kirtland’s lineup.

Sammy Ridgeway, Senior, Kirtland

Sammy Ridgeway also shot an 86 to tie for 23rd at districts, giving Kirtland a strong one-two punch.

Anderson Jolliffe, Senior, Independence

Anderson Jolliffe gained valuable district tournament experience and returns after shooting a 94.

Ethan Addington, Senior, Kirtland

Ethan Addington qualified for districts and posted a 95, adding another experienced player to Kirtland’s roster.

David Crooks, Senior, Independence

David Crooks reached the district tournament and returns after carding a 97.

Ryan Green, Senior, Kirtland

Ryan Green rounds out the returning district qualifiers after competing at districts and shooting 100.