Fulton County Ohio Media

https://photos.app.goo.gl/1yFr8k6wfhvsWqK66

For the third time in as many years, Mazin Rukieh, Swanton High School Class of 2025, qualified to compete in the Toledo Junior Golf Association (TJGA) Founders Invitational held at the prestigious Inverness (Golf) Club in Toledo this past Monday.  Only the top 30 golfers in each age and gender group, make the cut based on their overall scores after playing in TJGA tournaments throughout the summer on golf courses around Northwest Ohio, including Valleywood Golf Club in Swanton, and Southeast Michigan.

Teeing off just prior to the noon hour, Mazin had to battle the sweltering heat and humidity in addition to one of the most challenging golf courses in the country, site of many PGA and LPGA tournaments in its over 100-year history.  Despite the difficult conditions, he was able to fire an impressive round of 76 (+5) on the day to finish in eight place.

In fact, between the 14^th and 16^th holes, Mazin and his foursome had to play through heavy showers.  However, the sudden downpour did not throw Mazin off his game.  “I’m kind of used to it.  I played in a lot of rain in Scotland,” he said, recalling the week he spent golfing with a team of fellow Americans under harsh conditions on the courses at St. Andrews in Scotland just last year.  “I had three pars on those holes, but it was tough on everybody.  One guy in my group had a triple bogey.”

The Founders Invitational was Mazin’s final golf experience with the TJGA.  In his previous Invitationals at Inverness, he carded scores of 79 (+8), 73 (+4) to go along with Monday’s 76. 

Going forward, Mazin will be taking his golfing talents to Lourdes University in Sylvania to play for the Grey Wolves under the tutelage of veteran golf coach Gil Guerrero.  The Grey Wolves will have a Fall season and a Spring season and their home course is the Sylvania Country Club.  Mazin, a former NWOAL Golf Player of the Year, said he expects to see a lot of familiar faces on the Grey Wolves roster when he begins school in August.  “I’m familiar with a lot of my teammates already.  A lot of them are from local schools like Anthony Wayne,” he explained.  They’re recognized for their golf talent.”

Another familiar face at Lourdes this Fall will be Mazin’s good friend and fellow Swanton Bulldog, Adam Lemon.  Adam, served as Mazin’s caddie in all three tournaments at Inverness. A talented golfer in his own right as part of some very good Bulldog teams along with Mazin, he will be playing baseball for the Grey Wolves, bringing a strong right arm to their pitching staff.

Click on the link above to access photos.