MIDDLETOWN — Sidney High School sophomore Zach Yinger battled poor conditions to shoot an outstanding round Wednesday at Middletown’s Weatherwax Golf Course, and earn himself a spot as an individual in next weekend’s State Golf Tournament in Columbus.

According to Sidney head coach Doug Barhorst, Yinger played half the holes in the rain Wednesday. But he still shot a steady round of 16 pars and two birdies for a final 2-under-par 70, tying him for medalist honors and getting him one of only three spots for individuals not on qualifying teams.

“Considering the conditions, Zach shot a solid round,” said Barhorst. “Weatherwax is a difficult course, but Zach really played well.”

Yinger challenged for a spot at state last season as a freshman, but missed out by just two strokes.

“He just played solid,” said Barhorst. “He hit 15 greens (in regulation), had no three-putts, and no bogeys.”

The Jackets were unable to make it as a team, finishing 13th out of 16 teams with a score of 340. Corey Teague finished with an 85 for the Jackets, Parker Jordan had a 92 and Jonathan Lowe 93.

Lakota East was the top team with a 297. Also qualifying for state were Cincinnati Moeller with a 302 and Cincinnati Xavier with a 310.

Yinger becomes the first Sidney golfer to qualify for the state meet since Mike King did it as a senior in 2003.

Yinger will be playing the Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course beginning next Friday in Columbus.

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