Frey excels on the golf course

By Rick Palsgrove
Managing Editor

Nolan Frey has had a successful summer on the golf course and is looking for even bigger things ahead.

The Canal Winchester High School senior, who is in his third year of playing varsity golf, has prepared for the upcoming high school golf season by playing in tournaments around the state this summer.

He placed second in the Columbus Parks and Recreation junior amateur event at the Airport Golf Course carding a 74.

“He has been playing well and slowly moving up leaderboards, but finally caught fire,” said his father Barry Frey.

On July 25, Nolan won a Licking County junior amateur event at Clover Valley firing a plus four (76). Later he traveled to Portage County where he started the final round three shots back of the leader Reece Davis, a Mogadore High School graduate and alumni of their golf team. The tournament was played at Kent State University’s home course Windmill Lakes and Sunny Hill Golf Course. Nolan rallied for a two shot victory in the Matt Mishler Portage County Junior Amateur.

“Nolan has been swinging a golf club since he could walk and joined the Canal Winchester Middle School club team in eighth grade,” said Barry. “By the end of freshman year he was hooked on the sport. He worked with Bob Brokaw, a PGA pro, a few times at Westerville Golf Center before Brokaw retired.”

In the first Canal Winchester varsity golf match of year on Aug. 5, Nolan shot a 76 and finished tied for seventh in Pickerington Invitational at Turnberry, two shots back (the winner shot 74). The invitational included 22 schools and 132 participants.

Nolan shot a plus one 73 in the Ohio Capital Conference event at Apple Valley and tied for first place with Michael Murray from Westerville South. He is coached by Rick Maharry.

Nolan said he enjoys the challenge of golf.

“I like the mental aspects, the idea that it’s just you against the course and that ultimately your success depends on your ability to execute,” said Nolan.