Hartsock: Gilkison expands lead in Dayton Metro golf tournament

He knows what it’s like to come from behind to win the Dayton Metropolitan Championship, now Josh Gilkison is on the other side.

The defending champion took a six-shot lead into Sunday’s final round at Heatherwoode Golf Club in Springboro.

He trailed by six shots a year ago before rallying to force a playoff with Adam Armstrong, he won in four holes.

Gilkison grabbed a two-shot lead after firing an eight under par 62 in Friday’s second round. He followed with a seven under 63 on Saturday.

“I’m playing really well right now, Gilkison said. “I’m hitting it well, and really seeing the lines of my putts.”

The 19-year old has played 33 straight holes without a bogey. He and his older brother Jake, playing in the final group, took turns making birdies on their home course Saturday.

“It’s a big advantage because I’ve played it so many times I really don’t have to think what I’m trying to do.”

Jake Gilkison was six under par through the first 11 holes to close within two shots, but he played the final seven holes in one over par and stands alone in third place at eight under par.

The Gilkison brothers will be joined in Sunday’s final pairing with five-time Metro champion Pete Samborsky. The 43-year old matched Josh Gilkison’s 63 on Saturday, shooting a five under par 30 on the back nine.

Newly crowned Ohio Amateur champion Austin Sipe started the day two shots behind, but the Centerville native had trouble figuring out the Heatherwoode greens. Sipe struggled to a one over par 71, and finds himself 10 shots behind with 18 holes to play.

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