Lexington's Jackson Durchik sets OCC golf tournament record with opening-round 63

Jackson Durchik delivered a record-book moment for Richland County golf Thursday, firing an opening-round 63 in the 2026 Ohio Cardinal Conference tournament and propelling Lexington to the top of the boys standings.

The Minutemen took all seven available team points and posted a 293, four strokes ahead of New Philadelphia's 297, in a two-round stroke-play field that includes Ashland, Dover, Lexington, Madison, Mansfield Senior, New Philadelphia, West Holmes and Wooster.

Durchik's record-setting performance came weeks after he won his third consecutive Richland County Junior Golf Championship in July with rounds of 70 and 72 for a 142 total. The reigning OCC Golfer of the Year is now positioned to repeat for the award as Lexington pursues the conference team championship.

Lexington's lead also reflected the depth behind its senior standout. Myles Smith shot a 75 to place sixth individually, while Dawson Dreibelbis tied for seventh with a 76.

With New Philadelphia only four strokes back, the Minutemen will have little room for a letdown when the second and final round is played Thursday, Aug. 27, at The Pines Golf Club.

In the girls competition, Wooster held a one-stroke lead after the opening round, shooting a 378 to Ashland's 379. Lexington stood fifth at 462.

The final boys round will begin with Lexington leading the conference and Durchik's 63 already established as the tournament benchmark — the latest recognition for a homegrown golfer continuing to excel for his Richland County school.