Hope was high as the 21st Annual Kiely Cup approached, with everyone quietly wishing the run of perfect weather over the past two weeks would hold. Overnight rain, however, brought early concern. By dawn, Canterbury’s championship course had soaked in the moisture with ease, and thanks to Superintendent Michael LoPresti and his team, the greens rolled true, the fairways remained firm, and the rough was lush and demanding. The stage was set.
As teams began to arrive, familiar faces mixed with first-time participants—Ottawa Hills, Anderson, Springfield Northwestern, and Cardinal Mooney. The atmosphere was electric. Players crowded the putting green, weighing strategy and commenting on the weather. Though the skies cleared, the north wind turned holes like #4 and #16 into monsters. Scoring was tough on Day 1, and the weight of a two-day event added extra nerves.
No one broke par in the opening round, but four players shared medalist honors with steady even-par 72s: Brady Barnum and Blake Hartman (Dublin Jerome), Noah Andry (Olentangy), and Kyle Malicki (St. Ignatius). The day’s theme was patience—stay conservative, keep the ball below the hole, and fight through the gusts.
At the close of Day 1, Dublin Jerome (299, +11), Hudson (306, +18), and St. Ignatius (307, +19) led the way. That evening, players, coaches, and spectators gathered for dinner, highlighted by remarks from the tournament’s namesake, Michael Kiely. A Canterbury ambassador for over 50 years—and a beloved pro, caddie master, and mentor—Mike delivered his trademark wisdom with eloquent simplicity: “Thank and love your parents.” For him, golf is a passion, but guiding young people toward success in life is the greater calling.
The evening also featured Andrew Bailey, back-to-back Ohio Amateur Champion, six-time Canterbury Club Champion, ten-time USGA competitor, and now Director of National Sales for Holderness & Bourne. Bailey reflected on his own days as a St. Ignatius player in the Kiely Cup, reminding competitors that everyone’s journey in golf, and in life, follows its own unique path. His words resonated throughout these young athletes.
By Monday morning, the mood lightened. Stories of a late-night football game at a Pinecrest hotel echoed around the putting green. More importantly, the weather had turned—sunshine, a light breeze, and perfect temperatures greeted players. With better conditions, the leaderboard shifted. Three players broke par: Dublin Jerome’s Brady Barnum (-1, 71), Olentangy’s Trevor Leads (-2, 70), and St. Ignatius’ Patrick Myers, who carded the low round of the tournament with a stellar -3, 69.
When the final putts dropped, Dublin Jerome (604, +28) claimed the 2025 championship, fueled by Medalist and Georgia commit Brady Barnum (72–71). St. Ignatius (608, +32) earned its second straight runner-up finish, while Olentangy Liberty (610, +34) surged into third after finishing sixth a year ago.
This year also marked a new chapter in tournament leadership. After 20 years at the helm, longtime chairman Craig Fraser passed the torch to me but remained on site to lend support. Craig’s vision, dedication, and tireless attention to detail not only launched the Kiely Cup but established it as one of Ohio’s premier high school invitational tournaments. His photography, writing, and behind-the-scenes work continue to enrich the event.
FULL FIELD RESULTS: 2025 Kiely Cup >
— story by Bear DeFino, Kiely Cup Chairman
