Johnny Bart underlined his potential after beating a stellar field to qualify for the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship.

The Saltus Grammar School student punched well above his weight, shooting an impressive 71 in the 18-hole qualifier at Wildfire Golf Club in Lakefield, to finish tied for second at one-under.

He was three under at the turn after carding three birdies on the front nine, including back-to-back birdies at the 4th and 5th holes.

Bart’s relentless assault on the par-fives continued on the stroll coming in as he picked up another birdie at the 12th hole to dip to four-under.

His only blemish occurred at the final hole, another par-5, where he carded a triple bogey that took some of the shine off an otherwise solid round.

The 17-year-old is thrilled to have achieved his primary objective and was oozing with confidence heading into the qualifier.

“I felt pretty confident all week leading up to the qualifier” Bart told The Royal Gazette.

“I knew that in these events you usually need to be around par to get in and I knew I was capable of doing that. I started off hot, getting to three-under through five holes, then settled in and just coasted.

“I picked up one more birdie on 12 to get to four-under, and I stayed there all the way to the 18th hole. Unfortunately, I made an eight on 18, which dropped me back to one-under for the day.”

Bart was clinical with the putter and equally as solid with the driver and irons, hitting 15 greens in regulation.

“I really focused on hitting fairways and greens,” he said. “I hit 15 greens in regulation, which helped me limit mistakes and keep myself in a good position throughout the round.”

Bart now has two tournaments in Canada to look forward to after punching his ticket for the Ontario Junior Boys Amateur Championship when finishing tied for 33rd to make the cut at last year’s Ontario Junior Provincial Championships at Lindsay Golf and Country Club.

“I’m really happy to have now qualified for both the Ontario Men’s Open and Junior Amateur Championships,” he said.

“I hope to play well in both events and qualify for the respective Canadian Amateurs Championships.”

The Ontario Junior Boys Amateur Championship will be held at Sawmill Golf Course in Fenwick from June 29 to July 2, with the Ontario Men's Amateur Championship taking place at Otter Creek Golf Club from July 6 to 9.