Blake Mithrush narrowly missed making the cut at last week's Canadian Amateur Golf Championships in Pointe-Claire, Que.
The Halfmoon Bay golfer fired rounds of 71 and 75, finishing with a 146 score. He was tied with 14 other players and a sudden death playoff was held to decide the final 10 players who would advance to the match play portion of the championship.
Mithrush was eliminated from the competition on the first playoff hole.
"I made a mistake at the wrong time and it cost me," Mithrush said. "I'm disappointed I didn't make the cut, but it was still a great experience."
Mithrush said he's never been in a playoff before, let alone a 14-player playoff.
"It was certainly intense," he said. "Many members of the Sechelt Golf and Country Club as well as people within the community provided me with a great deal of support. I want to thank everyone for that generous and heartfelt support - it meant so much to me.
"Growing up and living in Sechelt is a privilege for my family and me. The sense of community is something we are very proud to be a part of."
Mithrush said he wants to get back to the championship next year and hopefully make the cut and advance further.
"I need to be more prepared to take it to that next level," he said. "More training, more time on the golf course and more tournaments. The course was tough, and when you're playing against some of the best players in the country, you can't make any mistakes. You just can't beat guys playing that way. I know what I have to do and I can't wait to get back there next year and try it again."
Mithrush and his parents spent the remainder of the week cheering on the rest of field including the eventual winner, Darren Wallace of Langley.
Mithrush will continue the rest of the summer working in the pro shop at the golf course, and then in September he will attend Camosun College in Victoria.
"I plan to play a lot of golf while I'm going to school," he said.
