From the outside, it looked like he was a lamb being led to the slaughter. But the way it turned out, Ryan Woelfling was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

 During Saturday’s opening round of the annual Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners golf tournament at Pine Meadows, Woelfling was paired with three of the biggest names in local amateur golf – partner Dan Brown, and opponents Jim Gardner and Chris Gebhard. But instead of being in awe of his surroundings, Woelfing simply played his game.

 The composure of the 19-year-old college student and graduate of Elco high school was the key to he and Brown firing a nine-under par 63, an opening-round score which was good enough for a first-place tie with Tom Kintzer and Josh Kreiser. Woelfling and Brown’s first round consisted of an eagle, seven birdies and ten pars.

 Woelfing helped with a 10-foot birdie at the par-three 17th hole, and converted a short birdie putt at the par-five sixth. Woelfling also drained a 15-foot birdie putt at Pine Meadows’ par-four Number 12.

 – Jeff Falk