GOLF: Pavloff wins second SIGA Championship

Kolton Pavloff of Du Quoin won his second SIGA Championship this past Sunday at Rend Lake Golf Course, repeating his performance from 2013.

Pavloff, playing in the first group of the day, fired a one over par 73 and was the leader in the clubhouse until the final groups came in. The first round scheduled for Saturday was cancelled due to inclement weather, reducing the championship to an 18 hole event.

Kyler Spencer (Nashville) also carded a 73 to set up a sudden death playoff for the championship. The players remained tied through the first five playoff holes before Pavloff would sink a two-foot putt for the victory with darkness falling.

"To win this event for a second time is very special," Pavloff said. "I've been in playoffs before but never one that went this many holes. It was pretty intense. Kyler is a very good player. We've played a lot of golf together over the years."

"The hardest part was waiting in the clubhouse to see if my 73 would hold up. Fortunately it was enough to get me into the playoff."

Pavloff was even par with three holes to play. A bogey on number 16 resulted in a finish of one over par.

"Coming into the tournament, I knew it would take a score around par to win," Pavloff said. "Winning a major event like this is a great start to the summer season and a huge confidence builder."

The next big test for Pavloff will be the Midwest Qualifier of the Optimists International Junior Golf Championship on June 15 - 18 at Red Tail Run Golf Course in Decatur, IL.

"Hopefully I can carry some momentum into Red Tail Run," Pavloff added. "It's a very competitive event on a course that I really enjoy playing."