Garland Goes Extra Holes to Capture DG Advanced Division Title

Effingham's Joseph Garland had to go extra holes, but he captured the Advanced Division championship of the NADGT Exclusive at the Megiddo Course in Pekin Saturday.

Garland finished with a 55-54=109 total to go -5 for the tournament, but that's only part of the story. 

That score tied him with Trevor Aaby of Roscoe, Illinois at the end of regulation, forcing a playoff. On the third playoff hole, Garland made a birdie putt to claim the title.

Garland staged some heroics, though, that led to the playoff. 

After finishing -2 in the first round, Garland found himself four shots behind in Round 2 with three holes to go. Garland then went par-birdie-birdie, while Aaby went bogey-par-bogey, and the two found themselves tied, leading to the playoff.

The win was Garland's fifth career victory. The win also qualifies Garland for national tournament play later this year in Austin, Texas. 

Two other Effingham area DG players competed in the Advanced Division.

Mark Jones went 59-57 to finish +2 for the day, shooting even par in the second round. Jones finished tied for 12th place. 

Andy Burgholzer shot 68-60 to go +14 on the day and finished 21st. 

Two local players competed in the Recreational Division.

Ben Ruholl finished seventh at +13, going 63-64. 

Zeb Berry shot 76-65 to finish tied for 17th at +27.