Stilley's Still on Top
Makanda, IL - It was a wet day at Apple Creek Golf Club for the first round of the 102nd SIGA Championship. Due to storms in the area, play started 30 minutes later than originally scheduled for all players. Through the morning and into mid-afternoon, rain continued to come down off and on. There was a potential weather threat being monitored in the afternoon, but we managed to dodge it and were able to play on without stopping.
The juniors led the pack this morning. Carver Hall of the SIGA eClub started the day strong with a birdie on the first. After battling around the course, Hall ended the day at the top of the leaderboard at seven-over (+7) par. Just one stroke back is Carson Hagler of the SIGA eClub. Hagler ended the day on a high note with a birdie on the last to finish at eight-over (+8) par. Austin Larson of Old Hickory Golf Club also made birdie on the last hole to come in at nine-over (+9) par. Carter McPherson of the USGA/MetAmateur GC and Trey Norman of Youth on Course are tied for fourth with a score of ten-over (+10) par.
Next out were the super seniors. Mike O’Neill of the Metropolitan eClub finds himself on top. After three birdies on the back, O’Neill finished the day at five-over (+5) par. David Speicher of Cardinal Creek Golf Course follows behind in second at nine-over (+9) par. David Glass is in third at thirteen-over (+13) par.
The seniors followed next in the lineup. Mike Castellari of Salem Country Club took the early lead in this division on the front nine with three birdies. Castellari ended the first round three-over (+3) par. Tom Portner of Green Hills Golf Club started the day with a birdie on the first hole, but finished the day in second at four-over (+4). Barry Craig of the SIGA eClub sits in third at five-over (+5) par and is followed by Tony Nolfo at six-over (+6) par.
The final group to take the course were the men. Hugo Archer of the SIGA eClub was the first leader in the clubhouse early on. Archer carded a bogey-free front nine with two birdies and concluded the day at one-under (-1) par. Out on the course, defending champion River Stilley was fighting for it. With birdies on Holes 15 and 17, Stilley moved up to the top of the leaderboard at two-under (-2) par. Ryan Suhre of the Metropolitan eClub started and finished strong. With birdies on Holes 1 and 3 and an eagle on 18, Suhre came in at one-under (-1) par to be in a tie for second with Archer. Brandon Bullard of Apple Creek Golf Club, Parker Bruening of Far Oaks Golf Club, and Cy Norman at Apple Creek Golf Club are all tied for fourth at one-over (+1) par.
Players will return tomorrow for the second and final round.