NISSWA, Minn. – Carding three birdies during his back nine helped Kagan Kollar to his sixth win of the week at The Pines at Grand View Lodge, defeating Arthur Ylitalo, 3 and 2, to claim the 22nd Minnesota Junior PGA ‘Sota Series Match Play Championship.
Kollar defeated Jake Fishbaugher, 4 and 3, early Wednesday to reach the championship match against Ylitalo. During the championship match, Kollar took advantage of an early bogey by Ylitalo at the second to take the first lead of the match.
Ylitalo would strike back to tie the match by carding a birdie at the seventh, and would win the eighth with a par to take a 1-up lead to the back nine.
Converting his birdie opportunity at the 10th, Kollar would tie the match and recaptured the lead with his birdie at the 13th.
He extended his lead following a bogey by Ylitalo at the 14th, and clinched the championship with a par at the 15th to seal the victory, 3 and 2, for his first state title.
Ranked No. 26 to begin the week, Kollar, a soon-to-be senior at Maple Grove High School, defeated Peyton Dingel, 6 and 5.
Kollar needed extra holes to defeat Evan Raiche before downing Dawson Melbo during the Round of 16 Tuesday.
Cruising during the quarterfinal round against Riley McGovern, 5 and 3, Kollar advanced to his semifinal match against Fishbaugher.
THE 22ND MINNESOTA JUNIOR PGA ‘SOTA SERIES MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
THE PINES AT GRAND VIEW LODGE
NISSWA, MINN.
6,507 YARDS, PAR 72
WEDNESDAY’S FINAL MATCH
Kagan Kollar, Maple Grove, Minn., def. Arthur Ylitalo, Wayzata, Buffalo, Minn., 3 and 2
WEDNESDAY’S SEMIFINAL ROUND
Arthur Ylitalo, Buffalo, Minn., def. Torger Ohe, Edina, Minn., 19 holes
Kagan Kollar, Maple Grove, Minn., def. Jake Fishbaugher, Preston, Minn., 3 and 1
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