By Jacob Heid

NEKOOSA – Even when the season isn’t in session, SPASH’s Riley Pechinski finds time to compete in tournaments. The soon-to-be senior finished first in the girls division in the Par 3 Championship at Sand Valley’s “The Sandbox” on July 7. She finished plus 7 – a score of 58 – at the unique par-3 course. 

Sand Valley Golf resort is highly-rated throughout the country. The club offers golfers three challenging golf courses, each winning “Best New Golf Course” in 2017 and 2018 via Golf Digest magazine.

The Sandbox, where Pechinski played, is the short course at the club. It’s unique in its own way, offering a challenging 17-hole par-3 course with yardages ranging from 40-150 yards.

The senior started her round on the right foot, birdieing her first hole, which averaged just over par for both the girls and boys playing in the event. Holes No. 2 and 3 were tough on Pechinski, where she went a combined plus 4.

The rest of her front nine was consistent, parring five out of six holes.

Making the turn, she held a 12-stroke lead on the field.

The 2021 Girls’ individual state champion scored four straight pars to keep her round going. With three bogies to end her round, she held on to take the event by two strokes.

Pechinski has one win, one runner-up, and one top-25 finish in the three WPGA Jr events she has played this summer.