Zac Bihler got just what he wanted Friday in the finals of the EDGA Junior Match Play Championship at Elk Valley Golf Course – an early lead.

Bihler bolted to a 3-up lead just five holes into the match on his way to a 3-2 victory over Cathedral Prep teammate Pat Murawski. Bihler won the third, fourth and fifth holes and Murawski was never able to get closer than 2 down the rest of the match.

“It feels a lot better to get ahead early and I play better when I’m ahead,” Bihler said. A tap-in birdie on No.9 enabled Murawski to cut Bihler’s lead to 2 up, but the twosome halved five straight holes before Bihler secured the victory with a routine par 5 on No. 16 after Murawski chunked a chip shot.

“I feel pretty good, but I’m surprised I won,” Bihler said. “Early in the season I wasn’t hitting the ball that well, but my game came around in time.”

Poor putting plagued Murawski through the first nine holes. He needed 20 putts on the front side. He three-putted the first hole and missed a four-foot birdie putt on the second. He easily could have been 2 up after two holes. “If I could have capitalized on the first two holes it might have changed the complexion of the match,” Murawski said. “But if I had to lose I’m glad it was to Zac. He’s a great teammate and played well.”

Dave Rinderle claimed the First Flight title with a 1-up win over Greg Podufal. Birdies on four of the first six holes helped Rinderle, a student at Walnut Creek Middle School, claim a 3-up advantage that he maintained through 14 holes. It looked like Rinderle would close out the match when he chipped in for a birdie a No.15, but Podufal did the same to remain in contention. Birdies on Nos. 16 and 17 allowed Podufal to cut Rinderle’s lead to 1 up, but Podufal missed an eight-foot par-saving putt on No.18 that would have tied the match.

Match Results Qualifying Scores

The match play is scheduled as follows:

Friday June 27 - Finals at 10:30 (First Flight) and 10:37 (Championship)