Trevor Metcalfe finally shook the monkey off his back Monday.
After years of earning runner-up status at the men's Simon Fraser Open at Prince George Golf and Curling Club, Metcalfe broke through to become the 2014 champion and earn the coveted silver plate.
But it wasn't easy for Metcalfe to win his first title - all it took was a sudden-death three-hole playoff round against four-time champion Kevin Pederson.
"It feels really good to win it since I've been second a lot in the last three or four times I've played in it," said Metcalfe, a 26-year-old carpenter from Vanderhoof.
After they were all square going into the third sudden death hole when they each made their birdie putts on the No. 2 second hole, Pederson missed a five-foot putt on the high side to force an extra, and Metcalfe calmly drained his par putt to win the tournament.
He carded final scores of 69-67-68 over the three-day tournament that began Saturday, while Pederson fired rounds of 68-71-65 respectively.
"Trevor played well, anything can happen in the playoffs," said Pederson, a 31-year-old business owner from Prince George.
Going into Monday's final round, Metcalfe had a three-shot lead over Pederson and Keenan Hopson.
They played together and kept an eye on each other.
"Today I knew I had to keep going and play as well as I did," said Metcalfe. "I knew the guys behind me were capable of winning. I just tried to play my own game and Kevin was making it tough. He [Pederson] charged all the way back and made a clutch birdie putt on [No.] 18."
Pederson, used to playing under pressure with four Simon titles under his belt, battled Metcalfe right to the very end.
"My goal was not to have a five on my scorecard all day," said Pederson. "On 18, both of our approach shots came within four or five feet of the hole and under the watchful eye of the gallery... I knew if I missed, he would've had the putt for the win and I made it."
Metcalfe made his birdie putt and they were all square. The playoffs took place on the No. 1, 2 and 3 holes.
Pederson's tee shot on the first playoff hole wound up in a bunker and he had to work up and down just to save it. He made a clutch four-foot putt to force the second playoff hole.
Seventy-eight golfers competed in the tournament.
The ladies Simon Fraser Open goes this weekend, Aug. 9 and 10 at Prince George Golf and Curling Club.
