(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photo) Becky Cecconi, left, of Pine Grove Country Club poses holding the runner-up trophy, next to three-time winner and 2021 champion Paxton Johnson of Escanaba Country Club after the 2021 Upper Peninsula Ladies Golf Association tournament at Pine Grove Country Club on Tuesday in Iron Mountain.

IRON MOUNTAIN — The 2021 Upper Peninsula Ladies Golf Association championship tournament had a repeat champion, a three-time champion, in fact. Northern Michigan University golfer and Escanaba Country Club member Paxton Johnson of Escanaba captured the title Tuesday at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain.

Johnson, who also won the 2018 UPLGA crown at Oak Crest Golf Club in Norway and the 2019 title at her home course, ECC, defeated Pine Grove member Becky Cecconi in the match play style finals, 5 and 4. The opening round on Thursday was in traditional hole scoring format, while the final three days were all match play.

“I played very scrappy today, especially my short game,” Johnson said. “I shot poorly from the tees today, so my short game helped me out a lot. Today was the best of the four days that I played in the tournament. The course was in great shape all four days.”

The 2020 UPLGA event, which was to be held at PGCC as well, was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“These ladies are so good, very competitive to play against,” Johnson added. “My first year playing in U.P.’s they made me feel welcome, and treat me like one of their own kids, which is really nice.”

This year was the 94th annual UPLGA Championship, with the 95th in 2022 scheduled to be held at Riverside Country Club in Menominee.