Gordon Vietmeier started the second round of the Tri-State PGA Senior Section Championship three shots behind Jim Cichra, who posted a pace-setting 65 to open the tournament.
But as Cichra faded Friday, Vietmeier seized the opportunity and rallied for a one-shot win over Cichra and Joe Boros at Green Oaks Country Club.
The 52-year-old Vietmeier, who runs Gordon Vietmeier School in Robinson, followed his opening 68 with a 70 to finish at 4-under 138.
Vietmeier came into the event off back-to-back top-10 finishes on the Tri-State PGA schedule, and continued his solid play. He carded three birdies and made an eagle at the 287-yard, par-4 fifth hole.
Congratulations to our 2020 TSPGA Sr. Section Championship winner Gordon Vietmeier! Jim Cichra is your Super Sr. Division winner!
Our 4 qualifiers for the 2020 PGA Senior Professional Championship:
1. Gordon Vietmeier
2. Jim Cichra
3. Joe Boros
4. Scott DavisCongrats all! pic.twitter.com/ILuxJGOgDS
— Tri-State PGA (@TriStatePGA) August 21, 2020
Cichra shot 74 and lost his three-shot lead, while Boros went 68-71 to stay right where he finished the first round, in second place.
Cichra had four birdies and an eagle Thursday but carded six bogeys Friday. He still captured the Super Senior Division title.
Boros came home in 33 after making three bogeys on the inward nine.
Vietmeier’s sides were 33 and 37.
John Aber and Todd Davis tied for third at 1-over, Denny Dolci was plus-2 and Ty Roush and Carmen Costa finished 3-over.
Vietmeier, Cichra, Boros and Davis all qualified for the PGA Senior Professional Championship.
