Tom Fletcher ran away with the Apogee Investment Management Senior Championship, scoring a six-shot victory on Sept 1 at Lakeshore 1860.

 

The Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Famer fired rounds of 67 and 71 to claim his second straight  title at 5-under 138. Fletcher led the tournament from start to finish and was the only player to finish the 36-hole event under par. John Harrington placed second at 1-over 144.

FINAL RESULTS

Fletcher said winning the Senior AIM champion again was much more satisfying this year. A year ago, the event was shortened to 18 holes because of rain.

 

“It’s rewarding because last year the tournament got canceled after one round when I won,” he said. “This felt good that I was able to finish the tournament off.”

 

In the Super Senior Division, Randy Young (Bellevue CC) fired a 68 at Lakeshore to claim the title with a 7-over 150. Don Lalonde was second (153).

 

Fletcher set the tone early in the first round at Cazenovia Country Club. He carded seven birdies including four on the front 9 which enabled him to seize a three-stroke lead over Harrington at the end of the day. All three of Fletcher’s bogeys were on the back nine.

 

Fletcher’s game plan in the final round was to make pars and hit the greens and fairways.

 

“The plan was to make them come and get me,” he said. “I had to be patient and play my game. I made four birdies today and 11 for the tournament. That put me ahead pretty good.”

 

In the final round at Lakeshore, Fletcher limited his mistakes which kept Harrington and three-time champion Michael Naton at bay. All three players are members at Tuscarora Golf Club. Harrington won Syracuse District Golf Association Senior Best Ball on Aug. 23 at Skaneateles CC.

 

“It was great to play with my fellow Tuscarora members,” Fletcher said. “It was a fun day. We supported each other so it was really good.”

 

Neither Naton nor Harrington could catch up with Fletcher who was 6-under after 28 holes. Harrington saw his chances evaporate when he double bogeyed No. 11. Naton was tied for third with Ron Caiello entering the final round at 1-over 72. Naton settled for third with a 3-over 146.

 

Rain had an impact on the Senior AIM again this year. The 41st annual tournament was rescheduled for Aug. 31-Sept. 1 when rain washed out the original dates of July 19-20.