Vizina Claims Minnesota PGA Senior Match Play Title
October 3, 2018
Thomas Vizina of Oaks GC won the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on Oct. 3. Vizina defeated Island View's Dan Callahan, 3 and 2.
Thomas Vizina of Oaks GC won the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on Oct. 3. Vizina defeated Island View's Dan Callahan, 3 and 2.
Thomas Vizina of Oaks GC won the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on Oct. 3. Vizina defeated Island View's Dan Callahan, 3 and 2.
Island View GC Head Professional Dan Callahan goes with the putter from in front of the 9th green during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan advanced to the finals with a 5 and 4 victory over Roger Fahrenkrug. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Island View GC Head Professional Dan Callahan goes with the putter from in front of the 9th green during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan advanced to the finals with a 5 and 4 victory over Roger Fahrenkrug. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Island View GC Head Professional Dan Callahan goes with the putter from in front of the 9th green during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan advanced to the finals with a 5 and 4 victory over Roger Fahrenkrug. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina lines up a putt on the 9th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina advanced to the final match with a 2 and 1 victory over Dale Jones. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina lines up a putt on the 9th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina advanced to the final match with a 2 and 1 victory over Dale Jones. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina lines up a putt on the 9th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina advanced to the final match with a 2 and 1 victory over Dale Jones. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug watches his tee shot on the 8th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Dan Callahan defeated Fahrenkrug, 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug watches his tee shot on the 8th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Dan Callahan defeated Fahrenkrug, 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug watches his tee shot on the 8th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Dan Callahan defeated Fahrenkrug, 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dale Jones watches his tee shot on the 8th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Thomas Vizina defeated Jones in the first semifinal match, 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dale Jones watches his tee shot on the 8th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Thomas Vizina defeated Jones in the first semifinal match, 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dale Jones watches his tee shot on the 8th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Thomas Vizina defeated Jones in the first semifinal match, 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan watches his putt on the 7th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan defeated Roger Fahrenkrug 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan watches his putt on the 7th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan defeated Roger Fahrenkrug 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan watches his putt on the 7th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan defeated Roger Fahrenkrug 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina (L) receives congratulations from Dan Callahan (R) after clinching the championship on the 16th hole of the final match in the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina (L) receives congratulations from Dan Callahan (R) after clinching the championship on the 16th hole of the final match in the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina (L) receives congratulations from Dan Callahan (R) after clinching the championship on the 16th hole of the final match in the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina watches his long birdie attempt on the 16th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina's par clinched the match in a 3 and 2 win over Dan Callahan. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina watches his long birdie attempt on the 16th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina's par clinched the match in a 3 and 2 win over Dan Callahan. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina watches his long birdie attempt on the 16th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina's par clinched the match in a 3 and 2 win over Dan Callahan. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina lines up a birdie putt during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina lines up a birdie putt during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina lines up a birdie putt during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina watches his approach shot on the 7th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina won the championship with a 3 and 2 victory over Dan Callahan. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina watches his approach shot on the 7th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina won the championship with a 3 and 2 victory over Dan Callahan. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina watches his approach shot on the 7th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina won the championship with a 3 and 2 victory over Dan Callahan. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
As rain begins to fall, Dan Callahan looks over a shot on the 8th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
As rain begins to fall, Dan Callahan looks over a shot on the 8th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
As rain begins to fall, Dan Callahan looks over a shot on the 8th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Leaf clearing was par for the course during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Here, Thomas Vizina does his best to get a clean run on the 6th green. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Leaf clearing was par for the course during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Here, Thomas Vizina does his best to get a clean run on the 6th green. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Leaf clearing was par for the course during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Here, Thomas Vizina does his best to get a clean run on the 6th green. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan's shot on the par-3 6th hole looks good from the tee in his match against Thomas Vizina. Callahan finished as the runner -up in the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan's shot on the par-3 6th hole looks good from the tee in his match against Thomas Vizina. Callahan finished as the runner -up in the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan's shot on the par-3 6th hole looks good from the tee in his match against Thomas Vizina. Callahan finished as the runner -up in the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan plays his tee shot on the par-3 4th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan fell in the final to Thomas Vizina, 3 and 2. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan plays his tee shot on the par-3 4th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan fell in the final to Thomas Vizina, 3 and 2. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan plays his tee shot on the par-3 4th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan fell in the final to Thomas Vizina, 3 and 2. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina plays his third shot on the par-4 5th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina managed to get up and down to halve the hole. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina plays his third shot on the par-4 5th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina managed to get up and down to halve the hole. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina plays his third shot on the par-4 5th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina managed to get up and down to halve the hole. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina tees off on the par-3 4th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina defeated Dan Callahan 3 and 2 to win the championship. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina tees off on the par-3 4th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina defeated Dan Callahan 3 and 2 to win the championship. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina tees off on the par-3 4th hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina defeated Dan Callahan 3 and 2 to win the championship. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina watches his pitch shot on the par-5 third hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina watches his pitch shot on the par-5 third hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina watches his pitch shot on the par-5 third hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan plays a great second shot from an impossible lie on the par-5 third hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan managed to save par and halve the hole. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan plays a great second shot from an impossible lie on the par-5 third hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan managed to save par and halve the hole. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callahan plays a great second shot from an impossible lie on the par-5 third hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Callahan managed to save par and halve the hole. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dan Callaan watches his tee shot on the 1st hole of the final match in1 1the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA1
Dan Callaan watches his tee shot on the 1st hole of the final match in1 1the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA1
Dan Callaan watches his tee shot on the 1st hole of the final match in1 1the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA1
Thomas Vizina's birdie putt slides by on the low side of the hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina defeated Dan Callahan 3 and 2 to win the championship. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina's birdie putt slides by on the low side of the hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina defeated Dan Callahan 3 and 2 to win the championship. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina's birdie putt slides by on the low side of the hole during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina defeated Dan Callahan 3 and 2 to win the championship. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina plays his second shot on the par-5 17th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Advanced to the finals with a 2 and 1 victory over Dale Jones. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina plays his second shot on the par-5 17th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Advanced to the finals with a 2 and 1 victory over Dale Jones. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina plays his second shot on the par-5 17th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Advanced to the finals with a 2 and 1 victory over Dale Jones. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dale Jones plays his second shot on the par-5 17th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Jones fell to Thomas Vizina 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dale Jones plays his second shot on the par-5 17th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Jones fell to Thomas Vizina 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dale Jones plays his second shot on the par-5 17th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Jones fell to Thomas Vizina 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina tees off on the 1st hole 1during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina tees off on the 1st hole 1during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina tees off on the 1st hole 1during the final match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug watches as his attempt to extend the match runs by the hole during his semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Waconia on October 3, 2018. Fahrenkrug fell to Dan Callahan 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug watches as his attempt to extend the match runs by the hole during his semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Waconia on October 3, 2018. Fahrenkrug fell to Dan Callahan 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug watches as his attempt to extend the match runs by the hole during his semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Waconia on October 3, 2018. Fahrenkrug fell to Dan Callahan 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug looks over the line of his putt on the 14th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Fahrenkrug fell in his semifinal match to Dan Callahan, 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug looks over the line of his putt on the 14th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Fahrenkrug fell in his semifinal match to Dan Callahan, 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug looks over the line of his putt on the 14th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Fahrenkrug fell in his semifinal match to Dan Callahan, 5 and 4. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug congratulates Dan Callahan on his 5 and 4 victory in their semifinal match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug congratulates Dan Callahan on his 5 and 4 victory in their semifinal match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Roger Fahrenkrug congratulates Dan Callahan on his 5 and 4 victory in their semifinal match of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dale Jones rolls a putt on the 14th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Jones lost to Thomas Vizina 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dale Jones rolls a putt on the 14th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Jones lost to Thomas Vizina 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Dale Jones rolls a putt on the 14th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Jones lost to Thomas Vizina 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina plays chips at the 14th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina defeated Dale Jones 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina plays chips at the 14th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina defeated Dale Jones 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
Thomas Vizina plays chips at the 14th hole during a semifinal of the MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Island View GC on October 3, 2018. Vizina defeated Dale Jones 2 and 1. Photo by Jeff Lawler/Courtesy MGA
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WACONIA, Minn. – Rolling in a birdie at the fourth hole in the final match against Daniel Callahan Wednesday, Thomas Vizina never trailed over the final 14 holes to claim the 2018 Minnesota PGA Senior Match Play Championship, 3 and 2, at Island View Golf Club.
Vizina wins for the first time since claiming the 2016 Minnesota Senior Open at Minnesota Valley Country Club, where he pulled out a one-stroke come from behind victory over Dave Podas.
Opening the championship Tuesday with a 2-up victory over Bob Miller, Vizina edged Steve Fessler, 1-up, to advance to the semifinal round. He faced defending champion Dale Jones during Wednesday’s semifinal match and would birdie two of his first three holes to take command before Jones evened the match at the eighth.
Taking advantage of a bogey by Jones at the ninth, Vizina regained his lead and never looked back, closing out the match with a 2-up victory at the 17th hole.
Facing the challenge of taking on Callahan on his home course Wednesday, Vizina rolled in his birdie putt at the fourth before Callahan answered by winning the sixth. Vizina grabbed the lead for a second time with a par at the seventh, but Callahan answered again by winning the 11th to draw even.
Winning the 13th with a par, Vizina took control of the match by sinking his birdie at the 14th and would close out the match after a bogey by Callahan at the 16th to earn the victory, 3 and 2.
2018 MINNESOTA PGA SENIOR MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
ISLAND VIEW GOLF CLUB
WACONIA, MINN.
6,252 YARDS, PAR 72
WEDNESDAY’S FINAL MATCH
Thomas Vizina, Oaks GC, def. Daniel Callahan, Island View GC, 3 and 2
WEDNESDAY’S SEMIFINAL ROUND
Thomas Vizina, Oaks GC, def. Dale Jones, Mendakota CC, 2 and 1
Daniel Callahan, Island View GC, def. Roger Fahrenkrug, Braemar GC, 5 and 4
TUESDAY’S SECOND ROUND RESULTS
Dale Jones, Mendakota CC, def. George Smith, Club Champion, 1-up
Thomas Vizina, Oaks GC, def. Steve Fessler, Medina G&CC, 1-up
Daniel Callahan, Island View GC, def. Don Berry, Edinburgh USA, 1-up
Roger Fahrenkrug, Braemar GC, def. Matt Vandelac, unattached, 3 and 2
TUESDAY’S FIRST ROUND RESULTS
Dale Jones, Mendakota CC, def. Gary Westman, Pebble Creek GC, forfeit
George Smith, Club Champion, def. Larry Norland, Greenhaven GC, 2 and 1
Thomas Vizina, Oaks GC, def. Bob Miller, MN PGA, 2-up
Steve Fessler, Medina G&CC, def. Steve Whillock, Oak Marsh GC, 4 and 2
Don Berry, Edinburgh USA, def. James Johnson, Medina G&CC, 4 and 3
Daniel Callahan, Island View GC, def. Jeff Otto, Lafayette Club, 2 and 1
Matt Vandelac, unattached, def. Craig Waryan, Edinburgh USA, 4 and 3
Roger Fahrenkrug, Braemar GC, def. Marty Lass, Edina CC, 2 and 1
For complete tournament results go to: https://mnpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/mnpga18/event/mnpga1865/contest/1/leaderboard.htm
