Caine Fitzgerald of Meadow Hills, who won the 2012 Colorado PGA Professional Championship at Cherry Creek Country Club, has put himself in position for a repeat this week.
The left-hander shot a tourament-best-tying 3-under-par 69 on Tuesday, giving him a two-stroke lead heading into Wednesday’s final round at Cherry Creek CC.
Fitzgerald (pictured) carded four birdies and one bogey in round 2, giving him a 3-under-par 141 total.
Fitzgerald and Geoff Keffer of the PGA Learning Center are currently 1-2 on the Colorado PGA Player of the Year points list. And Fitzgerald’s closest pursuer going into the last round is none other than Keffer, the CPGA Player of the Year three of the last four years who is still looking for his first title in this event.
Keffer, who was paired with Fitzgerald each of the first two rounds, posted a 2-under-par 70 on Tuesday, putting him at 143 overall. He made four birdies and two bogeys in round 2.
Tied for third place, three behind Fitzgerald, are Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Ron Vlosich, fellow former champion Mike Northern and Joseph Carlton of Legacy Ridge. Carlton had a 72 Tuesday, Vlosich a 73 and Northern a 74.
Still among those in the hunt for the title is Doug Rohrbaugh of Ironbridge, who is seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive Colorado PGA Professional title. Rohbaugh shares sixth place at 145 after a 71 Tuesday.
Fitzgerald, Keffer and Northern will tee off for Wednesday’s final round at 9:05 a.m.
The 60 players who posted 157 totals or better for two rounds survived the 36-hole cut.
The top eight finishers on Wednesday will earn spots in the PGA Professional National Championship, set for June 18-21 in Bend, Ore.
Colorado PGA Professional Championship
Sept. 12-14, 2016 At Par-72 Cherry Creek CC in Denver
Leaders After Round 2 — 1. Caine Fitzgerald 72-69–141; 2. Geoff Keffer 73-70–143; 3. (tie) Mike Northern 70-74–144; Joseph Carlton 72-72–144; Ron Vlosich 71-73–144; 6. (tie) Kirk Trowbridge 70-75–145; Dale Smigelsky 75-70–145; Doug Rohrbaugh 74-71–145; Ari Papadopoulos 74-71–145; 10. (tie) Luke Brosterhous 77-69–146; Derek Rush 75-71–146; Will Panella 70-76–146; Remington Post 75-71–146. For complete scores, CLICK HERE.
