NCGA Super Senior: Defending champion Gary Vanier and Chuck Richesin share lead

ELK GROVE, CA (October 24, 2016) --Defending champion Gary Vanier is back on top of the leaderboard, but at least for now he’s got company. Vanier, the 2016 NCGA Super Senior Player of the Year, shot a 1-under 71 Monday at par-72 Valley Hi Country Club in Elk Grove to share the first round lead at this year’s NCGA Super Senior Championship with Woodbridge G&CC member Chuck Richesin. Looking to become the first player to win back-to-back Super Senior titles, Vanier was steady, posting four birdies to go against three bogeys. Richesin, a teammate of Vanier’s at the recent Staedler-Jetter Cup, also carded four birdies and three bogeys. The two co-leaders don’t have much wiggle room. Just a stroke behind following a 72 is two-time NCGA Senior Player of the Year (2009-2010) Mark Miller. Miller, who’s playing his first full season as a Super Senior (age 65-over), went 3-under through holes No.4-No.7. He’d also go 3-over on holes No.1-No.3. Only two shots back after matching opening scores of 73 are Bob Rowland and 2015 NCGA Super Senior Player of the Year Herb Jensen. Another three players, including Bob Olds, are only three off the lead following opening rounds of 74. Tuesday’s final round will tee off at 8:30 a.m.