Austin Lemieux Tri-State Section PGA Open Championship winner

Amateur Austin Lemieux, son of Mario Lemieux, wins Tri-State Section PGA Open Championship for third year in a row.

In a thrilling turn of events, the annual Tri-State Section PGA Open Championship saw an amateur emerge victorious for the third year in a row. This time, it was none other than Austin Lemieux, the son of Pittsburgh Penguins legend Mario Lemieux, who clinched the title.

Lemieux showcased his skills by shooting a remarkable 3-under-par 69, finishing the 18-hole event at an impressive 2-under 142. Following closely behind was Joe Boros, the director of golf instruction at Treesdale Golf and Country Club, who finished just a shot back at 1-under. Boros, who birdied the final two holes, secured the title of low pro in the competition.

Amateurs Scott Jordan and Dave Brown tied for third place at even par, while amateur Nathan Piatt and Glengarry Golf Club pro Talon Kriebel tied for fifth at 1-over. Allegheny Country Club pro John Aber and Hickory Heights pro Shaw McCall tied for seventh at 2-over.

Despite leading after day one, Oakmont assistant Alex Aulerich had a tough second round, finishing tied for ninth at 3-over. Lemieux, reflecting on his victory, expressed satisfaction with his performance over the two days at Southpointe.

"I've been hitting it well lately," Lemieux shared. "I learned a lot about my game and have seen improvement throughout the year."

Lemieux's decisive birdie on the 17th hole ultimately secured his victory. As he anxiously watched from the 18th hole, Dave Brown came close to catching up but fell short after a challenging shot on the 16th hole.

Brown's valiant efforts included a remarkable birdie on the 17th hole, but a missed chip on the 18th cost him the win. Despite this, Boros remained positive, acknowledging the strong competition and the thrill of playing against talented amateurs.

Reflecting on his strategy at Southpointe, Boros emphasized the importance of managing one's game and placing the ball strategically. He noted the challenging conditions of the course in previous years and commended the strong field of amateur players in the competition.

In the end, Lemieux's consistent performance and strategic play earned him the title, marking a memorable victory in the annual championship.