Joe Viechnicki

Chipped in on the 18th hole to shoot 72 at the Mitchellville, Md., sectional to force a 6-for-1 playoff, which he advanced through when he birdied the first playoff hole to qualify for the 2011 U.S. Senior Open.
Is playing in his first USGA championship. Three-time club champion at Saucon Valley Country Club (1995, 1996, 2000), site of the U.S. Senior Open in 1992 and 2000, the U.S. Amateur in 1951 and the U.S. Women's Open in 2009. Also won the Saucon Valley Country Club Medal Tournament. Three-time club champion at North Hampton Country Club in Easton, Pa., in the 1980s. Only recently began playing an expanded competition schedule in Greater Association of Philadelphia events.
Is a board certified Orthodontist and was the president of the Lehigh Valley Orthodontist Association in the 1990s. Finished fifth at the 2011 Saucon Valley Country Club Medal Championship and had a top-30 finish at the 2011 Patterson Cup Qualifier. Prefers playing to practicing golf. Played one year of golf at Penn State as a walk-on, but quit to focus on his studies. Went to dental and orthodontic school at Temple. Has been married to wife Margaret for 31 years, and they have two children, Bryon, 28, and Kathryne, 21. Likes to spend time with his family on vacations and also enjoys skiing when he is not playing golf.