The previous five years had produced a different Senior Open champion.

Wednesday afternoon was different.
Great Bend’s Paul Keller fired a 1-over 72 to beat Mike Chambers (75) in the championship flight of the 2011 event at StoneRidge Golf Club.
After a one-year hiatus, Keller is back on top, becoming the first golfer to win the tournament — which debuted in 2006 — twice in its six-year existence.
Mark Deighton finished in third place at 77, and Lon Palmer captured fourth at 78.
Francis Ohnmacht overcame five three-putts to shoot 83 and take home first place in the first flight, overtaking John McKim (83).
Phil Garcia and Mark Connell tied for third at 85.

Special events
• Mike Chambers won the closest to the pin on hole No. 4 at two feet, one inch.
• Tom Vernon won the longest putt on 9 at 18-2.
• Garicia won the longest putt on 12 (19-1).
• Garcia won closest to the pin on 16 (10-9).
• Keller won the closest to the pin on 18 (13-4).

Senior champs

2011 — Paul Keller
2010 — Tom Swain
2009 — Paul Keller
2008 — Mitch Haney
2007 — Ralph Terry
2006 — Lee Danylu

2011 Senior Open
At Great Bend

StoneRidge
Golf Club
Par 71

Wednesday
Paul Keller               72
Mike Chambers        75
Mark Deighton         77
Lon Palmer               78
Dean Akings             78
Bob Schwartz            79
Don McLaughlin       81
Tom Vernon               81
Bob Cheney               81
Randy Wetzel            82
Francis Onmacht       82
John McKim              83
Phil Garcia                 85
Mark Connell             85
Bob Goeller                93
Merlin Grimes            94
Don Spreiler              101
Dennes Cook             114
Jim Zubek                  119
Kenny Guthrie           DNF