Chris Griffin

KENT, WA – Meridian Valley CC – 6,673 Yards, Par 72, 163 PGA Professionals and Amateurs. $67,655 Purse

PGA Professional Chris Griffin of Tacoma C&GC won the Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational and first place check of $6,000 after posting a final round 68 today at Meridian Valley CC. He won by two strokes over amateur Erik Hanson of Sahalee CC.

In third place was PGA Professional Mike Roters of Gateway Golf and PGA Professional Matt Cowell of Lake Padden GC finished in a tie for third place. 2007 and 2011 champion PGA Professional Tim Feenstra of Broadmoor GC finished in fifth.

View final results

Meridian Valley Country Club officially opened on July 1, 1967 with 9 of the 18 holes ready for play. The second nine holes and clubhouse opened to equally grand fanfare in May 1968. This exceptional 18-hole layout was designed by Ted Robinson, one of the nation’s leading golf course architects, who chose the site based on the stunning views the surrounding area provided.

Meridian Valley CC has hosted the 1972, 1976, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2009 Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational, as well as the SAFECO Classic from 1982 until 1999. MVCC has grown into one of the Northwest’s most respected golf courses to the credit of the founding members who successfully achieved their goal to develop a first-class golf club.

The Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational and the Drive Fore the Cure Northwest Pro-Am benefits Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Prostate Cancer research. The event raised $60,000. For more information, please visit www.dftcnw.org.

The Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational dates back to 1922.  In that year, young Al Espinosa captured the crown at Yakima CC.  Some big names have won this event over the years including the Zimmerman brothers, Al and Emery, along with Chuck Congdon, Al Mengert, Senior Tour Player Rick Acton and PGA Tour Player Fred Couples.

There have been some amazing champions since the event started.  Chuck Congdon holds the record for the most wins (39, 47, 50, 52, and 62) while Al Mengert holds the record for the most consecutive wins (63, 64, and 65).  The current tournament record is held by PGA Professional Tim Feenstra of Broadmoor GC (2011) and PGA Member Jeff Gove (2012).

To view past champions of the Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational, CLICK HERE.

Over the past few months The PGA of America has taken a vocal and active position which reflected the strong viewpoint of our PGA Professionals in opposing the USGA and R&A’s proposed Rule 14-1b that would ban the anchored stroke. Today, the governing bodies indicated that they will proceed with the formal adoption of the rule.

We are disappointed with this outcome. As we have said publicly and repeatedly during the comment period, we do not believe 14-1b is in the best interest of recreational golfers and we are concerned about the negative impact it may have on both the enjoyment and growth of the game. Growing the game is one of the fundamental purposes of The PGA of America.

Although we do not agree with the decision, we applaud the USGA for its willingness to listen to our concerns and engage in meaningful discussions. In our opinion and based on our experience, the USGA treated the comment period for what it was intended to be — a time to exchange opinions, concerns and potential solutions.

We should also note that our difference of opinion regarding 14-1b should not in any way detract from the healthy relationship we have had with the USGA for nearly a century. Together, we have taken tremendous steps for the benefit of the game we both love and serve and we will continue to work together through the ongoing mutual support of Get Golf Ready; Tee It Forward; the Boys & Girls Clubs of America; the First Tee, Drive, Chip and Putt Championship; 9 is Fine; and critical pace of play issues. Let us not lose sight of the fact that The PGA and the USGA agree far more than we disagree.

We also want to note that our conversations and meetings with the USGA over these last few months have resulted in our mutual agreement to engage in a leadership conference no less than once a year to discuss our strategies and concerns and see where and how we can continue to improve the game together. In addition, we look forward to working openly with the USGA in order to ensure that on an ongoing basis, our inclusion in the Rules-making process is as meaningful as possible.

At this point in time, The PGA will digest the USGA and R&A’s decision to proceed with Rule 14-1b and discuss this matter with our Board of Directors, PGA Sections and, of course, our 27,000 PGA Professionals throughout the country. Our Board will convene in late June during our PGA Professional National Championship and at that time, we will decide how best to proceed. In addition, we will continue to confer with the PGA Tour as they similarly digest this information.

In the meantime, we will immediately do what we do best — teach the game. Since the end of November, The PGA Instruction Committee has been working on a process whereby our PGA Professionals can help with the transition from anchored putters to a non-anchored stroke in anticipation of this decision. Our PGA Professionals have always embraced our role as problem solvers when it comes to making the game better and more enjoyable for those who play it.

Ted Bishop, PGA
38th President
The PGA of America

Team entries are now available for the Oregon Open Invitational at Juniper Golf Club on June 11-13th.  Entries close Wednesday, May 29th, so hurry and get your team entry in now!  Head PGA Professional Bruce Wattenburger is excited to host again this year after hosting in 2007 and 2010.

CLICK HERE for the Oregon Open Invitational Team Entry.
~Tournament Format~

Entry into the championship will be four-man teams comprised of two professionals and two amateurs.  You will need to make your own team.

Teams will play together for the first 36 holes. There are two team competitions over the first 36 holes – best 2 net of the 4, and each professional will play a net four-ball with one amateur. Handicaps at 80% will be used in the team games.

The championship is a 54-hole stroke play with professional and amateur purses. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 70 players and ties, repaired by score and the Oregon Open Invitational completed.

There is no maximum handicap for entry (18 max. in the competition), however, all players will play from the championship tees and there will be no individual net amateur.

All players will be governed by the Rules of Golf, Pace of Play, the Section Hard Card, the Section Dress Code and the Section Cell phone regulation.

~History of the Oregon Open Invitational~

This championship dates back to 1905 when George Smith was the first to win the title. Over the years a number of fantastic players have won the championship such as Tommy Armour, Chuck Congdon, Al Zimmerman, Bob Duden, Rick Acton, and PGA Tour Player Peter Jacobsen. It was considered a PGA Tour event in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Last year, PGA Professional Brian Thornton of Meridian Valley CC won the Oregon Open Invitational by two strokes.  He won over fellow PGA Professional Corey Prugh of Manito G&CC. An amateur won the Oregon Open the two previous years. Can they get the title back?

~Juniper Golf Club~

Not many golf courses can attest to having three grand opening ceremonies. Juniper GC officially opened on Memorial Day in 1952. It was originally a 9-hole course, The second opening was in 1987 after PNW Section Hall of Famer Tim Berg was commissioned to redesign the 6,533 yard, 18-hole layout.

In 1995, the city of Redmond planned for a new highway bypass to travel directly through Juniper’s fairways. Thankfully, the government allowed the club to acquire the land it is currently sits on, two miles south of the original course. On July 2, 2005, Juniper had its third grand opening ceremony. This course was designed by the late esteemed golf course architect John Harbottle Jr, and in 2006, his design was honored by Golf Digest as one of America’s Best New Courses. In addition to the previous honor, from 2008 through 2012 Juniper has been rated one of the “Best Places to Play” in Oregon by Golf Digest.

CLICK HERE to view past champions of the Oregon Open Invitational.

Hope to see you all at Juniper Golf Club next month!

Entries are now available for the Rosauers Open Invitational at Indian Canyon GC on July 19-21.  Entry deadline is Wednesday, July 3rd.  Head PGA Professional Gary Lindeblad is excited to host again this year.

CLICK HERE for the Rosauers Open Invitational professional entry.

CLICK HERE for the Rosauers Open Invitational professional online entry.

CLICK HERE for the Rosauers Open Invitational amateur entry.

CLICK HERE for the Rosauers Open Invitational amateur online entry.

~History of the Rosauers Open Invitational~

The Rosauers Open Invitational has been on a part of the PNW PGA tournament program since 1988.  The famed golf tournament has been hosted at one of Washington’s most desired places to play, Indian Canyon GC.  Gary Lindeblad has been the PGA Professional at IndianCanyon since 1984.  He surprised his hometown fans with a victory back in 1990, which is a rarity to golf tournaments played on your home golf course.

We have had some amazing champions since the event started.  Jeff Coston holds the record for the most wins (1997, 2006, and 2008).  Other notable past champions are Rob Gibbons (1991), Bill Porter (1999), Todd Erwin (2000), Casey McCoy (2001), and our 2009 (and 2011) Rosauers champion Corey Prugh who set the tournament record of 192.  The record was previously held at 193 by Scott Johnson (2004) and Ryan Benzel (2005).  We’ll see who gets to add their name to a long list of amazing champions this July.

Last year, PGA Professional David Phay of Whidbey G&CC won the 25th Rosauers Open Invitational at Indian Canyon GC after firing rounds of 62-64-68-194, 19-under par. He won by one stroke over last year’s champion PGA Professional Corey Prugh of Manito G&CC. Phay birdied the last hole for the win.

~Indian Canyon GC~

IndianCanyon was built in 1935 for $200,000.  H. Chandler Egan, a member of the PNGA Hall of Fame, crafted the Canyon’s layout over the well treed hillside southwest of the SpokaneRiver.

IndianCanyon hosted the 1941 and 1984 Public Links Championships.  When Bill Welch was victorious in 1941, he concluded “After I played IndianCanyon, I never wanted to go back to Texas again.  I never saw a golf course that beautiful in my whole life…. I did return to Texas, but only to pack my bags and move to Spokane.”

This municipal track has been annually rated among Golf Digest’s “Best Public Courses”, “Best Affordable Courses”, “Best Golf Courses You Can Play”, “Best in State” and taken individually, some holes rank with the best holes found on any course – public or private – in the region.  IndianCanyon’s lofty acclaim is well deserved.

CLICK HERE to view past champions of the Rosauers Open Invitational.

Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational!

The Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational is under way at Meridian Valley CC in Kent, WA.  We have 168 PGA Professionals and amateurs all vying for the title of the Sterling Bank Washington Open Champion.  The Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational is a 54-hole stroke play individual competition.

The Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational dates back to 1922.  In that year, young Al Espinosa captured the crown at Yakima CC.  Some big names have won this event over the years including the Zimmerman brothers, Al and Emery, along with Chuck Congdon, Al Mengert, Senior Tour Player Rick Acton and PGA Tour Player Fred Couples.

There have been some amazing champions since the event started.  Chuck Congdon holds the record for the most wins (39, 47, 50, 52, and 62) while Al Mengert holds the record for the most consecutive wins (63, 64, and 65).  The current tournament record is held by PGA Professional Tim Feenstra of Broadmoor GC (2011) and PGA Member Jeff Gove (2012).

Meridian Valley Country Club officially opened on July 1, 1967 with 9 of the 18 holes ready for play. The second nine holes and clubhouse opened to equally grand fanfare in May 1968. This exceptional 18-hole layout was designed by Ted Robinson, one of the nation’s leading golf course architects, who chose the site based on the stunning views the surrounding area provided.

This will be Meridian Valley CC’s seventh time hosting the Washington Open Invitational – hosting in 1972, 1976, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2009.  They also hosted the LPGA SAFECO Classic from 1982 through 1999.  MVCC has grown into one of the Northwest’s most respected golf courses to the credit of the founding members who successfully achieved their goal to develop a first-class golf club.

The 2013 Drive Fore The Cure Northwest Pro-Am benefits Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Prostate Cancer research. Drive Fore The Cure Northwest is an annual golf tournament/dinner and auction that benefits prostate cancer research and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Each of the organizing committee members serve in a volunteer status, so the proceeds go to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.  For more information, please visit http://www.dftcnw.org/

CLICK HERE to view past champions of the Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational.

Results will be posted at regular intervals throughout the day at http://www.pnwpga.com/pdf/resultswa13.pdf   “Almost live scoring” will begin at 10:00 am each morning after the groups begin turning.  Be looking to see if one of your friends posts a low score!

Latest Issue (5.3 MB download)

Features:

• Dowaliby and Coston Inducted into PNW PGA Hall of Fame
• Fought Wins Senior Players’ Championship
• Remebering Our Roots, with special article by Todd O’Neal
• Get Ready for the Rosauers Open Invitational
• Planning for Success (You are Your Own Worst Critic) by Monte Koch

More about the PNW PGA Hall of Fame

Championship Qualifier Information

• A stroke play competition based on the lowest gross scores.  The age divisions are:
12 & Under, 13-15, and 16-18.

Yardages expected to play are:

Boys 16-18 – 6856 yards
Boys 13-15 – 5991 yards
Boys 12 & Under – 5360 yards
Girls 16-18 – 5991 yards
Girls 13-15 – 5360 yards
Girls 12 & Under –5360 yards

 
*Any junior who wishes to qualify for the Junior PGA Championship must play 36 holes from the same tees as the 16-18 year old age division.  If a junior is interested in trying to advance, they do have the option to play in the 16-18 age division.

The winning Boy and Girl Champion from each of the 41 PGA Sections will participate in the Junior PGA Championship which will be held July 30 – August 2, 2013. Section Champions are identified based on the lowest gross score in the 16-18 age division.

CLICK HERE for the 2013 Pacific Northwest Section Junior PGA Championship Qualifier entry.

Jeff Fought Wins Senior Players’ Championship

PGA Professional Jeff Fought of Black Butte Ranch GC birdied the first extra hole to defeat PGA Professional Tom Sovay of The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge to claim the Senior Players’ Championship at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club.  They scored a three under par 141 for the two rounds.  Mike DeLong of Coeur d’Alene Resort was two back at 143.  Byron Patton of Rose City GC was low amateur at 144.

The team of PGA Professional Tom Carey and his amateur Dave Lydell of Meriwether National GC won the Four-Ball competition after shooting rounds of 64-66-130, 14-under par.  They won by one stroke over the team with PGA Professional Steve Bowen of Dick’s Sporting Goods and amateur Tim O’Neal from Royal Oaks CC.

The Senior Players’ Championship is a two-man team competition of one Pacific Northwest PGA Professional and one amateur playing a both an individual and a four-ball competition.

The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club opened for play in 1997 and immediately distinguished itself as the region’s premiere golf destination, boasting two courses that has challenged some of the game’s greatest players. Throughout either course, you will encounter some challenges and plenty of points of appreciation.

The Senior Players’ Championship will be played on the North Course.  The North Course was designed by Bob Cupp, whose award-winning golf architecture accomplishments include Oregon courses Crosswater and Pumpkin Ridge.  While The South Course’s trees & terrain are pure Willamette Valley in character, the North Course feels more like playing among Oregon’s coastal dunes.  The more expansive links-style layout features undulating native grass mounds, distinctive shape, judicious bunkering & formidable greens with short grass surrounds.

CLICK HERE to view final Senior Players’ Championship results.

NO CUT at the Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational!

We are still accepting entries for the Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational at Meridian Valley CC.  The Drive Fore The Cure Northwest Pro-Am is being held on Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19 while the Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational is Monday-Wednesday, May 20-22, 2013.

CLICK HERE for the Sterling Bank Washington Open Championship Professional entry.

CLICK HERE for the Sterling Bank Washington Open Championship Professional online entry.

CLICK HERE for the Sterling Bank Washington Open Championship Amateur entry.

CLICK HERE for the Sterling Bank Washington Open Championship Amateur online entry.

Back by popular demand, we are returning to the 54-hole stroke play championship format with a twist…..NO CUT!!!  You asked for it, so we delivered!  You will enter as an individual; there will be no team competitions in the 87th Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational.

~Drive Fore The Cure Northwest Pro-Am at the Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational~

The 2013 Drive Fore the Cure Northwest Pro-Am benefits Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Prostate Cancer research. For more information, please visit www.dftcnw.org.

~History of the Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational~

The Washington Open Invitational dates back to 1922.  In that year, young Al Espinosa captured the crown at Yakima CC.  Some big names have won this event over the years including the Zimmerman brothers, Al and Emery, along with Chuck Congdon, Al Mengert, Senior Tour Player Rick Acton and PGA Tour Player Fred Couples.

There have been some amazing champions since the event started.  Chuck Congdon holds the record for the most wins (39, 47, 50, 52, and 62) while Al Mengert holds the record for the most consecutive wins (63, 64, and 65).  The current tournament record is held by PGA Professional Tim Feenstra of Broadmoor GC (2011) and PGA Member Jeff Gove (2012).

~History of Meridian Valley CC~

Meridian Valley Country Club officially opened on July 1, 1967 with 9 of the 18 holes ready for play. The second nine holes and clubhouse opened to equally grand fanfare in May 1968. This exceptional 18-hole layout was designed by Ted Robinson, one of the nation’s leading golf course architects, who chose the site based on the stunning views the surrounding area provided.

Meridian Valley CC has hosted the 1972, 1976, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2009 Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational, as well as the SAFECO Classic from 1982 until 1999. MVCC has grown into one of the Northwest’s most respected golf courses to the credit of the founding members who successfully achieved their goal to develop a first-class golf club.

CLICK HERE to view Past Champions of the Sterling Bank Washington Open Invitational