Northwest Open/2021

Sekulic Breaks Record at Northwest Open Invitational

by Tanner T. Montgomery, PGA - Manager of Tournament Operations

Amateur Max Sekulic captured the Northwest Open title by four strokes over PGA Professional and three-time Northwest Open Champion Derek Berg. Max, a senior at Washington State University, shot 66-65-62 for 193 (-23).

After the conclusion of the two-day Northwest Open Pro-Am, which raised $5,000 for Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that helps provide the families of fallen and disabled service members educational scholarships, the stage was set for the 168 participants to battle for the three-day championship at Wine Valley GC.

On Monday, August 16, the scores were low after the first day of play with PGA Professional Derek Berg of PNW Golf Academy leading the way with an opening round 63. Not too far behind him were PGA Professionals Corey Prugh of Community Colleges of Spokane and Russell Grove of North Idaho College, shooting 64 and 65 respectively.

A dramatic increase in wind speeds lead to higher scores on the second day of the tournament, ending in a tie for first place at 131 between Max Sekulic and Derek Berg, PGA.

“My standard ball flight is low and penetrating from so many years of playing windy golf. I get a lot of forward roll on my tee shots meaning shorter clubs and wedges into greens,” stated Max, unfazed by the conditions.

After shooting 62 the final day, Max not only captured the Northwest Open Championship title, a tournament that had its inaugural event in 1901, but also set the new low 54-hole score for the event at 193.

“It's an honor to hold the scoring record! I think it’s the first time in my career that I've been a record holder! And to do it at an event that's been going on for so long brings even more prestige to it,” Max said of his accomplishment.

“Winning the Northwest Open means a lot to me!” he continued. “Having my first professional win was an important milestone for me. Playing well and shooting low numbers is validation that I’m working on the right things and that I have the ability to play golf at the professional level.”

Sekulic has had a fantastic summer so far. He also won the Canadian Amateur Championship and finished second at the Rosauers Open Invitational. We look forward to follow his success this fall back at WSU.

We’d like to thank Wine Valley GC for hosting the Northwest Open Invitational for all these years. Thank you to owner Jim Pliska, PGA Director of Golf Chris Isaacson, Assistant PGA Professional Brady Sharp, Superintendent Tyler Daniels and their staffs for an amazing week.

Final results: https://2021secnorthwestopen.golfgenius.com