Northwest Open/2023

Campbell Clenches Second Major at Pelzer Golf Northwest Open Invitational

By Grant Tribolet, 2023 Tournament Intern

The Home Course, as always, was presented to the players in tip-top shape and would have been an excellent test on its own. General Manager Justin Gravatt states that “the course was designed to be played, firm and fast.” Living up to its standards, The Home Course was also combined with gusty winds, making it incredibly difficult, and was an exceptional test of patience and strategy.

Opening in 2007, this Mike Asmundson design has had a short yet storied career. Upon its conception, it was immediately ranked by GolfWeek as the "No.2 ranked 'Best Public Course in Washington'". The 8th United States Women's Four-Ball Championship was hosted a few days before the 2023 Pelzer Golf Northwest Open Invitational.

The scores reflected the challenging play, with only 12 players posting a round of even or better. Amateurs Reid Hatley of Hayden Lake Country Club, Nate Plaster of Manito Golf and Country Club, and Jake Koppenberg of Bellingham Golf and Country Club withstood the challenges that were thrown, or blown, their way and ended atop the leaderboard; all three posting marvelous rounds of -3 69. An additional highlight during round one was a hole-in-one on the par three 14th by Rob Clark, PGA Head Golf Professional of Desert Canyon Golf Resort.

"It was 161 [yards], and I just wanted to hit a shot that wouldn't go into the water short or into the water long…,” said Clark. “I had a club in my hand originally but went back to the bag and grabbed a different one at the last second. Thankfully I did because that other club would have probably ended up in the water, short. I hit this little fade that landed short left and trickled to the flag.” That is the story of Mr. Clark's seventh career hole-in-one.

Round two was an equally challenging test for the players as well. The course slightly softened, but players understood the test and could adapt and shake off the first-round woes. The scoring average improved, and there was a two-way tie for first place. Amateur Nate Plaster continued his strong play by following up his opening round with a -2 70, and PGA Professional Craig Crandall of Rock Creek Country Club followed up an opening round even with a -5 67.

Bellingham Golf and Country Club PGA Professional Daniel Campbell was one shot off the leaders heading into the third round. Campbell is no stranger to entering the final round just shy of the leaders and was in a similar position before winning the 2022 Rosauers Open. Campbell started hot and birdied the par four #2 and the par three #4.

"My game plan was to try to make an early birdie or two and put some pressure on the leaders,” Campbell stated. Entering the back 9, Campbell had a two-shot lead and was able to close it out on 18, becoming the 2023 Pelzer Golf Northwest Open Invitational. This is Daniel's third section win and second major victory.

The Pacific Northwest Section PGA would like to thank The Home Course for their hospitality and support of this year's championship. We want to thank PGA General Manager Justin Gravatt, PGA Head Professional Mitch Runge, and all their staff for a fantastic week. We are proud to have the support of our title sponsor, Pelzer Golf, and presenting sponsors, Tagmarshal and Pacific Golf and Turf. We would also like to thank to our supporting sponsors, including the City of Dupont, Sunice, PTE Golf, StrackaLine, Club Car Skins, Garmany Majors Shootout and the PGA Tour. We look forward to returning to The Home Course for the 2024 Northwest Open Invitational.

Final results: https://2023secnorthwestopen.golfgenius.com