Oregon Open/2022
Gove Wins Pelzer Golf Oregon Open Invitational
Cameron McCauley, PNW PGA Tournament Intern
Dating back to 1905, the Pelzer Golf Oregon Open Championship has been a competitive tournament that continues to have reputable names over the years. In this year’s edition, 104 professionals and 104 amateurs competed as four player teams in both team and individual competitions at Crosswater Golf Course at Sunriver Resort. Crosswater Golf Course is threaded by the Deschutes and Little Deschutes River, with views of Mt. Bachelor and the surrounded wetlands. The 18-hole semi-private golf course offered pristine and demanding conditions for all competitors to test their game.
PGA Professional Jeff Gove of The Idaho Club won title in a one-hole playoff against PGA Professional Shane Prante of The Home Course. They finished the 54-hole tournament at 9-under par.
The tournament began on the morning of June 14, with temperatures around 55 degrees while being partially sunny in the afternoon. Amateur Andrew Von Lossow from Manito Golf and Country Club, and PGA Professional Tim Feenstra of Broadmoor Golf Club both fired a 68, 4-under. In the company of them were PGA Professional Blake Snyder, amateur Spencer Tibbits, and PGA Professional David Patterson with a 69, 3-under.
The morning of day three brought temperatures up to 72 degrees in the afternoon. The enjoyable weather was a welcome change from the cool, wet conditions that had plagued most of June in the Northwest.
Gove commented on the challenge of the 4,164-foot elevation of Sunriver, Oregon, saying, “Anytime you change to a higher altitude the challenge of distance control is a factor. So, after the first round, I felt much more confident around the course and adjusted to the fast green speeds better.”
Gove fired a 69 during the final round, putting him into a playoff with PGA Professional Shane Prante. In the end, Gove came out on top for the win, with scores of 70-68-69-207, 9-under for the week.
What made his victory even more special was that it came exactly 30 years after his uncle and teammate Mike Gove won this event in 1992. “I still can't believe it was 30 years ago that I watched him win at the other Sunriver course (Woodlands). I was very proud of him then, and so to have won this title all those years later is a fantastic memory for us both. We stayed together this past week in a house at Sunriver. Overall, a great time with family and to get to play in the same group with your uncle is priceless.”
“I'd like to thank all the people that make this event so special and the staff at Cross water for the fantastic venue,” Gove added. “The pros and amateurs that have had the pleasure to play in such a historic and special event are very lucky and we all are grateful for those who sponsor this event.”
We would like to thank Crosswater Golf Course at Sunriver Resort for their hospitality and support of our championship this year. Special thanks to PGA Director of Golf Joshua Willis, PGA Head Professional Mark Meyer, and all their staff for a fantastic week. We are proud to have the support of sponsors Pelzer Golf Supplies, Legendary Headwear, Sun Mountain, Skechers, Club Car, CMC Golf, and the PGA Tour.
Final results: https://2022secoregonopen.golfgenius.com/