PNW Senior Players/2024
Scott Leritz Triumphs in Showdown at PNW PGA Senior Players’ Championship
Walla Walla, WA – In a thrilling showdown at the scenic Wine Valley Golf Club, PGA Professional Scott Leritz clinched the 2024 Senior Players’ Championship title after an intense five-hole playoff. Leritz, representing Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver, WA, showcased remarkable skill and determination, ultimately carding a 4-under par 140 over two days in challenging conditions.
The 36-hole tournament, set against the backdrop of the beautiful 6,525-yard, par 72 course, saw a competitive field comprising 70 PGA professionals and 42 amateurs. The weather played its part, with the first round under cloudy skies and a chilly 54 degrees with a stiff wind, while the sun graced the second round, pushing temperatures slightly warmer. Leritz’s path to victory was anything but easy. He faced stiff competition from Ryan Malby of Kalispell, MT, and Tom Sovay of The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge, WA. The trio was part of a nail-biting playoff that tested their skills and resilience under pressure.
“It feels great to win my first PNW Section event,” said Leritz. “My first event as a professional was the 1994 PNW Assistants Championship. I lost in a playoff on the second hole. I was so distracted by getting into the playoff and lost focus on the present. I’ve been thinking about this for 30 years!”
As the Head Professional at a busy private club, Leritz doesn’t get a lot of time to work on his game. He found a solution, however, by setting up a hitting mat and net in his garage.
“Hitting balls for 15-20 minutes per day with intent has made a tremendous difference. Lastly, I purchased a yardage guide from StrackaLine. This gave me additional confidence with yardages and reading greens.”
The win served as a major boost of confidence. Leritz now plans to “win another section major and make the Hudson Cup team. I now know I can win.”
Emerging as a standout among the amateurs, Gregg Guernsey of Royal Oaks CC nearly stole the show, finishing just one stroke behind Leritz at 3-under par. Guernsey’s performance earned him the low amateur honors, highlighting his potential in a field of seasoned professionals.
The leaderboard was tightly packed from the start, with Guernsey and fellow amateur Billy Anderson initially leading. They were closely followed by a group just one stroke behind, including Leritz, Malby, PGA Professional Mark Tunstill from Mallard Creek, and amateur Tim O’Neal, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
We would like to recognize the collective efforts that made this event possible, including support from the City of Walla Walla and the exceptional hosting by Tyler Sweet, PGA Director of Golf at Wine Valley and Jim Pliska.