President's Report

Happy 4th of July to everyone!

Summertime is here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I smell barbecues, flowers and all the goodness the sun brings out this time of year.

Thank you to Pronghorn's General Manager Spencer Schaub and PGA Director of Golf Jerrel Grow for hosting this year’s Oregon Open Invitational.  Reid Hatley birdied the 54th hole to join the playoff, and with that he went on to win his first Pacific Northwest Section PGA major. Thank you to our tournament staff and especially Molly Cooper. The time and travel that goes into making these events successful doesn’t go unnoticed.  Thank you for everything you do, Molly, for the members of our Section.

On another note, I have recently accepted a new position and will be leaving Iron Horse Golf Club effective August 31, 2019.  I have been named Director of Golf of The Summit Club in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is a Discovery Land Project.  While timing is never right, it was time to make this big decision for my family and my career. Sean Fredrickson will be moving up to President of the Pacific Northwest Section as I vacate my seat on the board.  Rest assured that everything in the Section will be business as usual.

I want to personally thank everyone for their trust in me over my past 10 years of service to the Pacific Northwest Section.  I have met so many wonderful PGA Golf Professionals over the years and have enough memories to last a lifetime.

“Change is the law of life.  And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy

All the best,

Gregory C. Morris, PGA
President, PNWPGA
Head Golf Professional, Iron Horse GC

Tips on Learning the New Rules of Golf

Tip #7: Rule 13.1d: When Ball or Ball-Marker Moves on Putting Green

Molly Cooper, Certified PGA Professional
Director of Tournament & Member Programs

Welcome back to our monthly Rules article to help guide you to a successful 2019 season and beyond!  By now you have probably experienced many of the new rules either in competitive play or at your club.  I chose my seventh topic to discuss Rule 13.1d: When Ball or Ball-Marker Moves on Putting Green, as we have experienced some questions on the topic during Section events.  Please keep in mind, there are TWO specific Rules for a ball or ball-marker that moves on the putting green during play.

Rule 13.1d: When Ball or Ball-Marker Moves on Putting Green

There are two specific Rules for a ball or ball-marker that moves on the putting green.

• No Penalty for Accidently Causing Ball to Move. There is no penalty if the player, opponent or another player in stroke play accidently moves the player’s ball or ball-marker on the putting green.

The Player must:

• Replace the ball on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (See Rule 14.2), or
• Place a ball-marker to mark that original spot.

Exception – Ball Must Be Played as It Lies When Ball Begins to Move During Backswing or Stroke and Stroke Is Made (see Rule 9.1b).

If the player or opponent deliberately lifts the player’s ball or ball-marker on the putting green, see Rule 9.4 or Rule 9.5 to find out if there is a penalty.

• When to Replace Ball Moved by Natural Forces. If natural forces causes a player’s ball on the putting green to move, where the player must play from next depends on whether the ball had already been lifted and replaced on its original spot:

• Ball Already Lifted and Replaced. The ball must be replaced on it’s original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2), even though it was moved by natural forces and not the player, the opponent or an outside influence (see Rule 9.3, Exception).
• Ball Not Already Lifted and Replaced. The ball must be played from its new spot (see Rule 9.3)

The reason I chose this topic for an article is because some of our tournament players have expressed some confusion during competitive play this season already.

If you cause the ball to accidently move on the putting green, it’s OK!  Just make sure you replace the ball accurately.  There is no penalty for replacing a ball that you caused to move on the putting green.  There IS the general penalty if you cause the ball to move and DON’T replace the ball.

It’s as simple as that.  If you ACCIDENTLY caused the ball to move, replace it!

And if your ball moves due to natural forces, the answer varies depending on whether you have marked the ball yet.

These are both changes that took place in January 2019.  Learn the new rules!

Last, if the ball was not on the putting green, the rule would be different.  Different locations could mean different answers!

To continue learning more about the new Rules of Golf, go to www.usga.org

I know I say this every month but please download the new Rules of Golf App on your phone.  I can not stress how convenient it is and how easy it is to use. The search engine on the App is amazing. You just type in what you are looking for and you immediately have the answer at your fingertips

Let me know if you have any questions!

Pronghorn PGA Director of Golf Jerrel Grow, Champion Reid Hatley, sponsor Christa Wicks of AMA Golf, sponsor Mike Worden of Sun Mountain/CMC Golf/Skechers/Golf Buddy

Hatley Wins Oregon Open Invitational in Playoff

By Alec Bahnick, PNW PGA Tournament Intern

Pronghorn Resort played host to this year’s edition of the Oregon Open Invitational over two spectacular high desert golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio. Round one took place on the Nicklaus Course and the final two rounds were played on the Fazio Course. Windy playing conditions were tough during the three days of competition, but Reid Hatley (Hayden Lake CC) birdied the final hole in regulation to enter a three-man playoff that included Darren Slackman (The Creek at Qualchan) and Pat O’Donnell (Arrowhead GC) at one under par.

“I knew that I was going to have to birdie either 17 or 18 to tie Pat, who I was playing with. I was putting well, so I knew that if I could just give myself a birdie opportunity then I could potentially go into a playoff,” Hatley described his strategy. “In the playoff I knew that someone was going to make birdie so I took a very aggressive line off the tee to try to give myself an easier second shot.”

He carried that momentum and birdied the first playoff hole to win his first Oregon Open Invitational and low amateur for the event.

“To win any section tournament is an honor. It has been a goal of mine for countless years… I have been really close in the past and I’m proud of myself for hanging in there considering the conditions this go-around,” Hatley said of his win. “I’m looking forward to playing and having many more chances to repeat this moment.”

PGA Professional Justin Wiles finished in a tie for fifth and shot a final round 67 that included a hole-in-one to earn low professional for the event. The first two days of the tournament included two Pro-Am team competitions: a best 2 net of 4 and a four-ball component, with each professional paired with an amateur in teams of four. In the best 2 net of 4 format, PGA Professionals Troy Flateau (NW Golf Consulting LLC) and Caleb Kraus (The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge) along with amateurs Mason Koch and Don Houghton of Meridian Valley CC took first place with a two-day total of 263. Kraus and Koch also earned first place honors in the Pro-Am Four Ball competition with a two-round total of 130.

The 2019 Oregon Open Invitational benefited KIDS Center, a non-profit organization that works together with law enforcement, medical providers and social service agencies to create a supportive response to child abuse through a multi-disciplinary team approach. They serve Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties along with the Warm Springs Reservation at our Bend center. The tournament raised $3,300 along with a raffle that the KIDS Center held during the event.

We would like to thank Pronghorn Resort, our great sponsors, players, and volunteers for making the 85th Oregon Open Invitational a fantastic event. Special thanks to General Manager Spencer Schaub, PGA Director of Golf Jerrel Grow, Superintendents David Freitag and Brian Farrell, as well as their tireless staff for all of their hard work to make this tournament a success.

115th Northwest Open Invitational

Entries are available for the Northwest Open Invitational at Wine Valley GC on August 19-21, immediately following the Pro-Am Benefiting Folds of Honor. Host Professional Chris Isaacson invites you to take part of this historic championship. The entry deadline is July 31.

“The Northwest Open is a great event! It’s such a great way to end the year of our four majors. Wine Valley is so much fun to play and has led to a lot of exciting finishes. I know I look forward to playing there, and I am sure all the other players do too.” – Derek Berg

pro online entry | pro entry (pdf) | get the flyer

A Fun & Historic Event

The history of the Northwest Open is a significant part of golf in the Pacific Northwest. The early years were dominated by Seattle Golf Club’s Robert Johnstone (who won 8 of the first 10 events) and “Long Jim” Barnes.  Barnes, the professional at Tacoma C&GC from 1911 – 1915, won the first two PGA Championships (1916, 1919) in addition to the 1921 U.S. Open and the 1925 British Open!  Spokane’s Marvin “Bud” Ward captured six championships over a 22 year span, five as an amateur and his last as a professional.  Bud was also a National Amateur champion and may have won a few more but for the lack of championships during WWII.

Last year, PGA Professional Shane Prante of The Home Course successfully defended his title. Prante’s 200 total matched his 2017 score and made him the first back-to-back Northwest Open Champion in 12 years. Nick Mandell won Low Amateur honors.

CLICK HERE to see the complete list of champions.

Pro-Am Benefiting Folds of Honor

New this year, join the Pro-Am Benefiting Folds of Honor on August 17-18. The Northwest Open Pro-Am will pair four amateurs with a PGA professional to enjoy two days of golf with carts at Wine Valley Golf Club. On Saturday evening the cocktail party, dinner and auction will raise important funds for Folds of Honor. Players will receive tee gifts, two rounds of golf with carts, two hosted meals, on course beverages and compete for a nice prize fund. To ensure the entire field enjoys the tournament, the schedule calls for just one 145 player shotgun each day. The Shamble competition will allow players of all abilities to support Folds of Honor, while maintaining a competitive environment.

Click here for more details

Wine Valley Golf Club

Wine Valley Golf Club has been rated “One of The Top Three Golf Courses to Play in Washington” by Golfweek and has been awarded many other honors since opening in 2009. This stunning Dan Hixson design unfolds on a grand scale, playing over rolling hills in the shadow of the Blue Mountains.  Wine Valley GC has broad fairways, dramatic bunkers, and bold, undulating putting surfaces.

PGA Fashion and Demo Experience

Join your golf industry peers and connect with nearly 200 brands & companies during the all-new PGA Fashion & Demo Experience, August 13-14, 2019!

For two days, you will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts at the PGA Show Education Conference and all-new Technology Forum, explore the latest innovations on the show floor, experience a live fashion show and networking reception at TAO Nightclub, and test products from new and established brands at Topgolf Las Vegas during PGA Demo Experience (now taking place on Wednesday, 8/14!).

Learn more & register for free today>>

Rosauers Open Invitational

Spokane, WA - Indian Canyon GC
July 19-21, 2019

Entries close soon!

Folds of Honor Scramble

Anchorage, AK – Moose Run GC
August 3, 2019

National Car Rental PNW Assistant PGA Professional Championship

Molalla, OR – Arrowhead GC
August 5, 2019

Northwest Open Pro-Am

Walla Walla, WA – Wine Valley GC
 August 17-18, preceding the Northwest Open Invitational

PNW Senior PGA Professional Championship

presented by Cadillac
Woodinville, WA – Bear Creek CC
September 5-6, 2019

Two entries: If you want to have a chance to advance to qualify, you must enter through PGA of America Membership services at 800-474-2776 or www.pgatournaments.com. There is a SEPARATE (and additional) entry for a chance to play for the purse and title of Senior PGA Champion. You will need to get BOTH entries in if you wish to qualify for the Senior PGA Professional Championship AND our Section title!

PNW  PGA Professional Championship

presented by Cadillac, Club Car and OMEGA
Olympia, WA – Indian Summer G&CC
September 17-19, 2019

PNW  PGA Merchandise Show

Portland, OR – Oregon Convention Center
October 15-16, 2019
Pro-Vendor Invitational: October 14

OMEGA Player of the Year Points

1. Shane Prante - 195

2. Colin Inglis - 177.5

3. Russell Grove - 172.5

OMEGA Senior Player of the Year Points

1. Jeff Coston - 192.5

2. Joe Carranza - 190

3. Tom Sovay - 157.5

Assistant Player of the Year Points

1. Shane Prante - 237.5

2. Colin Inglis - 232.5

3. Ryan Malby - 155

Hudson Cup Points

1. Shane Prante - 210

2. Ryan Benzel - 175

3. David Phay - 167.5

Senior Hudson Cup Points

1. Joe Carranza - 390

2. Brent Murray - 340

3. Billy Bomar - 325

Holk's Highlights: David Kass

This month we interview David Kass, who recently participated in the Ironman race in Santa Rose. Learn a little bit about this marathon pro and his interesting career, which has taken him around the country and into PGA governance.

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Facility: Bear Creek CC

PGA Member Since: 2008

Favorite Golfer: Bobby Jones

Tell us a little bit about your career. Who or what inspired you to become a PGA Professional? 

My golf career has taken me from Pennsylvania to south Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Arizona, and now to Washington. The late Master PGA professional Mike Vucinich was my first golf instructor and he and his passion for both teaching golf and the business of golf inspired me greatly. PGA Professionals Bill Davis, Bob Bourne and Craig Murray had the greatest influence on my during my years as an Assistant Golf Professional and taught me so much about taking care of members and guests, teaching, merchandising, tournaments, and the business of golf. I’ll never forget being taught calligraphy and having to change tips and fill the pens with ink along with trying to feed the tape through the circa 1970’s “pricing gun” at Canterbury!

You are the Western Washington Chapter Vice President. Any thoughts or advice for those members interested into getting into chapter governance?

Serving on the WWC and Section Board is an amazing experience that I highly recommend. Giving back is a great feeling and it has allowed me to meet and work with some amazing PGA Professionals. When I moved to the PNW, I found we do a lot of things differently here than in the other sections in which I’ve worked.  I’ll admit I started by complaining (apologies to Mike Coury and Jeff Ellison for that!). Ultimately I decided to get off the sidelines and get involved and managed to win a Chapter election against Stu Aden whose campaign speech was: “I only agreed to run because Mike [Coury] said we needed one more person on the Board. My wife will kill me if I win.” It took a re-vote/runoff for me to beat him by one vote…I sure was popular back then!

Also, please tell us about the Ironman in Santa Rosa! How did it feel to participate in this race?

Somewhere in the back of my mind hearing the words “you are an Ironman” has always been a bucket list item. After a few shorter Sprint and Olympic distance events last year, I decided to try a 70.3 (Half Ironman) but an injury prevented that training and ultimately last fall I just decided I’d go for the full Ironman. During a tough training time, I watched a YouTube video about a Marine, Mike Ergo, who was doing Ironman events in honor of his fallen brethren. I decided that I needed my Ironman journey to be about more than me and the 140.6 miles of swimming, cycling and running.  During the hardest moments of those 12 hours, 6 minutes and 10 seconds out there, I was able to look down at the Folds of Honor logo emblazoned on the chest of my cycling jersey or running shirt and knew that whatever pain and suffering I was going through was nothing compared to what the families of our fallen heroes feel. As great as I felt about becoming an Ironman, I am more proud that I raised enough money to fund one full scholarship. Ironically, Mike Ergo is from the Santa Rosa area and we connected online, then in person at the event and are staying in touch now. I’ll be joining his Ironman Foundation Team to do more events in the future and raise even more money and awareness.

Pros on the Move

by Robin Lindsey, Tournament & Membership Coordinator

Employment Changes

• Tanner T. Montgomery, PGA (A-11) - from Circling Raven GC to Pacific Northwest Section
• Scott S. Thompson, PGA (A-8) - from Sudden Valley GC to Skagit G&CC
  

Class Changes

• Michael K. Hegarty, PGA (Wildhorse Resort GC) - from A-1 to A-4
• Benjamin J. Vandenberg (Homestead GC) - from B-8 to B-1

New Associates

• Anna D. DeMars (B-8) - Green Meadow Country Club
• Matthew G. Fonner (B-6) - PNW Golf Academy
• Jeffery R. Day (B-8) - Fairways GC
• Samantha M. Guymon (B-8) - Hamilton GC
• David J. McMillan (B-1) - Lake Cushman GC

Newly Elected Members

• Ryan B. Whitaker, PGA A-8 Tumble Creek Club at Suncadia

Transfers INTO the Section

• Cooper E. Shawen, PGA (A-8) to Eugene CC from North Florida
• Dain J Ebright (B-8) to Waverley CC from Southern California
• Gregg R. Gard, PGA (A-13) to The Idaho Club from Southern California
• Ross J. Kukula (B-8) to Oswego Lake CC from Southwest

Transfers OUT of the Section

• Robert M. Clark Sr., PGA - from Portland, OR to Alabama - NW Florida Section
• Stephen P. Creekmore, PGA - from Renton, WA to Southwest Section
• Timothy J. Parsons, PGA - from Liberty Lake GC to Kentucky Section
• Lisa A. Johnson, PGA - from University of Idaho to Nebraska Section
• Robert W. Gooden, PGA - from Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to Carolinas Section

Investment Protip: Ignore Emotions

Blake Parrish, CFP®

A lot of guys who have never choked have never been in the position to do so.”  – Tom Watson

In many ways, individual investors are often their own worst enemies.  But, can you blame them?  Many of the so-called experts are touting information that is often times a prediction that never comes to fruition.

If you want to invest wisely, you constantly need to be fighting off your own worst impulses.  We’re not robots, we have emotions, and those emotions can really throw you off your game.

Yet no matter how much we discuss this with investors, we constantly see sellers come out of the woodwork anytime an individual stock, or the overall market, takes a hit.  A simple reminder of why we first bought the investment and that nothing has changed within the company usually calms the situation.

"Certified Financial Planner Boardof Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements."