July 1, 2022

President's Report

First, I’d like to congratulate Jeff Gove for his victory in the Oregon Open at a cold and windy Crosswater Club. Thanks to Molly and her team, short-handed as they were, for a great tournament.

I am halfway through my four-year term on the National Board of Control (BOC). Many of you know that the BOC adjudicates membership issues ranging from PAT requirements, MSR (now called PDR) issues, and Code of Ethics issues. However, many of you don’t know that the BOC is responsible for allocating funds from the Disaster Relief Fund. First, there is a name change to represent the fund’s mission concerning membership more effectively. The fund is now known as the PGA Medical and Disaster Relief Fund.

Sometimes members and their families fall on hard times: serious illness, injury, or damage to their homes or businesses. Often, even with insurance, the financial impact can be devastating. This is where the Medical and Disaster Relief Fund can help. While the fund doesn’t cover the loss of wages, it will assist in covering some bills. It is important to note that this fund comes from your donations. Since 2000 the fund has distributed over $2.5 million to members.

If a member has a medical or disaster situation, they can apply for a one-time grant of up to $7,000 from the PGA Medical and Disaster Relief fund. I know many of you are thinking that $7,000 is no big deal. I can tell you that it does matter. The letters we receive from members thanking the BOC for the funds bring tears to our eyes.

The final point I want to make is this is your fund; the BOC distributes the funds, but they come from your donations. The dues cycle is over, and this is where we get a lot of donations, but you can donate anytime and any amount by going to PGA.org and searching for Disaster Relief Fund.

If you or another member you know has hit a rough spot, the Medical and Disaster Relief Fund may be able to help. There is a good deal of information on PGA.org but don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you have questions.

As always, stay safe and healthy and reach out to someone you have not contacted in a while.

Howie Pruitt, PGA
Director, Golf Operations, Aspen Lakes GC
President, Pacific Northwest Section PGA
howiep@msn.com

Gove Wins Pelzer Oregon Open Invitational

by Cameron McCauley - PNWPGA tournament intern

Dating back to 1905, the Pelzer Golf Oregon Open Invitational 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 the 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 Crosswater 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.

PNW PGA Mexican Fiesta Pro-Am

Entry includes:

• 5 nights of accommodation with amenities 
• All-inclusive resort package including meals
• 4 rounds of golf
• Tee prize from PuttView

Player of the Year Points Lists

Holk's Highlights: Tom Sovay, PGA

Sovay's Pacific Northwest PGA Section titles include:

• 2018 PNW PGA Senior Professional Championship
• 2017 PNW PGA Senior Players Championship
• 2008 PNW Pro-Am Championship with Derek Berg
• 2004 PNW PGA Professional Championship
• 2004 Al C. Giusti Memorial Championship

Sovay is also a phenomenal teacher. He is a 2022-23 Golf Digest top-ranking teacher and has been awarded Western Washington Chapter Teacher of the Year honors seven times. He is frequently seen on social media, posting helpful and humorous golf tips.

When did you become a PGA Member and how did you get into golf as a career? 1987. I’d wanted to for as long as I can remember!

What is your instruction specialty or teaching philosophy? Eliminate conflicts in the golf swing.

What can students expect when they come for a lesson? A clear understanding of the grip and swing plane and how grip and posture are directly related to this achievement.

Check out Tom Sovay's video tips: https://www.instagram.com/tsovay

$ = eligible for 10k Hole-In-One Challenge! Learn More

$ 3/8/22 - Derek Berg - Meridian Valley CC #3
3/16/22 - Taylor Porter - Anthem CC #17
4/13/22 - Al Patterson - Wine Valley GC #11
5/31/22 - Kelly DeShaw - The Cedars at Dungeness #4

Twenty-four lucky and hard-working teams will earn a spot in a two-day event at Gamble Sands Resort & GC on August 29-30, 2022. Each invited team will consist of one PGA Professional and three amateurs. To receive an invitation, all you need to do is earn your facility a spot on the PNWPGA Callaway Golf Challenge leaderboard during the Challenge Year, January 1 - July 15, 2022.

PGA Buying & Education Summitt

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Entry Releases

Employment Opportunities

Monte Koch, PGA of America Employment Consultant

These are primarily “PGA Professional” only positions posted on the PGA Career Services Job Board: https://jobs.pga.org

Pros on the Move

by Sara Smith, Tournament & Membership Coordinator

• Daniel K. Campbell (B-8) - from Loomis Trail GC to Bellingham G&CC
• Nicholas K. Huff (B-8) - from Camas Meadows GC to Royal Oaks CC
• Benjamin A. Talbot, PGA (A-14) - from Meadow Park GC to First Tee - South Puget Sound
• Zachary J. Culpepper, PGA (A-1) - from Suncadia Resort to Yakima CC
• David N. Boivin, PGA (A-14) - from Jackson Park GC to Useless Bay G&CC
• Andrew M. Elaimy, PGA (A-1) - from University of Idaho GC to Old Works GC

• Kevin Coombs, PGA (Orchard Hills CC) - from A-1 to A-13
• Bill Shea, PGA (Suncadia Resort) - from A-1 to A-4

New Associates

• Isaiah Barragan (B-8) - Suntides GC
• Isaac Bianchini (B-8) - Druids Glen GC
• Arnold Ha (B-6) - GOLFTEC - Redmond
• Jeremy L Matthew (B-8) - McCormick Woods GC
• Jean-Luc W Birchfield (B-1) - Jackson Park GC
• Jamie A Dunnam (B-8) - Langdon Farms GC
• Colton R. Stodghill (B-8) - Eagle Bend GC

Newly Elected Members

• Kyle Preston, PGA (A-1) - Washington National GC

Transfers INTO the Section

• John Vickers, PGA (LM) to Priest River, ID from Colorado Section
• Tyler J. Knight, PGA (A-1) to Bear Creel GC from N. California Section

• Sean R. Stewart, PGA - from Royal Oaks CC to North Florida Section
• Bradley Myrick, PGA - from TPC Danzante Bay to Unaffiliated Section
• William H. Foust, PGA - from The Wilderness Club to N. California Section

• Cory D. Carper, PGA

• Kevin J. Mackay, PGA