PNW Assistant Championship/2021

From PNWPGAWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Prante Defends PNW Assistant PGA Title

by Zane Fifield, PNW PGA Tournament Intern

On August 2, Assistants from all over the Pacific Northwest Section gathered at Illahe Hills Country Club in Salem, Oregon to compete in the National Car Rental PGA Professional Assistant Championship. 47 Assistants played 36 holes in one day to determine the three qualifiers and three alternates who would qualify for the 45th PGA Assistant Championship supported by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, XXIO, Asics, and John Deere. It ended in a playoff for the Assistant Champion title between PGA Professional Colin Inglis from Shadow Hills Country Club and defending Champion PGA Professional Shane Prante from The Home Course, who tied at 134 (10-under). The pair played one playoff hole, which Shane Prante won with a birdie.

Asked how he staved off a late push by Inglis to force the playoff, Prante responded, “I did not judge the wind on 18 correctly and ended up in the bunker with a tough shot to save par. Obviously, I did not do that. I actually had the same thing happen back in 2017 at the Northwest Open against Justin Wiles to fall into that playoff. I was able to hit a great drive, a pretty solid shot to 18 feet and was able to make the putt.”

“Last year was definitely survival mode at Bear Creek vs. this year at Illahe CC,” said Prante, comparing the wins. “Very different golf courses. I would say that this year the venue lent itself to being more aggressive and having more scoring opportunities... I am always grateful and excited to win any golf tournament. When it ends up being back-to-back that is a really nice added bonus.”

With his win, Prante secured a spot in the National event this fall, in which he expressed his confidence.

“I have played really steady this year. This win just validates that for me in my mind. I will take that as a positive for sure into this fall.”

Besides Prante and Inglis, PGA Professional Brady Sharp from Wine Valley GC (6-under) also qualified. The three alternates (listed in order) are PGA Professionals Zach Dietz from Olympia Country & Golf Club (4-under), Ben Nelson from Linden Golf & Country Club (3-under), and Ryan Kukula from Southern Oregon Golf Academy (2-under). The 45th PGA Assistant Championship supported by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, XXIO, Asics, and John Deere will be held November 11-14 at PGA Golf Club, Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The Section would like to congratulate the three qualifiers and thank Illahe Hills Country Club for holding the event and having the course in such pristine shape for the players.

Final results: https://2021secassistant.golfgenius.com