PNW Senior Players/2021
by Molly Cooper, Director of Tournament & Member Programs
Mike Swingle of Aldarra GC captured the PNW Senior Players’ Championship by one stroke after firing rounds of 71-71-142, 2-under par. He won by one stroke over PGA Professional Tony Robydek of Meadow Park GC and PGA Professional Mark Knowles of McCormick Woods GC.
The team four-ball competition ended in a tie between the team led by PGA Billy Bomar of Prairie Falls GC and amateur Mike Kerns and the team led by PGA Professional Scott Larsen of Larz Golf and amateur Brad Karns of Columbia Edgewater CC. Both teams made a two-day score of 135, 9-under par.
When asked how it felt to win his first PNW PGA Senior Major, Swingle responded with, “It's fantastic. I love playing the Section events and especially the senior events. It's a great few days with great friends, and to play well and somehow be on top at the end is the best. There's so many good players in the Section, it's awesome to compete with them.”
Asked what part of his game worked well with Wine Valley GC, Mike shared, “I've played WV quite a bit over the past couple years so I guess I'm pretty comfortable with the course. It's quite difficult putting, especially putting with those winds. I guess my strength is I drive it pretty well, and I feel like I'm a strong iron player, so that’s a good combo at WV. Being tough conditions and strong winds, I feel I can compete in that situation.”
The Senior Players’ Championship is a two-man team competition of one Pacific Northwest PGA Professional and one amateur playing a both an individual and a four-ball competition.
Wine Valley Golf Club has been rated "One of The Top Three Golf Courses to Play in Washington" by Golfweek. It 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.
The Northwest Open Invitational will once again return to Wine Valley GC this August 16-18. Look for the entry forms in June.
Thanks to PGA Professional Chris Isaacson and owner Jim Pliska, we are confirmed to return to the Senior Players’ Championship again next year. Seniors, plan on playing next year! Both Senior Player of the Year Points and Senior Hudson Cup Points were earned for top finishers.
CLICK HERE to view Senior Hudson Cup Points & Senior Player of the Year Points.