Washington Open/2023
Snyder Ties Record to Win Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open
By Grant Tribolet, tournament intern
The annual Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational was held at Meridian Valley Country Club on August 21-23, 2023. The tournament was a great success, with 168 PGA professionals and top amateurs from the Pacific Northwest competing for the title. PGA Professional Blake Snyder of PNW Golf Academy emerged victorious, tying the tournament record for the Washington Open and claiming his first Pacific Northwest PGA victory.
Play commenced on Monday, August 21st, with players hitting the ground running. Reigning champion PGA Professional Colin Inglis of Shadow Hills Country Club picked up right where he left off and fired a first-round -7 65 to take an early two-shot lead after round one. With a definitive outcome in round one, round two generated a more exciting story. Inglis continued his strong play but would soon be joined atop the leaderboard by PGA Professional Daniel Campbell of Bellingham Country Club and PGA Professional Blake Snyder of PNW Golf Academy with a two-day total of -11. All three players have had a strong season and would make for an exciting round-three finish!
The winner was ultimately decided on the back nine of the final round. Snyder and Campbell both opened with 33s on the front nine, and they were tied as they reached the back nine. However, Snyder pulled away on the back nine, and he secured the victory with a two-stroke lead on the 18th green.
"It means so much to me to win my state's open and have my name engraved on the historic trophy with the names of so many people I've looked up to over the years. It's a surreal experience," said Snyder of the victory. He also credited his success to his "process," which involved remaining disciplined in his game plan and sticking to his routine.
Before the championship, a weekend pro-am was held for Folds of Honor and American Lake Veterans Golf Course. There were 26 sponsored teams that participated in a scramble on day one and a shamble on day two. The champion of this year's Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Pro-Am was team adidas/TaylorMade led by PGA Professional Ryan Benzel of Sahalee Country Club with amateurs Kim Ponti, Karen Johnson, Jeff Kraft, Joey Zaputil. At the end of the event, $80,000 was raised to provide scholarships to spouses and children of those killed or disabled in service to the United States Military, along with supporting the American Lake Veterans Golf Course.
Snyder had the opportunity to play with a group of veterans during the Pro-Am. He said that the experience was "humbling" and that it "put things in perspective" for him.
The Section would like to thank Meridian Valley Country Club, Muckleshoot Casino, and the players for making this event memorable. Special thanks to General Manager Chris Lungo, PGA Head Professional Adam Englehorn, Superintendent Craig Benson, and all the staff for hosting an amazing event. We would also like to thank our master sponsors: Donovan Brothers Commercial Construction, Annasea Foods Group, RE Sides Landscaping, and Garmany Golf. We want to thank our supporting sponsor, Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Inc. Lastly, we would like to thank our presenting sponsors: Hempler's/Isernio's/Fletcher’s, Bacardi, Harbor Food Services, adidas, TaylorMade Golf, Club Car Skins and the PGA Tour.
Final results: https://2023secmuckleshootwa.golfgenius.com