Champions take charge at the 56th Men's Amateur and 15th Senior Men's Amateur Best-Ball Championship

Champions take charge at the 56th Men's Amateur and 15th Senior Men's Amateur Best-Ball Championship

 Men’s Best-Ball Championship Final Results

Whitaker Brothers Withstand the Wind, Run Away with 56th Men’s Best-Ball Championship at Palouse Ridge Golf Club

 Pullman, Wash. (Friday, May 25, 2012) – On a day when players battled a tough course layout and brutal winds, Dan and Ryan Whitaker of Ellensburg seemed unfazed as they cruised to victory in the 56th Washington State Men’s Best-Ball Championship at Palouse Ridge Golf Club. Only eight teams managed to shoot under par in the final round, as the scoring average was three strokes higher than the first round.
 
The Whitaker’s held a four-stroke cushion entering the final round and progressively added to their lead over the course of the day. After four straight pars on the front nine to start their round, Ryan Whitaker provided the fireworks on the par-5 5th hole. “Well, Dan carried me most of the week but he was in trouble so I needed to carry my weight,” he said. “I hit a six iron, into the wind, and it landed just short of the up slope, leaving me a 40-foot putt and I nailed it. That was the kick start we needed.”
 
From then on, the brothers simply went to work, carding another six birdies, and no bogeys, en route to a final round of 8-under 64, a two-day, bogey-free total of 18-under 126, and a convincing nine stroke victory. “We just tried to keep it loose out there,” said Dan about their approach this week. “We like the wind so we were comfortable playing in it.” “Dan encouraged me to be more aggressive than normally would be” Ryan added. Ryan also pointed to Dan’s putting as the key this week. “The biggest factor was his (Dan’s) putter. It really came alive this week.”
 
David Nuhn of Moscow and Drew Reinland of College Place finished alone in second after shooting 5-under 67 in the final round for a two-day total of 9-under 135. Finishing eleven shots off the lead, and in a tie for third, were Craig Larson of Tacoma and Chris Bae of Issaquah, and Christian Wilson and Carson Rasmussen of Seattle, each finishing at 7-under 137 for the championship. Defending champion Rob Matson of Wenatchee, playing with new partner Andrew Whalen of Ephrata, finished in a tie for fifth after posting a 5-under 67 in the final round to jump up the leaderboard.
 
Tom and Cameron Whittle from Moses Lake took home the net honors after finishing with a two-day net total of 14-under 130.
 
For final round results from the WSGA Men’s and Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championships, as well as information on the 14 amateur championships conducted by the WSGA this year, please visit www.thewsga.org.
 
The WSGA championship caravan now shifts back to western Washington for the Washington State Men’s and Women’s Member Club Team Championship, to be held at White Horse Golf Club in Kingston, Wash. from May 30-31. TPC Snoqualmie Ridge has won both the Men’s and Women’s Member Club Team Championship each of the last three years.
 
Palouse Ridge Golf Club was designed by the legendary John Harbottle III and officially opened its doors for play in 2006. Carved into the rolling hills of Pullman, Palouse Ridge has quickly gained nation-wide recognition as one of the finest public courses in the United States. This bold, Scottish-style track demands sound strategy in order to navigate the elevation changes, shaggy-edged bunkers, and undulating greens. Palouse Ridge is the home course of the Washington State University men’s and women’s golf teams and is therefore specifically designed to challenge top-tier collegiate talent, yet players of all skill levels will enjoy the firm yet fair challenge that the layout presents.
 
The WSGA is a 501(c)(4) non-profit, amateur golf association governed by men and women volunteers, for the benefit of amateur golfers.  The 25-person WSGA Board of Directors employs a full-time staff of 14 individuals.  WSGA members pay an annual membership fee, through their golf club, to belong to the Association.  The WSGA also serves as a state-wide representative of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and works closely with a number of allied associations within the golf industry for the betterment of the game.
 
Washington State Men’s Best-Ball Championship
Palouse Ridge Golf Club
Round 1 – 6,667 yards, par 72
Round 2 – 6,627 yards, par 72

 

Men’s Amateur Championship        
Rank Players Overall Rnd 1 Rnd 2 Total
1 Dan Whitaker, Ellensburg, WA -18 62 64 126
  Ryan Whitaker, Ellensburg, WA        
2 David Nuhn, Moscow, ID -9 68 67 135
  Drew Reinland, College Place, WA        
T3 Carson Rasmussen, Seattle, WA -7 66 71 137
  Christian Wilson, Seattle, WA        
T3 Chris Bae, Issaquah, WA -7 68 69 137
  Craig Larson, Tacoma, WA        
T5 Andrew Whalen, Ephrata, WA -6 71 67 138
  Rob Matson, Wenatchee, WA        
T5 Tyler Daniels, Walla Walla, WA -6 66 72 138
  Vince Jimenez, College Place , WA        
T7 Hank Chafin, Pasco, WA -4 72 68 140
  Mike Hodgins, Pasco, WA        
T7 Jack Mushallo, University Place, WA -4 68 72 140
  Timothy Gorden, Olympia, WA        
9 Britten Barker, Tacoma, WA -3 71 70 141
  Kevin Beavers, Mill Creek, WA        
10 Mike Vanwingerden, Sunnyside, WA -2 68 74 142
  Sota Nozaka, Richland, WA        
T11 Ray Gallipo, Yakima, WA -1 70 73 143
  Ward Jackson, Yakima, WA        
T11 Jake Easterly, Portland, OR -1 72 71 143
  Luke Easterly, Camarillo, CA        
T11 Cameron Whittle, Moses Lake, WA -1 71 72 143
  Tom Whittle, Moses Lake, WA        
14 Andrew Schutt, Sunnyside, WA Even 67 77 144
  David Stokes, Grandview, WA        
T15 Phil Beste, Allyn, WA +1 73 72 145
  Tom Campbell, Port Orchard, WA        
T15 Keith Crimp, Ellensburg, WA +1 72 73 145
  Randy Crimp, Ellensburg, WA        
17 Kevin Stray, Bellingham, WA +2 70 76 146
  Robb Herrmann, Ferndale, WA        
T18 Dan J Thacker, Woodway, WA +4 71 77 148
  Jeff Howell, Woodinville, WA        
T18 Cody Roth, Bellingham, WA +4 70 78 148
  Craig Roth, Bellingham, WA        
T18 Dave Schrenk, Fox Island, WA +4 74 74 148
  Karl Smith, Gig Harbor, WA        
21 Michael Dolder, Snohomish, WA +5 75 74 149
  Rhett Brown, Everett, WA        
22 Doug Rich, Naches, WA +11 75 80 155
  Scott Newell, Pullman, WA        
23 Eric Knapp, Kenmore, WA +12 77 79 156
  Jess Beyers, Lake Forest Park, WA        
T24 Jeff Raulston, Kirkland, WA +15 77 82 159
  Josh Kechloian, Seattle, WA        
T24 Doug Pendry, Pullman, WA +15 78 81 159
  Rodger Robertson, Troy, ID        
26 Andrew Sharp, Vancouver, WA +17 79 82 161
  Todd Benzel, Wenatchee, WA        
T27 James Harvey Jr, Richland, WA +19 78 85 163
  Michael Wheeler, Everett, WA        
T27 Al Sorensen, Pullman, WA +19 78 85 163
  Ken Paulson, Pullman, WA        
29 Jeffery Day, Spokane, WA +20 79 85 164
  Mark Nielson, Cheney, WA        
30 Jeff St. Andre, Bellingham, WA +31 91 84 175
  Ralph St. Andre, Bellingham, WA        
31 John Keegan, Spokane, WA +34 91 87 178
  Read Smith, Spokane, WA        
32 Edward Im, Medina, WA Even 72 WD WD
  Mason Helms, Mercer Island, WA        


Men’s Senior Best-Ball Championship Final Results

Brown And O’Rourke Make Back Nine Charge, Outlast Defending Champions Indall And Galbraith To Earn Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championship

Pullman, Wash. (Friday, May 25, 2012) – Kent Brown of Colville and Jim O’Rourke of Spokane erased a two stroke deficit on the back nine in a thrilling comeback to overtake defending champions Chris Indall and Kirk Galbraith of Richland and win the 15th Washington State Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championship at Palouse Ridge Golf Club. The gusty winds on the John Harbottle III-designed, links-style course made play difficult for the competitors, and the results reflected the tough conditions as the scoring average increased nearly four strokes from the first round.
 
Brown and O’Rourke entered the final round tied at 8-under with defending champions Indall and Galbraith, and the final group did not disappoint as both teams battled from start to finish. An untimely bogey by Brown and O’Rourke on the par-5 10th hole gave Indall and Galbraith a two stroke lead, but the momentum shifted on the 11th hole when Indall and Galbraith made bogey and gave a shot back. Brown and O’Rourke seized the opportunity and played the final seven holes at 3-under, including a crucial par on the 18th hole, to secure the one stroke victory with a final round of 3-under 69 and a two-day total of 11-under 133.
 
“The golf course was excellent. It’s made for the wind. With 20-25 MPH winds, it was a good test out there”, said Brown, about the conditions today. “My partner (O’Rourke) played great.” As for Indall and Galbraith, Brown was quick to laud their play. “It was very close. They played very well,” he said.
 
Five-time champions Bruce Richards of Seattle and Dr. Jack Lamey of Bellevue made the biggest move of the day, posting a 6-under 66 to finish the championship at 7-under 137 and earn a solo third place finish. The 2009 Champions, Mike Hickok of Kirkland and Chris DeGrazia of Lynnwood, finished five shots back in a tie for fourth at 6-under 138 with another former champion, Terry Crockett of East Wenatchee (‘10) and his new partner, Lawson Abinanti, of Bellevue.
 
Richards and Lamey also earned the net title in the Senior Men’s Division, finishing the two-day championship at 17-under 127.
 
For final round results from the Washington State Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championship, as well as information on the 14 amateur championships conducted by the WSGA this year, please visit www.thewsga.org.
 
The WSGA championship caravan now shifts back to western Washington for the Washington State Men’s and Women’s Member Club Team Championship, to be held at White Horse Golf Club in Kingston, Wash. from May 30-31. TPC Snoqualmie Ridge has won both the Men’s and Women’s Member Club Team Championship each of the last three years.
 
Palouse Ridge Golf Club was designed by the legendary John Harbottle III and officially opened its doors for play in 2006. Carved into the rolling hills of Pullman, Palouse Ridge has quickly gained nation-wide recognition as one of the finest public courses in the United States. This bold, Scottish-style track demands sound strategy in order to navigate the elevation changes, shaggy-edged bunkers, and undulating greens. Palouse Ridge is the home course of the Washington State University men’s and women’s golf teams and is therefore specifically designed to challenge top-tier collegiate talent, yet players of all skill levels will enjoy the firm yet fair challenge that the layout presents.
 
The WSGA is a 501(c)(4) non-profit, amateur golf association governed by men and women volunteers, for the benefit of amateur golfers.  The 25-person WSGA Board of Directors employs a full-time staff of 14 individuals.  WSGA members pay an annual membership fee, through their golf club, to belong to the Association.  The WSGA also serves as a state-wide representative of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and works closely with a number of allied associations within the golf industry for the betterment of the game.
 
Washington State Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championship
Palouse Ridge Golf Club
Round 1 –  6,256 yards, par 72
Round 2 – 6,206 yards, par 72

Senior Amateur Championship        
Rank Players Overall Rnd 1 Rnd 2 Total
1 Jim O’Rourke, Spokane, WA -11 64 69 133
  Kent Brown, Colville, WA        
2 Chris Indall, Richland, WA -10 64 70 134
  Kirk Galbraith, Richland, WA        
3 Bruce Richards, Seattle, WA -7 71 66 137
  Dr. Jack Lamey, Bellevue, WA        
T4 Chris DeGrazia, Lynnwood, WA -6 69 69 138
  Mike Hickok, Kirkland, WA        
T4 Lawson Abinanti, Bellevue, WA -6 70 68 138
  Terry Crockett, East Wenatchee, WA        
6 Roger Bumps, Wenatchee, WA -5 68 71 139
  Russell Beckstead, Wenatchee, WA        
7 Ed Klein, Hoquiam, WA -4 69 71 140
  Mike Robb, Bothell, WA        
T8 John Waxham, Mill Creek, WA -3 69 72 141
  Pat Baraya, Kirkland, WA        
T8 Paul Reni, Shoreline, WA -3 69 72 141
  Steve MacGeorge, Shoreline, WA        
10 Kim Hubbart, Sammamish, WA -2 69 73 142
  Steve Zalewski, Liberty Lake, WA        
T11 Bill Adkison, Yakima, WA -1 67 76 143
  Bruce Steelman, Yakima, WA        
T11 Greg Tatham, Lewiston, ID -1 69 74 143
  Mike Welling, Asotin, WA        
T11 Shelton Washburn, Chimacum, WA -1 68 75 143
  Stan Pynch, Olympia, WA        
T14 Jerry L Curtis, Pullman, WA Even 69 75 144
  Rick Schrader, Wenatchee, WA        
T14 John Poynor, Richland, WA Even 72 72 144
  Mike Smart, Kennewick, WA        
T14 Bill Crisp, Kenmore, WA Even 71 73 144
  Jim Ragsdale, Mill Creek, WA        
T17 Gregory Johnson, Bellevue, WA +1 69 76 145
  Michael Martin, Bellevue, WA        
T17 Jim Schott, Kennewick, WA +1 71 74 145
  Leo Solis, Richland, WA        
T19 George Jonson, Lake Forest Park, WA +2 74 72 146
  Harrison Jewell, Edmonds, WA        
T19 Don Price, Creston, BC +2 70 76 146
  Wes Deitz, Bonners Ferry, ID        
21 Barry Unger, Redmond, WA +3 74 73 147
  Pete Yagi, Bellevue, WA        
22 Bill Weitz, Seattle, WA +4 72 76 148
  Jeff Remington, Edmonds, WA        
23 Tim Drumhiller, Yakima, WA +6 70 80 150
  Tom Hohl, Bellevue, WA        
T24 Allen R Chenoweth, Grangeville, ID +8 75 77 152
  Allen Willis, Grangeville, ID        
T24 Akira Nozaka, Grandview, WA +8 74 78 152
  Wayne Banko, Kennewick, WA        
26 Brad Gunn, Bellevue, WA +9 78 75 153
  Mike Whims, Monroe, WA        
27 Del Herring, Wenatchee, WA +10 74 80 154
  Gary Holfeldt, East Wenatchee, WA        
28 Bob Materne, Spokane, WA +11 79 76 155
  Jack Strand, Spokane, WA        
29 Charles Brank, Sumner, WA +12 74 82 156
  George Waalen, Issaquah, WA        
30 Al Reinikka, Bellingham, WA +18 78 84 162
  Bill Roland, Weeki Wachee, FL        
31 Mike Cole, Ellensburg, WA +19 82 81 163
  Ron Nelson, Renton, WA        
32 Don Linkem, Puyallup, WA +24 85 83 168
  Tom Jacobs, Puyallup, WA        
33 William Ashley, Anacortes, WA 3 75 WD WD
  Gary Groth, Goodyear, AZ        

 

Whitaker Brothers Fire A 62 To Set The Pace In The 56THMen’s Best-Ball Championship At Palouse Ridge Golf Club; Two Teams Tied Atop The Leaderboard At The 15th Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championship.

Pullman, Wash. (Thursday, May 24, 2012) – The competitors were treated to a break from the howling Pullman winds as the 56th Washington State Men’s and 15th Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championships got under way at Palouse Ridge Golf Club today. As the skies parted and the sun came out, the players took advantage. Seven players carded eagles on the day, including three on the par-5 9th hole, and 34 teams finished under par.
 
Dan and Ryan Whitaker of Ellensburg jumped out to a fast start on the back nine and birdied 6 of the first 9 holes en route to a blistering 10-under 62 and a four stroke lead entering the final round. Dan Whitaker, fresh off earning medalist honors at the U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Rope Rider Club in Cle Elum, maintained his fine form as he made 8 birdies on the day, an impressive feat considering the challenging layout at Palouse Ridge.
 
The race for the Men’s title, however, is far from over as several teams sit within striking distance after the first round. Tyler Daniels of Walla Walla and Vince Jimenez of College Place are tied in second place with Christian Wilson and Carson Rasmussen of Seattle after both teams fired a 6-under 66 to trail the leaders by four strokes. Daniels and Jimenez were cruising at 3-under through 14 holes before Daniels provided a huge boost with an eagle on the par-5 15th. David Stokes of Grandview and Andrew Schutt of Sunnyside are lurking five shots back after finishing at 5-under 67.
 
The leaders in the Men’s net division after the first round are Edward Im and Mason Helms, who fired a 9-under 63. The Men’s Championship final round will begin tomorrow at 12:00 p.m., with the leaders teeing off at 1:10 p.m.
 
In the Senior Championship, the leaderboard is considerably tighter at the top. Defending champions Kirk Galbraith and Chris Indall of Richland started their title defense off on the right foot with a score of 8-under 64 to share a three stroke lead with Kent Brown of Colville and Jim O’Rourke of Spokane. Galbraith and Indall picked apart the five par-5’s on the course, going 5-under on those holes. In contrast, Brown and O’Rourke took advantage of the five challenging par-3’s, playing them at 4-under for the day.
 
Bruce Steelman and Bill Adkison, both of Yakima, sit a mere three strokes behind the leaders, and well within striking distance, after posting a 5-under 67. Their round was highlighted by Adkison’s eagle on the par-4 12th. Two groups sit four shots off the lead at 4-under, while eight more groups posted 3-under 69’s to finish five shots back of the leaders.
 
Kirk Galbraith and Chris Indall also hold the first round lead in the Senior Men’s net division after posting a 13-under 59. The final round of the Senior Men’s Championship commences tomorrow morning, beginning at 7:30 a.m., with the leaders teeing off at 8:40 a.m.
 
For final round pairings and results from the WSGA Men’s and Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championships, as well as information on the 14 amateur championships conducted by the WSGA this year, please visit www.thewsga.org.
 
Palouse Ridge Golf Club was designed by the legendary John Harbottle III and officially opened its doors for play in 2006. Carved into the rolling hills of Pullman, Palouse Ridge has quickly gained nation-wide recognition as one of the finest public courses in the United States. This bold, Scottish-style track demands sound strategy in order to navigate the elevation changes, shaggy-edged bunkers, and undulating greens. Palouse Ridge is the home course of the Washington State University men’s and women’s golf teams and is therefore specifically designed to challenge top-tier collegiate talent, yet players of all skill levels will enjoy the firm yet fair challenge that the layout presents.
 
The WSGA is a 501(c)(4) non-profit, amateur golf association governed by men and women volunteers, for the benefit of amateur golfers.  The 25-person WSGA Board of Directors employs a full-time staff of 14 individuals.  WSGA members pay an annual membership fee, through their golf club, to belong to the Association.  The WSGA also serves as a state-wide representative of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and works closely with a number of allied associations within the golf industry for the betterment of the game.
 
Washington State Men’s and Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championship
Palouse Ridge Golf Club
Men’s Amateur – 6,667 yards, par 72
Senior Men’s Amateur – 6,256 yards, par 72
 
Men’s Amateur Championship    
Rank Players Overall Rnd. 1
1 Dan Whitaker, Ellensburg, WA -10 62
  Ryan Whitaker, Ellensburg, WA    
T2 Carson Rasmussen, Seattle, WA -6 66
  Christian Wilson, Seattle, WA    
T2 Tyler Daniels, Walla Walla, WA -6 66
  Vince Jimenez, College Place , WA    
4 Andrew Schutt, Sunnyside, WA -5 67
  David Stokes, Grandview, WA    
T5 Chris Bae, Issaquah, WA -4 68
  Craig Larson, Tacoma, WA    
T5 Jack Mushallo, University Place, WA -4 68
  Timothy Gorden, Olympia, WA    
T5 Mike Vanwingerden, Sunnyside, WA -4 68
  Sota Nozaka, Richland, WA    
T5 David Nuhn, Moscow, ID -4 68
  Drew Reinland, College Place, WA    
T9 Ray Gallipo, Yakima, WA -2 70
  Ward Jackson, Yakima, WA    
T9 Kevin Stray, Bellingham, WA -2 70
  Robb Herrmann, Ferndale, WA    
T9 Cody Roth, Bellingham, WA -2 70
  Craig Roth, Bellingham, WA    
T12 Dan J Thacker, Woodway, WA -1 71
  Jeff Howell, Woodinville, WA    
T12 Britten Barker, Tacoma, WA -1 71
  Kevin Beavers, Mill Creek, WA    
T12 Andrew Whalen, Ephrata, WA -1 71
  Rob Matson, Wenatchee, WA    
T12 Cameron Whittle, Moses Lake, WA -1 71
  Tom Whittle, Moses Lake, WA    
T16 Edward Im, Medina, WA Even 72
  Mason Helms, Mercer Island, WA    
T16 Keith Crimp, Ellensburg, WA Even 72
  Randy Crimp, Ellensburg, WA    
T16 Hank Chafin, Pasco, WA Even 72
  Mike Hodgins, Pasco, WA    
T16 Jake Easterly, Portland, OR Even 72
  Luke Easterly, Camarillo, CA    
20 Phil Beste, Allyn, WA +1 73
  Tom Campbell, Port Orchard, WA    
21 Dave Schrenk, Fox Island, WA +2 74
  Karl Smith, Gig Harbor, WA    
T22 Doug Rich, Naches, WA +3 75
  Scott Newell, Pullman, WA    
T22 Michael Dolder, Snohomish, WA +3 75
  Rhett Brown, Everett, WA    
T24 Eric Knapp, Kenmore, WA +5 77
  Jess Beyers, Lake Forest Park, WA    
T24 Jeff Raulston, Kirkland, WA +5 77
  Josh Kechloian, Seattle, WA    
T26 James Harvey Jr, Richland, WA +6 78
  Michael Wheeler, Everett, WA    
T26 Al Sorensen, Pullman, WA +6 78
  Ken Paulson, Pullman, WA    
T26 Doug Pendry, Pullman, WA +6 78
  Rodger Robertson, Troy, ID    
T29 Jeffery Day, Spokane, WA +7 79
  Mark Nielson, Cheney, WA    
T29 Andrew Sharp, Vancouver, WA +7 79
  Todd Benzel, Wenatchee, WA    
T31 John Keegan, Spokane, WA +19 91
  Read Smith, Spokane, WA    
T31 Jeff St. Andre, Bellingham, WA +19 91
  Ralph St. Andre, Bellingham, WA    
       
Senior Amateur Championship    
Rank Players Overall Rnd. 1
T1 Chris Indall, Richland, WA -8 64
  Kirk Galbraith, Richland, WA    
T1 Jim O’Rourke, Spokane, WA -8 64
  Kent Brown, Colville, WA    
3 Bill Adkison, Yakima, WA -5 67
  Bruce Steelman, Yakima, WA    
T4 Shelton Washburn, Chimacum, WA -4 68
  Stan Pynch, Olympia, WA    
T4 Roger Bumps, Wenatchee, WA -4 68
  Russell Beckstead, Wenatchee, WA    
T6 John Waxham, Mill Creek, WA -3 69
  Pat Baraya, Kirkland, WA    
T6 Chris DeGrazia, Lynnwood, WA -3 69
  Mike Hickok, Kirkland, WA    
T6 Kim Hubbart, Sammamish, WA -3 69
  Steve Zalewski, Liberty Lake, WA    
T6 Greg Tatham, Lewiston, ID -3 69
  Mike Welling, Asotin, WA    
T6 Paul Reni, Shoreline, WA -3 69
  Steve MacGeorge, Shoreline, WA    
T6 Jerry L Curtis, Pullman, WA -3 69
  Rick Schrader, Wenatchee, WA    
T6 Gregory Johnson, Bellevue, WA -3 69
  Michael Martin, Bellevue, WA    
T6 Ed Klein, Hoquiam, WA -3 69
  Mike Robb, Bothell, WA    
T14 Tim Drumhiller, Yakima, WA -2 70
  Tom Hohl, Bellevue, WA    
T14 Don Price, Creston, BC -2 70
  Wes Deitz, Bonners Ferry, ID    
T14 Lawson Abinanti, Bellevue, WA -2 70
  Terry Crockett, East Wenatchee, WA    
T17 Bruce Richards, Seattle, WA -1 71
  Dr. Jack Lamey, Bellevue, WA    
T17 Jim Schott, Kennewick, WA -1 71
  Leo Solis, Richland, WA    
T17 Bill Crisp, Kenmore, WA -1 71
  Jim Ragsdale, Mill Creek, WA    
T20 Bill Weitz, Seattle, WA Even 72
  Jeff Remington, Edmonds, WA    
T20 John Poynor, Richland, WA Even 72
  Mike Smart, Kennewick, WA    
T22 Charles Brank, Sumner, WA +2 74
  George Waalen, Issaquah, WA    
T22 George Jonson, Lake Forest Park, WA +2 74
  Harrison Jewell, Edmonds, WA    
T22 Del Herring, Wenatchee, WA +2 74
  Gary Holfeldt, East Wenatchee, WA    
T22 Akira Nozaka, Grandview, WA +2 74
  Wayne Banko, Kennewick, WA    
T22 Barry Unger, Redmond, WA +2 74
  Pete Yagi, Bellevue, WA    
T27 Gary Groth, Goodyear, AZ +3 75
  William Ashley, Anacortes, WA    
T27 Allen R Chenoweth, Grangeville, ID +3 75
  Allen Willis, Grangeville, ID    
T29 Al Reinikka, Bellingham, WA +6 78
  Bill Roland, Weeki Wachee, FL    
T29 Brad Gunn, Bellevue, WA +6 78
  Mike Whims, Monroe, WA    
31 Bob Materne, Spokane, WA +7 79
  Jack Strand, Spokane, WA    
32 Mike Cole, Ellensburg, WA +10 82
  Ron Nelson, Renton, WA    
33 Don Linkem, Puyallup, WA +13 85
  Tom Jacobs, Puyallup, WA    

56TH WASHINGTON STATE MEN’S BEST-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP AND 15TH SENIOR MEN’S BEST-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP KICK OFF TOMORROW AT PALOUSE RIDGE

 
Pullman, Wash. (Wednesday, May 23, 2012) – The winds continue to whip through the plains of Pullman, Wash. as Palouse Ridge Golf Club prepares to host the 56th Washington State Men’s and 15th Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championships on May 24-25.  In all, 65 teams will compete, with 32 teams in the Amateur Championship and 33 teams in the Senior Championship.
 
Last year, Nick Ellis of East Wenatchee and Rob Matson of Wenatchee pulled away from the field to win the 55th Annual Washington State Men’s Best-Ball Championship held at Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla. Ellis and Matson went into the final round paired with their fellow co-leaders, Bob Conrad and Greg Richards, both of Bellevue, at 3-under par. Ellis and Matson quickly gained the lead with a birdie on the 1st hole and never looked back, posting a 3-under par 69 to bring their two-day winning total to 6-under par 138.
 
Matson will look to secure his third Washington State Men’s Best-Ball title (‘03, ‘12) with a new partner, the up and coming Andrew Whalen of Ephrata. Nick Ellis turned pro and is now playing on the Canadian Tour.
 
In the Senior Championship, defending champions Kirk Galbraith and Chris Indall, both of Richland, will be looking to repeat their impressive performance from 2011, when they made four birdies, two on the front and two on the back while only making two bogeys en route to a final round 2-under par 70, giving them a two- day total of 5-under par 139, and a three shot victory. This years’ field also includes five-time Senior Men’s Best-Ball champions Dr. Jack Lamey and Bruce Richards (‘94, ’96, ‘00, ‘06, ‘09), both from Bellevue, who hope to return to the top.
 
Pairings and results will be posted daily. For more information about the Washington State Men’s and Senior Men’s Best-Ball Championships and the rest of the 14 amateur championships conducted by the WSGA this year, please visit www.thewsga.org.
 
Palouse Ridge Golf Club was designed by the legendary John Harbottle III and officially opened its doors for play in 2006. Carved into the rolling hills of Pullman, Palouse Ridge has quickly gained nation-wide recognition as one of the finest public courses in the United States. This bold, Scottish-style track demands sound strategy in order to navigate the elevation changes, shaggy-edged bunkers, and undulating greens. Palouse Ridge is the home course of the Washington State University men’s and women’s golf teams and therefore specifically designed to challenge top-tier collegiate talent, yet players of all skill levels will enjoy the firm yet fair challenge that the layout presents.
 
The WSGA is a 501(c)(4) non-profit, amateur golf association governed by men and women volunteers, for the benefit of amateur golfers.  The 25-person WSGA Board of Directors employs a full-time staff of 14 individuals.  WSGA members pay an annual membership fee, through their golf club, to belong to the Association.  The WSGA also serves as a state-wide representative of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and works closely with a number of allied associations within the golf industry for the betterment of the game.