Oregon Open/2024

Grove Secures Second Pelzer Golf Oregon Open Invitational Title

by Cameron Altmayer, Tournament Operations Intern

On Thursday, June 13, another historic tournament was added to the Oregon Open books. With the towering Sisters Mountains and an incredible gallery watching, PGA Professional Russell Grove of North Idaho College defeated amateur Graham Moody of Royal Oaks CC by one shot at Brasada Canyons in a playoff. Grove played phenomenally all week, posting a total score of 201(65-69-67).

“I think the biggest challenge I faced was the bogey on 15 in the final round,” said Grove. “I know most guys were birdieing that hole, and I made a mental mistake with my club off the tee, which led to a bogey. So, I had to quickly forget the mistake, learn from it for next time, but go into the next hole with a neutral state.”

The final round saw Grove and Moody go into a playoff to decide the winner of the Oregon Open. Asked what his thought process was going into the playoff, Grove replied, “The playoff was kind of freeing, actually. At that point, I knew I was the low pro regardless of what happened. I, of course, wanted to win overall, but I had a much more freeing play during the playoff, with basically a no-fear attitude, and played aggressively.”

Two team competitions were held over the first two days. Winning the low two-of-four team competition was the team with PGA Professionals Daniel Campbell, Blake Snyder, and amateurs Paul Berube and Graham Moody. They fired a two-day total of 245 to win by 10 strokes!

PGA Professional Blake Snyder and amateur Graham Moody won the four-ball team competition at 124, by three strokes over Professional Daniel Campbell and amateur Paul Berube.

When asked how this win compares to his first win in 2017, Grove said, “The win in 2017 was a little more nerve-wracking as that was my first win in the Section. So I felt comfortable either way with the outcome this year, no matter how it turned out. Winning golf tournaments, no matter the level you’re at, is never easy, so it is always a rewarding experience.”

The Pacific Northwest Section would like to thank General Manager Jared Jeffries, PGA Professional Kyle Johnson, and Superintendent Jake Mink for their hard work and hospitality, which made this event possible.

Final results: https://2024secoregonopen.golfgenius.com/