PNW Senior Players/2025

Vaughan Captures PNWPGA Senior Players Championship

by Marlena Cannon, Director of Marketing & Communications

PGA Professional Darin Vaughan of Cobra/Puma Golf claimed a memorable victory at the Senior Players’ Championship presented by Fairways and Fundays, held April 15-16 at Wine Valley Golf Club. Vaughan carded rounds of 72–66 for a 6-under-par total of 138, edging out PGA Professional Ryan Malby of Kalispel, MT by a single shot.

Mike Swingle won low amateur honors with a strong performance in both rounds.

“The game of golf can be a roller-coaster,” said Vaughan. “It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was struggling with the full swing yips and trying to break 100 at the Section Championship at Tetherow. There have been times I haven’t wanted to play golf at all—but working through struggles both on and off the golf course has taught me to not give up. Winning was great, but getting the chance to feel healthy and enjoy the challenge with friends is the most important thing.”

Players enjoyed warm, sunny conditions with no wind on the opening day. But true to form, Wine Valley brought its signature 15–20 MPH breeze back for the final round, adding an extra layer of challenge as scores tightened.

“I hadn’t looked at the scores at all during the round, so I didn’t know where I stood,” Vaughan said. “I figured I needed to shoot a low score, so I was just trying to make birdies. The wind picked up quite a bit, so it forced me to pay attention to the shot at hand and not get ahead of myself.”

Vaughan credited the course layout with playing to his strengths. “Wine Valley is such a fun golf course. I feel like my strength is iron play, and chipping and pitching is an area that needs work. The large greens helped me avoid too many short shots around the green, so it fit into my strengths well.”

Looking ahead, Vaughan hopes to continue playing more competitive events. “It’s tricky to balance playing with work and family, but entering the Senior category is creating more opportunities,” he said.

The Pacific Northwest PGA Senior Players’ Championship is a 36-hole stroke play competition with professional and amateur divisions, awarding both gross and net payouts.

Special thanks to presenting sponsor Philip Ring, PGA, of Fairways and FunDays; Tyler Sweet, PGA, Director of Golf at Wine Valley Golf Club; Brad Elzie, PGA; Superintendent Tyler Daniels for excellent course conditions; and owner Jim Pliska for his continued support and hospitality.

Final results: https://2025pnwseniorplayerschampionship.golfgenius.com/