Washington Open/2019

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Prante Wins Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational

By: Alec Bahnick, PNW PGA Section Tournament Intern

KENT, WA - Meridian Valley CC - 6,707 Yards, Par 72, 160 PGA Professionals and Amateurs. $8,500 Winners’ Purse

PGA Professional Shane Prante of The Home Course won his first Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational at Meridian Valley CC by five shots after being tied for the lead at the start of the final round. After close finishes the last two years, he shot a final round 67 to complete a winning total score of 202 (14-under par) that was two strokes off the 54-hole tournament record.

Prante said, “It feels very satisfying to win this prestigious event. The Washington Open is a tournament I have always wanted to win. There are so many great things about this event that make it so special i.e. The Folds of Honor, the quality of MVCC as a challenge in all facets, and the rich history of names who came before me. To now be a part of that history is special!”

Last year’s champion PGA Professional Ryan Benzel of Sahalee CC, PGA Professional Scott Erdmann of Oswego Lake CC, and PGA Professional Conner Robbins of North Shore GC tied for second place at 9-under par. The low amateur of the tournament was Mason Koch of George Fox University who finished at 5-under par.

Prante began the week scoring a two under par 70 and then continued his stellar play firing a seven under par 65 in the second round. After finishing runner-up the last two years in this event, the three-time Northwest Open Invitational winner was ready to seal the deal at Meridian Valley CC. Prante revealed, “I knew my game would hold up under the pressure if I would be patient and let the game come to me. I have been in a position that I could have 3 or 4 WA Open’s under my belt by now, but I always tried too hard and made unforced errors or didn’t have the trust that I needed to win. I am learning how to trust my ability again and let the opportunities present themselves and making the most of the rounds when it counts. Understanding that my faith in God, my precious boys, my wife, co-workers, and friends are what is important, and this should be fun!”

Prior to the tournament, a weekend Pro-Am benefitting the Folds of Honor Foundation was held. Competing were 30 sponsored teams of four amateurs, each lead by a PGA Professional. The format of the Pro-Am was a two-day net, best 2 of 5 shamble. The sponsor team from Sysco lead by PGA Professional Hagen Dickinson of Allenmore GC and amateurs Jim Redman, Steve Crowe, Bob Carlin and Russ Heaton won the team shamble competition after firing a 34-under par score. This event raised over $80,000 to help provide scholarships for the children and spouses of those killed or disabled in service to the United States Military. For more information on this incredible foundation, go to www.foldsofhonor.org.

We would like to thank Meridian Valley CC, Muckleshoot Casino, our great sponsors, and the players for making the 2019 Washington Open Invitational and Pro-Am such a special event. A special thanks to General Manager Greg Manley at Meridian Valley Country Club, Chris Manley the Tournament Director, Superintendent Craig Benson, and their staffs for a fantastic week and course. Along with Meridian Valley CC, the Pacific Northwest Section would also like to thank Judy Thompson and her volunteers for the help and time they devoted to the 93rd Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational and Pro-Am benefiting the Folds of Honor Foundation.

Final results: https://2019secmuckleshootwa.golfgenius.com