Washington Open/2020
Inglis Wins the 94th Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational
by Molly Cooper, PGA Certified Professional
PGA Professional Colin Inglis of Shadow Hills CC won the Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational at Meridian Valley CC by one shot after rounds of 69-68-137, 7-under par for the two-day tournament.
“It feels incredible to win a major at such a great course,” said Inglis. “I love coming to Meridian Valley. I haven't been playing very well this year so it was just nice to play some good golf again, let alone win the title. Any time you win a section major, you played some great golf with all the players we have in our section.” This is Inglis’ second PNW Section major, having previously won the Oregon Open Invitational in 2018.
Inglis was trailing the first round leader Birk Nelson of Orange Whip after the first round. When asked how he prepared for the final round three back, he responded, “I didn't change my game plan at all the second day. The first day I played so good and didn't get much out of my round, so I knew if I hit it like I did the first day and just made some more putts I would be right there. It's easy to feel like you need to push to catch the leader, but I just tried to take it hole by hole and give myself as many birdie putts as I could because it is hard to putt at Meridian Valley.”
Inglis said that the most fun aspect of event was the way the course suits his game. “You have to hit it straight and the greens are very undulating, which I am used to from home.”
First round leader Birk Nelson ended up in second place, one stroke back of Inglis. Low amateur honors went to Costas Panay of Sahalee CC, whole finished in lone third, two strokes back.
Prior to the tournament, a weekend Pro-Am benefitting Folds of Honor took place. 29 sponsored teams of four amateurs, each lead by a PGA Professional, competed in a scramble format day 1 with a shamble format day 2. PGA Professional Chris Griffin, along with sponsor team from DCS with amateurs Gary Sherrell, Colt Sherrell, Nathan Cogswell and Sean Langham, took home the Pro-Am victory. This event raised over $50,000 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, visit www.foldsofhonor.org.
“I always look forward to this tournament and the people at Meridian Valley are just awesome,” said Inglis, and we couldn’t agree more. We would like to thank Meridian Valley CC, Muckleshoot Casino, our great sponsors and the players for making the Washington Open Invitational and Pro-Am such a special event. Special thanks to General Manager Greg Manley, Pro-Am Tournament Director Chris Manley, Superintendent Craig Benson and their staffs for a fantastic week and course, in addition to their efforts in making this event even happen with two date changes due to the craziness of COVID-19.
Final results: https://2020secmuckleshootwa.golfgenius.com/pages/2496663