Washington Open/2024

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Tyler Carlson Clinches First Major Win at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort Washington Open

By: Cameron Altmayer, PNW PGA Tournament Intern

PGA Professional Tyler Carlson of Quail Ridge Golf Course won the 98th Muckleshoot Casino Resort Washington Open Invitational by one stroke over PGA Professional Conner Robbins of North Shore Golf Course and amateur Johnny Carey from Mill Creek Country Club. Carlson shot a solid 2-under 70 for the final round after an impressive round of 66 in the first round, finishing with an 8-under total for the tournament. Due to bad weather on Tuesday, the organizers cut the tournament short to a two-day event with no cut. After a great third shot from the fairway to the center of the green on the 36th hole, his two-putt secured him the victory.

Low amateur honors went to Johnny Carey, who carded a two-round total of 137 (69-68), tying for 2nd place with PGA Professional Conner Robbins of North Shore Golf Course.

Carlson (-6) started his final round two shots ahead of Casey King (-4) before clinching his first major win at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort Washington Open Invitational.

Discussing his mindset as he slept on a two-shot lead from Monday, Carlson stated, “It was certainly different having the whole day on Tuesday off… I went out to the course, just went through my normal range warmup even though we weren’t playing. Tuesday night I was very relaxed. Having my parents make the trip over and staying with my sister and her husband, it was a very comfortable atmosphere. We played some intense board and card games to take everybody’s mind off the golf.”

Reflecting on his thoughts as he teed off for the final round, Carlson said, “I am always nervous before tournament rounds, no matter what day or position I am in, so that is almost a sense of comfort to me. My goal for the round was to go out and make birdies.” Having held a lead in the final round before, he felt the worst thing he could do was play too conservatively and risk getting caught from behind.

After his victory, Carlson stated, “Having a tap-in to win a tournament is always the dream finish, but the funny thing is I wasn’t certain about everyone else’s score. During the round, I didn’t look at live scoring because I didn’t want that to influence some of my decisions or mindset, trying to push for more or playing it too safe. I am a big process person. Hitting each shot the best I can and accepting the good or bad result each time knowing I did all I could.”

During the tournament, Carlson had a special individual on the bag—his father. “Having my dad, who has been a PGA Member for around 40 years and a big reason why I grew up playing this game and chose this profession, on the bag walking every step of the way really made this one special.”

In the Muckleshoot Casino Resort Washington Open Pro-Am benefitting Folds of Honor and American Lake Veteran Golf Course, the R.E. Sides Landscaping team led by David Owens took first place, carding a two-round total of 170.3 and an impressive 45.7 under par for both days!

An impressive $45,000 was raised for Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships for the children and spouses of those killed or disabled in service to the United States Military. For more information, visit Folds of Honor.

An additional $45,000 was raised for American Lake Veterans Golf Course, the only golf course in the United States designed to be played by disabled veterans. Since 1995, the operation and maintenance of the course have been maintained entirely by private donations. For more information, visit American Lake Veterans Golf Course.

Special thanks to Head PGA Professional Adam Englehorn, Superintendent Craig Benson, and all the staff at Meridian Valley Country Club for providing a phenomenal week! Along with these individuals, the PNW Section would like to thank Judy Thompson for providing such great volunteers who devoted their time to make the 98th Muckleshoot Casino Resort Washington Open Invitational a spectacular event!

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