PGA Professional John Cassidy of Alderbrook G&YC won the 88th Washington Open Invitational on Wednesday after posting a final round score of 71. PGA Professional Mitch Runge of Tacoma C&GC fired a 6-under par 66 to come behind to finish one stroke back of Cassidy.
Michael Haack of Meridian Valley CC won low amateur honors after finishing the tournament in third place. View complete results
Meridian Valley Country Club officially opened on July 1, 1967 with 9 of the 18 holes ready for play. The second nine holes and clubhouse opened to equally grand fanfare in May 1968. This exceptional 18-hole layout was designed by Ted Robinson, one of the nation’s leading golf course architects, who chose the site based on the stunning views the surrounding area provided.
Meridian Valley CC has hosted the 1972, 1976, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2009 Washington Open Invitational, as well as the SAFECO Classic from 1982 until 1999. MVCC has grown into one of the Northwest’s most respected golf courses to the credit of the founding members who successfully achieved their goal to develop a first-class golf club.
The Washington Open Invitational and the Drive Fore the Cure Northwest Pro-Am benefits Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Prostate Cancer research. The 2014 event raised $50,000. For more information, please visit www.dftcnw.org
History of the Championship
The Washington Open Invitational dates back to 1922. In that year, young Al Espinosa captured the crown at Yakima CC. Some big names have won this event over the years including the Zimmerman brothers, Al and Emery, along with Chuck Congdon, Al Mengert, Senior Tour Player Rick Acton and PGA Tour Player Fred Couples.
There have been some amazing champions since the event started. Chuck Congdon holds the record for the most wins (39, 47, 50, 52, and 62) while Al Mengert holds the record for the most consecutive wins (63, 64, and 65). The current tournament record is held by PGA Professional Tim Feenstra of Broadmoor GC (2011) and PGA Member Jeff Gove (2012).
To view past champions of the Washington Open Invitational, CLICK HERE.