KENT, WA – Meridian Valley CC – 6,707 Yards, Par 72
PGA Professional Blake Snyder of PNW Golf Academy won the Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational at Meridian Valley Country Club.
PGA Professional Daniel Campbell of Bellingham G&CC finished second and PGA Professional David Phay of Whidbey GC finished third place.
Low amateur honors went to Collin Hodgkinson of The Reserve Vineyards.
The event raised $39,500 for Folds of Honor and $39,500 for American Lake Veterans GC.
Results: https://2023secmuckleshootwa.golfgenius.com
Sponsors
Title Sponsor: Muckleshoot Casino
Master Sponsors: Donovan Brothers, Annasea, R.E. Sides Landscaping, Garmany Golf
Supporting Sponsor: Oak Harbor
Presenting Sponsors: Hempler’s/Isernio’s/Fletcher’s, Bacardi, Harbor Food Service, adidas, TaylorMade Golf, Club Car Skins, PGA Tour
History of the Championship
The Washington Open Invitational has its origins dating back to 1922 when young Al Espinosa secured the championship at Yakima CC. Throughout its history, notable figures such as the Zimmerman brothers, Al and Emery, along with Chuck Congdon, Al Mengert, Senior Tour Player Rick Acton, and PGA Tour Player Fred Couples, have emerged victorious in this prestigious event.
The tournament has witnessed an array of remarkable champions over the years. In 2021, Jeff Coston clinched his sixth Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational title, adding to his previous triumphs in 1996, 1999, 2001, 2010, and 2016. This achievement officially established him as the oldest and most successful PGA Professional in the Washington Open era, boasting six Championships spanning four decades. Chuck Congdon previously held the record for the highest number of wins (1939, 1947, 1950, 1952, and 1962), while Al Mengert retains the distinction for the most consecutive victories (1963, 1964, and 1965). Notably, the current tournament record stands with PGA Professional Tim Feenstra of Broadmoor GC (2011) and PGA Professional Jeff Gove (2012).
To view past champions of the Washington Open Invitational, CLICK HERE.
Charities
The 2023 Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Pro-Am benefits Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is a 501 (C)(3) charitable foundation supporting scholarships and assistance to the spouses and children of those killed or disabled in military service to America. We can honor those who fought for our freedom by serving the families they leave behind. Over $554,500 has been raised over the years for the Folds of Honor. Additional information for Folds of Honor can be found at www.foldsofhonor.org.
The event also benefits American Lake Golf Course. American Lake Golf Course is the only golf course in the United States designed to be played by disabled veterans. Since 1995 the operation and maintenance of the course has been maintained entirely by private donations. Help us continue to provide relaxing, therapeutic and accepting environment by giving back to those who have given so much. To date, over $105,500 has been raised for American Lake Veterans Golf Course. Additional information for American Lake Veteran Golf Course can be found at https://www.veterangolf.org/give-back.
Meridian Valley Country Club
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 previously hosted the Washington Open Invitational in 1972, 1976, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. They also hosted the SAFECO Classic from 1982 through 1999. MVCC has grown into one of the Northwest’s most respected golf courses.
