Molalla, OR– Arrowhead Golf Club, 6560 yards, Par 72
The Pacific Northwest PGA Senior Professional Championship, presented by Cadillac, wrapped up on September 6th at Arrowhead Golf Club in Molalla, Oregon. PGA Professional Ryan Malby of Kalispell, Montana, secured the championship title by one stroke, narrowly edging out Mitch Lowe of Glendoveer Golf Course. This win adds to Malby’s impressive season, following his triumph at the Senior Oregon Open Invitational last month.
The championship, a 36-hole individual stroke-play event, determined the top six finishers who earned a spot in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship, set to take place at Sunriver Resort in Oregon from September 26-29. Jeff Coston, already exempt from qualifying, will join the field of top senior professionals.
In addition to Malby and Lowe, Jeff Gove of The Idaho Club, Birk Nelson of Orange Whip, David Lebeck of Portland Golf Club, Christopher Smith of Eugene Country Club, and Brent Murray of Oswego Lake Country Club all earned berths to compete in the national event.
The stakes are high at the 36th Senior PGA Professional Championship, as the top performers will secure a coveted spot in the 2025 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, hosted at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.
The Senior Division title went to Ted Westling of Stone Creek Golf Club, rounding out an exciting competition.
Final results: https://2024secseniorpga.golfgenius.com.
History of the Championship
The Senior PGA Professional Championship was established in 1952. This very popular event, for those who are 50 years and older, has seen a major jump since the days of old. Some can remember all the way back in 1965 when Harry Umbinetti was the top money winner of the event taking home a whopping $250 dollars. Back then, the championship was held at the Yakima Elks’ Golf and Country Club with only 21 professionals battling it out for the mere sum of $920 dollars. Throughout the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, the Pacific Northwest Senior PGA Championship has seen many timeless and popular venues. Places such as Royal Oaks Country Club, Eugene Country Club, Manito Golf and Country Club, and Fircrest Country Club have all been in the mix since the beginning. The famous Bob Duden won the championship six times during the 70’s and seven times overall. Jeff Coston holds the record for most wins (nine).
Arrowhead Golf Club
Situated on 135 verdant acres in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Arrowhead Golf Club remains the hidden jewel of Clackamas County. Guarded by old-growth forest, the 18-hole private championship golf course meanders across lush meadows and rolling hills, crossing paths with the pristine Molalla River and Wrights Creek before beginning its final approach back to the clubhouse. Despite its picturesque setting, the par 71/6537 yard course is designed to challenge players of all abilities. Its demanding layout and manicured playing surfaces result in a dynamic playing experience enjoyed by amateurs and experienced golfers alike.
