Runge and Prante Go Back-to-Back at Pacific Northwest PGA Pro-Assistant Championship
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Defending a title is never easy, but Mitch Runge, PGA, and his assistant Shane Prante, PGA, of The Home Course proved up to the task, capturing their second consecutive win at the Pacific Northwest PGA Pro-Assistant Championship. The duo carded rounds of 63-66—129 in the four-ball format, edging out Persimmon Country Club’s Chad Fribley and Trevor Hiebing by a single stroke.
“Defending the title feels awesome,” said Runge. “It seems like every year the fields get stronger, and you need to not only play well but get some ham and egg if you’re going to have a chance to win.”
The field featured 66 two-person teams comprised of PGA Professionals and their Assistants, battling over two days at Royal Oaks’ 6,605-yard, par-72 layout.
The weather featured a mix of sun and showers, but the conditions didn’t dampen the spirit of the event—or the course. “Royal Oaks is a golf course that has 18 really good golf holes on it,” said Runge. “It was in as good of playing condition or better than any place we’ve played in the Northwest.”
We extend our sincere thanks to Scott Leritz, PGA, and his outstanding staff at Royal Oaks for presenting the course in immaculate shape. The entire event, from the pristine course to the hospitality, earned high praise from the players.
The week also featured a touch of magic during the Garmany Golf Bucket List Experience Shootout, where a rainbow arced over the course as David Patterson won a golf trip for two to Portugal.
Runge and Prante credited their success to a deep working relationship that extends beyond the fairways.
“I think our working relationship doesn’t change much whether we’re on the course or off,” Runge noted. “Shane knows what my weaknesses are and steps in to fill those gaps at work as well as on the course—especially when I start to make golf harder than it needs to be.”
Prante agreed. “Our personalities and the way each of us plays really complements a team format. If one stumbles, the other is always there to cover,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for Mitch’s game and try to play in a way that can free him up to let it rip.”
Their playing styles meshed well again this year, with Runge playing aggressively and Prante providing consistency. “He’s very good at golf, and being his partner is easy,” Runge said. “We both make birdies, and Shane doesn’t make many mistakes.”
Runge and Prante say they’re focused on continuing to grow as well-rounded PGA Professionals. “It’s important to both of us to play and do our jobs at a high level and grow the game,” said Runge. “It’s what we love to do.”
Prante added, “We want to do well going forward and also keep representing The Home Course each day to make it a great experience for our customers.”
The 2025 Pacific Northwest PGA Pro-Assistant Championship was proudly supported by Farmers Insurance – Jared Bouchey Agency as Title Sponsor. Presenting Sponsors included Sally Schmitz (Bushnell Golf), Bryan Dickson (Sterling Cut Glass), Chris Gaines (Mizuno), Nick Bardino (KJUS), Jon Jacey (Evolve Golf), and Bud Garmany & Kim Welch (Garmany Golf). Supporting Sponsors were Matt Pollitt (PTE Golf) and Bob Berkey (Pearce Bespoke).
Since its inception in 1992, the Pacific Northwest Pro-Assistants Championship has become one of the most beloved events in the Section. From the seven-hole sudden-death playoff in its debut year to the tournament-record 18-under 126 set by Scott Williams and Mike Barnett in 1995, the event continues to offer drama, excitement, and professional camaraderie. Another milestone came in 2008 when Steve and Corey Prugh became the first father-son duo to hoist the trophy.
CLICK HERE to view the Pro-Assistant Championship final results
