PGA Professional Conner Robbins of North Shore Golf Course clinched a long-awaited victory at the 99th Washington Open Invitational, held May 7–9, 2025, at the historic Tacoma Country & Golf Club. Robbins birdied the final hole to win by one stroke, claiming his second Pacific Northwest PGA major in dramatic fashion.
The Washington Open Invitational is a 54-hole individual stroke play championship with a 36-hole cut. Robbins, a proud walk-on alum of the University of Washington golf team, had been chasing this title for years, earning three second-place finishes and narrowly missing a win last year. “Finally getting to compete in the Washington Open after the age of 40 is something I treasure,” he said. “I gave one away on the last hole last year, and I was going to make sure I was ready, mentally and physically, for this year’s championship.”
Robbins opened the tournament with a 4-under-par 68 to take a one-stroke lead in sunny conditions. With 34 players at even par or better after the first round, it was shaping up to be a tight contest. He held onto his lead in the second round with a two-day total of 136, 8-under-par, staying just ahead of PGA Professional Tim Feenstra of Broadmoor GC and amateur Andrew Von Lossow of Indian Canyon GC. The 36-hole cut advanced 66 PGA Professionals and 13 amateurs to the final round.
The second day also featured some spectacular moments: PGA Professional Scott Erdmann of Oswego Lake CC made a rare double eagle on the par-5 18th hole, while Steven Rose of North Bellingham GC aced the par-3 sixth.
As he stepped onto the course for the final round, Robbins knew he had to stay steady. “My mindset was to stay in the mix so with nine holes left, I could roll with the adrenaline. I knew my ball striking was a little off, but it always finds itself at some point.” After a nervous front nine, Robbins birdied holes 10 and 11 to get back under par for the day. “After making an 8-footer for par on 12, I finally asked my caddie Bryan if we were still in the mix. He said we were one or two back, and that was the best thing he could have said. There was no more time for protection, I had to go get it.”
He did just that, sticking approaches on 14 and 15, then hitting a pure 7-iron into the par-5 16th. On 17, he drained a 25-foot par putt to stay in the hunt. “I still didn’t know where I stood,” he said, “but the best thing that happened coming down the stretch was that my drive on 18 trickled into a perfect lie in the first cut. That’s when I asked Bryan what I needed to do, and once again, he said the perfect thing: ‘Take care of business and it’s yours.’ I grabbed the club, relaxed my hands, did my routine, and swung my arms at the target.”
That swing delivered Robbins the win by one stroke over Von Lossow, Blake Snyder of PNW Golf Academy, Rudy Caparas of Fire Iron Golf – Kirkland, and Jesse Heinly of Parscripton Golf. “This one takes the cake,” he said. “I’m so proud to say I’m the Washington State Open Champ.”
The victory was especially meaningful given Robbins’ connection to the venue. “Tacoma CC has been a special place to me my whole life. We were lucky to have it in our WJGA district, and I remember competing there with John Cassidy, Britten Barker, and Tony Brett since we were eight years old. When I was in high school and college, Joel was the superintendent at Kitsap, and now he’s been at Tacoma ever since. I joined Tacoma for four years in between my playing career and teaching years. I miss the course and the members every day. Tacoma has been like a second home behind Kitsap.”
Reflecting on why the course suits him, Robbins said, “My game travels, and it’s because of these skills: I don’t miss fairways and I hit it long enough. I hit my irons pin high. I swing all my clubs like I swing my wedges. I’ve become a great putter, especially inside ten feet. And most importantly, I’ve become patient on the golf course.”
Looking ahead, Robbins is excited to keep the momentum going. “I can’t wait to get to the Oregon Open and compete against you all in paradise. I’ll be back at the Rosauers too, after missing my chance to defend. And I’ll be ready for The Home Course (for the Northwest Open), I’ve never played it the way I want to.” He also gave a shout-out to the golf team he coaches: “Thanks to my college team. University of Puget Sound Golf keeps me young and competitive! I love helping you all get better, and you all definitely help me get better.”
The Pacific Northwest Section PGA extends heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made this year’s championship possible: Titus-Will, Pelzer Golf, Pacific Golf & Turf, TRUE Linkswear, PLT Golf, and the PGA Tour. Special appreciation also goes to James Hochrine, PGA General Manager, and Brett Eaton, PGA Head Professional, for their outstanding hospitality at Tacoma Country & Golf Club.
Final results: 2025 PNW Washington Open Invitational Event Results
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. In 2021, Jeff Coston claimed his sixth Muckleshoot Casino Resort Washington Open Invitational title adding to his wins in 96, 99, 2001, 2010, and 2016 officially becoming the oldest and winningest PGA Professional in the Washington Open era with his six Championships spanning four decades. Chuck Congdon held 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
Tacoma Country & Golf Club
Tacoma Golf Club was established when a group of a dozen Scotsmen and Englishmen, employed by the English grain firm of Balfour, Guthrie, & Co., sought to play the game they left behind in their homelands. In 1904, the club acquired the seven-acre Lehman estate plus 160 acres of surrounding property on the eastern shore of American Lake, its current location. Over the years, the club has grown into one of the premier private golf clubs in the Northwest.
In its past, Tacoma Country & Golf Club was also home to Jim Barnes, who served as the club’s Head Professional from 1911 to 1914. Barnes went on to become a major figure in golf, winning the 1914, 1917, and 1919 Western Opens, the 1916 and 1919 PGA Championships, the 1921 U.S. Open, and the 1925 British Open.
Tacoma Country & Golf Club has a proud tradition of hosting major events, including the Northwest Open in 1915, 1925, 1931, 1966, 1979, and 1985. Additional significant tournaments include the PNW PGA Professional Championship in 1962 and 1996, the PNW PGA Pro-Am Championship in 1955 and 2004, the PNW PGA Pro-Assistant Championship in 1992, 2011 and 2024, the 74th Hudson Cup matches in 2022. This extensive history underscores the club’s reputation for excellence in the Pacific Northwest.
