I hope you were able to join us for the Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational at Meridian Valley CC. This event was a huge success on all fronts. First, thanks to our great sponsors and participation in the auction we raised $91,500 for the Folds of Honor Foundation! Chris Manley deserves high praise for her efforts to raise these important funds and also for putting on a first-class pro-am. The championship was terrific with the golf course in beautiful shape, cooperative weather and great play by our players. Congratulations to Ryan Benzel on his victory. Did you notice the total payout topped $100,000 this year?
Next up on the Tournament front is the Oregon Open Invitational – entries close on June 6 so enter now! We return to Aspen Lakes and Howie Pruitt will be a great host. Entries are also out for the Assistant Championship, Senior PGA Professional Championship and the PGA Professional Championship. These are your championships, plan on playing. More information is at pnwpga.wpenginepowered.com; entry is through National.
Congratulations to our recipients of PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarships. These deserving students receive support thanks to your voluntary contributions to the fund when you pay your dues.
| Level | Name | Scholarship Type | Amount | Member |
| High school | Karli Shields | National | $2,000 | Scott Shields, PGA |
| College | Sarah Curran | John Cox | $5,000 | Chris Curran, PGA |
| College | Deidra Dunbar | National | $2,000 | Christopher Runyan, PGA |
| College | J Mason Koch | John Cox | $5,000 | Monte Koch, PGA |
| College | Amanda Robertson | National | $2,000 | Howard Robertson, PGA |
| College | Kyle Robertson | National | $2,000 | Howard Robertson, PGA |
| College | Anthony Savoy | National | $2,000 | Mark Savoy, PGA |
Speaking of dues, you should have received your invoice via EMAIL last month. If you did not, you can log into your PGA.org account and pay your dues or print an invoice for your employer. There is also a “proxy” option where you can give your employer access to your account to pay by credit card. Dues are due no later than June 30 to avoid a late fee. One caution, every year we see late fees where the employer thinks they can mail the check on June 30. Walk your bill through accounting to avoid these avoidable fees.
Starting July 1, the PGA will roll out a new member assistance program. Check this out on PGA.org starting July 1.
We kick off the Drive Chip and Putt season on June 10 at High Cedars. It’s not too late to encourage your juniors and their parents to sign up for this fun and free event. We have 13 local qualifiers throughout the Section. You just might be starting a golfer on a trip to Augusta…we had six go last year! Click here for our schedule or visit drivechipandputt.com
It’s time to buckle down and run the golf business… good luck and I hope to see you at one of our events very soon. If we can ever be of service, please reach out to your terrific Section and Chapter staff. We are here to help you!
Jeff Ellison, PGA
CEO, Pacific NW Section PGA