Berg Wins Northwest Open Invitational

Derek Berg and PGA Director of Golf Chris Isaacson

PGA Professional Derek Berg of PNW Golf Academy claimed the Northwest Open Invitational title in windy conditions at 10 under par, thanks to a hard fought 70 in the final round. It was Berg’s first PNW Major as a professional, after three wins as an amateur, and he takes home the $7,000 first place check. Sixteen year old amateur Alexander Yang of Aviara Golf Club took low amateur honors at 210 and PGA Professionals Loren Jeglum of Clarkston CC and Brady Sharp of Wine Valley CC shared the second spot at 8 under par.

History of the Championship

The history of the Northwest Open is as significant as the history of golf in the Pacific Northwest. The list of past champions reads like a who’s who in Pacific Northwest Golf.  In fact, fifteen members of the Pacific Northwest Section’s Hall of Fame are Northwest Open Champions.

The early years were dominated by Seattle Golf Club’s Robert Johnstone (who won 8 of the first 10 events) and “Long Jim” Barnes. Barnes, the professional at Tacoma C&GC from 1911 – 1915, won the first two PGA Championships (1916, 1919) in addition to the 1921 U.S. Open and the 1925 British Open!  Spokane’s Marvin “Bud” Ward captured six championships over a 22 year span, five as an amateur and his last as a professional.  Bud was also a National Amateur champion and may have won a few more but for the lack of championships during WWII.

To view past champions of the Northwest Open Invitational, CLICK HERE

Wine Valley GC

Wine Valley Golf Club has been rated “One of The Top Three Golf Courses to Play in Washington” by Golfweek.  It has been awarded many other honors since opening in 2009. This stunning Dan Hixson design unfolds on a grand scale, playing over rolling hills in the shadow of the Blue Mountains.  Wine Valley GC has broad fairways, dramatic bunkers, and bold, undulating putting surfaces.