Northwest Open/2009

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Mike Schoner Captures 105th Northwest Open Invitational

By Molly Cooper

What a tournament! The 105th Northwest Open Invitational, one of the Pacific Northwest Section PGA’s most historical events was a blast this year at the beautiful and challenging Meadow Springs CC. In another historic finish of this championship, Mike Schoner from Lakeview G&CC, won his first Pacific Northwest PGA Section title after overcoming a herd of strong players to have his name engraved on the 105th Northwest Open trophy.

Rosauers Open Champion, Corey Prugh of Manito G&CC went low in the first round after firing a six under par 66. He took a two stroke lead over amateur Bill Winter of Columbia Edgewater CC. Schoner, Tyler Wong of Sudden Valley G&CC and Scott Leritz of Royal Oaks were three back in a tie for third place.

The second round had a few changes at the top of the leaderboard with Brandon Kearney of Bend G&CC taking a one stroke lead over Schoner after posting rounds of 70-65-135. Bob Rannow of Sandpines Golf Links jumped up the board after a six under par 66 for a 138, three strokes back of Kearney. With a mass of fierce players within strokes of the Kearney, the title of Northwest Open Champion was still anyone’s game.

The 18th hole leaderboard kept our volunteers busy as they kept having to change the names on the top of the scoreboard. At one point it looked like there might be a four person playoff at eight under par. When the last score card was finally posted, Mike Schoner and Brandon Kearney were the two remaining at 8 under par.

The difficult 18th hole became the first hole of the playoff between Schoner and Kearney. They both finished the hole with a par 4 to advance to the par 5, 555 yard tenth hole. After making an incredible birdie, Schoner won the 105th Northwest Open Invitational.

This was an incredibly fun event to run with sunny, 85-90 temperatures. We had several outstanding sponsors including: Sterling Savings Bank, Cutter & Buck, Terra Blanca and Carson Kolzig to name a few. We would also like to thank Head PGA Professional Chris Peterson, Superintendent Mark Dalton, Volunteer Chairman Bob Black, his army of volunteers and all the Meadow Springs CC’s staff for another great tournament.