Senior Oregon Open/2018
Coston Triumphs Again at the Senior Oregon Open Invitational
By Nathan Pajutee ~ PNW PGA Tournament Intern
Wildhorse Resort & Casino was a familiar sight at the base of the Blue Mountains in Pendleton, Oregon, where the 6,640 yard, Par-72 course hosted the 2018 Senior Oregon Open Invitational. Since its induction in 1996, this tournament has brought together the best players 50 years and older all across the Pacific Northwest. Although the competition was extremely tight yet again, PGA Professional Jeff Coston of Semiahmoo G&CC defended his title and emerged victorious to claim his sixth Senior Oregon Open victory.
Beginning on Tuesday, July 31, the 2018 Senior Oregon Open Invitational featured a total of 224 golfers competing in the individual stroke play tournament. Additionally, 56 teams consisting of one PGA Professional and 3 amateurs teed it up in the always exciting two-day pro-am competition. The team competition was a best 2 of 4, one net and one gross format in hot temperatures and gusting winds. The team led by PGA Professional Billy Bomar of Prairie Falls GC, amateurs Mike Kerns, Dave Steinbach, and Lloyd Dresser broke through and claimed the pro-am title. They fired rounds of 121-123, an impressive 44-under par 244.
The Super Senior Division was also decided on Wednesday, where golfers 63 years and older qualify. With a two-day total of 77-65-142, Fred Haney of Tigard, OR came out on top.
After two rounds, amateur Erik Hanson of Sahalee CC held a three-shot lead at an imposing 12-under par. Jeff Coston, at a two-day total of 9-under par, knew he had to go low if he hoped to win. Coston is no stranger to pressure in competitive environments, and this experience proved useful in the final round. It was an extremely tight competition between Hanson and Coston, but Coston’s incredible round of 7-under 65 claimed him the championship by one stroke.
On his thought processes leading to the win, Coston said, “I stuck to my game plan fully. I wasn’t focused on Erik or anybody else. I attacked shots and holes fully committed, decisive, with my eyes and swing template. I sprinkled in a little fun also!”
This is Coston’s second Senior Oregon Open win in succession at Wildhorse Resort & Casino, and his sixth since being eligible to compete in the competition. On this, Coston said, “Every win and tournament is so different with different circumstances and situations. One is never guaranteed anything, so winning is sweet!”
We’d like to thank Wildhorse Resort & Casino for their hospitality and continued support of our championship. 2018 marks the 16th straight year the course has hosted the Senior Oregon Open Invitational. Special thanks go to Head PGA Professional Mike Hegarty and his golf operations staff along with Superintendent Phil Lagao and his grounds crew. We look forward to returning to Wildhorse Resort & Casino for number 17!