The 100th Washington Open Invitational was held at Tacoma Country & Golf Club (TCGC) on May 4-6. This was an exciting event for everyone involved, following up on TCGC’s hosting of the 99th Washington Open the year prior. “The 100th Washington Open is a milestone event and celebration of a century of competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments,” said Brett Eaton, the PGA Head Professional at TCGC. “Over the past 100 years, this event has brought together the best players in the Pacific Northwest.” As Eaton continued, TCGC was proud to host this event, which include some of the best golfers in the PNW and in the country. 

 

This year, PGA Professional Jeff Gove of Sandpoint, Idaho captured the 100th Washington Open Invitational Title. Gove defeated PGA Professional Craig Ronne of Emerald Valley Golf Club, Creswell, Oregon in a sudden-death playoff. This was Gove’s third title. Ronne received runner up designation. Washingtonian Henry Mills, out of the West Seattle Golf Course, scored fifth place and was the top amateur finisher (low amateur honors) in the field. Significant plays during the centennial tournament included a double eagle by Tyler Fitchett, a Yakima, Washington native; and a hole-in-one by Preston Bebich, a Gig Harbor Peninsula High School graduate who is now attending Washington State University. 

 

The Washington Open Invitational dates back to 1922, when Al Espinosa captured the crown at the Yakima Country Club. Espinosa was one of the first Hispanic golfers ever to compete in a U.S. pro tour. Over the years, there has been a distinguished line of winners. Seattle’s own Jeff Coston won his sixth title in 2021 and became the oldest PGA Professional in the game up to that point and the golfer at the time with the most wins overall in the Washington Open. Coston’s golfing record spans six championships and four decades. The current tournament record is held by Gove and by PGA Professional Tim Feenstra, another Seattleite, out of Broadmoor Golf Club. 

 

The Pacific Northwest Section PGA was founded the same year as the first Washington Open, in 1922, and includes 1,400 PGA members and associates from Washington, Oregon, northern Idaho, western Montana, and Alaska. TCGC, as our neighbors know, is one of the best private golf clubs in the United States. It was established in the early 1900s by immigrants who wanted to play the game they loved from their homelands in Scotland and England. TCGC continues to be a top tier choice for locals and visitors alike, whether it’s for golf or recreation and dining. 

 

"The Washington Open Invitational holds a special place in the history of golf in the Pacific Northwest, and Tacoma Country & Golf Club, with its rich legacy and longstanding tradition, is the perfect venue for such a milestone,” said Chris Nowlen, PGA Pacific Northwest Section President, upon the announcement of both the 99th and 100th Opens would be held at TCGC. “The PNW Section PGA is committed to elevating these events to celebrate this remarkable chapter in our section’s golf history and create an unforgettable experience for our members.” 

 

An elite field of past champions took to the course this year, led by defending champion Conner Robbins of Meadow Park Golf Course. Also competing were recent champions Tyler Carlson (Lewiston Golf & Country Club, 2024) and Blake Snyder (PNW Golf Academy, 2023), along with two-time champion PGA Professional Colin Inglis (Eugene Country Club, 2022, 2020). 

 

The 2026 Washington Open Invitational started with round one on Monday, May 4, round 2 on May 5, and the final round on May 6. The championship was a 54-hole professional stroke play with a cut after 36 holes to low 45% of professionals and ties plus all amateurs within that range.  

 

Congratulations to all who took part.