2008 Competitions Report

By Brent Whittaker, Director of Tournament Operations

It was a terrific season for magnificent golf in Oregon in 2008. Once again Oregon played host to some notable championships and crowned some impressive champions. For the third straight season Oregon played host to a national championship when the US Women’s Amateur was contested at Eugene Country Club.

The season began with two-time defending champion Team Oregon hosting the 3rd PNGA Cup Team Matches on the Nicklaus Course at Pronghorn Golf Club.  With Oregon tied with the team from Washington at the end of the matches, a playoff ensued to determine the champion.  Unfortunately, the final outcome did not have Oregon on top with a three-peat!  The PNGA Cup Matches have become a premier team competition in the Northwest. Oregon looks to be a strong contender in 2009 where matches will be held at Crane Creek Country Club in Boise, Idaho.

Although suffering one of the worst winters in 40-years, Bend Golf & Country Club was in pristine shape for the 99th Oregon Amateur where two worthy champions were crowned.  In the Men’s Final, Blake Seabaugh birdied the 37th hole to edge out local favorite Tim Sundseth in a very competitive match while the Women’s final had medalist Kate Hildahl easily defeating 1993 champion Karly Mills, 6 & 5.  Congratulations to our newest champions, and our deepest appreciation to the staff and members of this premiere facility as they were great hosts.

A big reason for the success of any golf event is due to the host course. The OGA extends a sincere thank you to all of our great venues in 2008.  Of course, there is no way we could administer successful championships without the help of our Tournament Assistance Group (TAG) team. These dedicated and talented volunteers give up countless hours to ensure each championship is of the highest quality in the region.  Our competitions would not flourish if not for their commitment to give back to the game of golf.  Additionally, we were very lucky to have had Clay Williams as our PJ Boatwright Intern. His fun and easy going demeanor was a great complement to our championships, and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

As we look forward, 2009 will be a special year.  The State of Oregon celebrates its sesquicentennial as the Oregon Amateur will be played for the 100th time. We are fortunate to have Bandon Dunes host this prestigious championship during this celebrated year. 

Waverley Country Club hosted the inaugural championship in 1904 with 11 men and 13 women competing for the title.  As the game of golf and the championship itself grew in popularity, the OGA itself was formed in 1928 for the purpose of running this championship.  Today, qualifiers are necessary to pair down the field from more than three hundred entrants. 

In recognition of its’ place in Oregon golf history, we’ve added a season ending 36-hole “Players Championship” at Waverley Country Club for the top ten players from the Men’s points list as well as the top five players from the respective Senior Men’s, Women’s and Senior Women’s points lists.  We hope you’ll join us to watch some of the best amateur players in the region compete in this inaugural event as they vie for the coveted title of Players Champion.

The OGA stages a wide variety of championships for golfers of every age, gender and ability.  You’ll again be pleased at the quality of our host venues in 2009.  Check out our schedule and find a championship to play in.  For more information or if your course is interested in hosting an OGA Championship or USGA qualifier, feel free to contact us at anytime.

We look forward to seeing you on the course in 2009!

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