Bellingham's golfers are well off the pace being set at the 88th Washington Open Invitational. Lake Padden's Matt Cowell (right) is the best placed after posting a first-round four-over 76 on the 6,673-yard Meridian Valley course in Kent. That is good only for a tie for 86th, however, 12 shots behind leader Michael Haack.
Luke Bennett, also of Lake Padden, shot 77 and Dean Russell of the Hitting Zone in Barkley Village had a 78.
Former Western Washington University players Nick Varelia and Sandy Vaughan are also in the field. Varelia shot a one-under 71 to finish the day tied for 19th while Vaughan had a 74 and is T57.
Scores here.
