Luke Bennett
Were it not for a disappointing opening round of 77, Luke Bennett might have contended strongly at the 88th Washington Open Invitational. The Lake Padden professional shot two consecutive two-under-par 70s in the second and third rounds on the 6,673-yard Meridian Valley CC course in Kent, finishing the tournament on one-over 217 and tied for 21st.
Fellow Lake Padden pro Matt Cowell wound up tied for 35th after a closing 73, and the Hitting Zone's Dean Russell shot 79 to finish tied for 80th.
Former WWU Viking Nick Varelia who began the tournament with a one-under 71 closed out with a 74 yesterday to complete the 54 holes on two-over 218, tied for 24th. And Sandy Vaughan tied for 48th on six-over 222.
John Cassidy
The winner, with a three-round total of eight-under 208 was Alderbrook Golf and Yacht Club's John Cassidy who took advantage of overnight leader Michael Haack's final round struggles (76) to win his first state title. Cassidy closed with a 71 and finished a shot ahead of Tacoma CGC's Mitch Runge whose final round 66 tied for low round of the day. Haack was third on 211.
Results
here.
