PO Box 14819, Tumwater, WA 98511-4819
Email: pacnw@pgahq.com Website: Pacific Northwest Office: (360) 456-6496
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The 77th Hudson Cup Matches, held October 16–17 at Willamette Valley Country Club, showcased the very best of Pacific Northwest golf. In these historic matches, the top 10 PGA Professionals from the Pacific Northwest Section faced off against the top 10 amateurs in a Ryder Cup-style format. At the same time, the 34th Senior Hudson Cup Matches featured the leading senior professionals and amateurs.
After two days of intense competition, the professional team narrowly captured the 77th Hudson Cup, 10½ to 9½ points. This enabled the pros to take back the trophy for the first time in three years, after the amateurs won in 2023, and the 2024 matches ended in a tie. In the 34th Senior Hudson Cup Matches, the PGA Professionals also prevailed, 11 to 9.
The amateurs led 6½ to 3½ after the first two rounds, heading into Friday's single matches.
Professional Team Captain Rob Gibbons praised the professionalism and camaraderie on display: “What a comeback by my team. It was epic. I believe everyone had a great time, and sportsmanship was evident.”
Senior Professional Team Captain Ted Westling echoed that spirit. “Both matches were extremely close and very competitive. Everyone had a great time and all came away with new relationships or rekindled old memories,” he said. “Willamette CC was in great shape. John Grothe and the membership stepped up and graciously hosted the matches like they had been planned from the beginning of the year.”
Westling also emphasized how meaningful the experience is for players who earn their spot: “It’s like playing in the Ryder Cup (just a little less stressful) on the PNWPGA level. You get to compete, be rewarded for a great year of tournament golf, and share stories with old and new friends alike.”
For Amateur Team Captain Scott Baines, the event carries a personal significance. The tournament’s namesake, Bob Hudson, played a pivotal role in his family’s connection to the game. Decades ago, Hudson paid for a membership at Columbia Edgewater Country Club for Baines’s grandfather, who worked for him at Hudson House, when Baines’s father was just nine years old. That simple act introduced the family to the game of golf—sparking a love that was passed from father to son, and eventually inspiring Scott Baines himself. “To have the opportunity to captain a Hudson Cup team is very sentimental... it feels full circle. It’s impressive how much one person’s passion can touch so many lives.”
Senior Amateur Team Captain Jim Gibbons shared his admiration for the event’s enduring tradition: “The course was fantastic, service perfect, weather wonderful, and competition at a high level. The Cup is an annual testament to honor an extremely monumental piece of golf history,” he said. “It’s a chance to treasure friendships, continue traditions, and see top-level golf. I loved being involved.”
The individual honors celebrated outstanding sportsmanship and performance. Robbie Ziegler received the Charles Congdon Award, voted on by the professional team, while the Larry Lamberger Award, chosen by the amateurs, went to Mason Koch. In the Senior Matches, Ron Hop earned the Bill Eggers Award, and Birk Nelson was honored with the Bob McKendrick Award, as voted by the senior amateurs.
The Pacific Northwest Section PGA extends its gratitude to our generous sponsors: Craig Pelzer of Pelzer Golf Supplies, Brian Dickson of PUKKA, and Bryan Stahl of Antigua. Special thanks to the team captains, and to Willamette Valley Country Club for hosting this year’s matches and upholding the spirit of the Hudson Cup tradition.
The 2025 PNW PGA Mentoring Conference, presented by TaylorMade Golf, aboutGolf, Evolve Golf, NI Golf Tours, and PLT, with support from Jared Bouchey Farmer’s Insurance Agency, the Freddy Initiative, Dash Clip, and Operation 36 Golf, took place November 11–12 at Tualatin Country Club.
Professionals were treated to exceptional tee prize packages including a TaylorMade Yeti cooler, PLT apparel, custom socks from Evolve Golf, and personalized bag tags from Dash Clip.
The conference gathered an inspiring group of PGA Professionals for two days of education, networking, and mentorship, honoring the legacy of Sean Fredrickson and his commitment to growing the game and supporting professionals across the Northwest Section.
PNW PGA President Chris Nowlen welcomed attendees before introducing TaylorMade Golf. Andrew Oldknow, Global Category Product Director for Metal Woods & Putters, shared an exclusive look at upcoming TaylorMade innovations.
Breakout sessions followed, featuring some of our section leaders:
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Merchandising for Success - Kennedy Bodiford & Keith Moskowitz
Teaching & Coaching - Christopher Smith, Bruce Stewart, Michael Neff & David Lebeck
Golf Club Facility Operations - Marcus King & Joshua Coccagna
Building Your Business - Carissa Shaw & Nick Huff
Maggie Simons and Bob Wampler led an insightful discussion on Operation 36 Golf, encouraging professionals to adopt this impactful youth development program.
Andres Gonzales shared the PLT Golf story - a brand blending performance, culture, and purpose to elevate the game while giving back through the One Club Foundation, which donates the greater of 50% of profits or 10% of revenue to youth and community causes. Learn more at pltgolf.com.
The day concluded with a lively Happy Hour hosted by NI Golf Tours, where Jonathan Lennon and Maebh di Brita showcased their world-class Irish golf experiences. Explore NI Golf Tours.
Day two began with the Freddy Initiative, led by John Grothe, Matt Fredrickson, and Pete Trudeau, carrying forward Sean Fredrickson’s vision of supporting PGA Professionals through education and scholarships for PGA Associates.
PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague addressed national initiatives including the Ryder Cup, golf ball roll back discussions, employment updates, PGA HOPE, and education pathways.
TaylorMade Golf’s Kyle Freeman, Shaun Rezachek, Michael Chan, and Dave Curtis then hosted an engaging session on the latest product and fitting innovations.
Patrick Oropallo, Player Engagement Consultant, discussed PGA Jr. League and PGA Coach, while Michael Leemhuis (joining virtually) shared insights on preparing for future employment opportunities.
Jon Jacey from Evolve Golf highlighted creative product solutions for clubs which included the custom socks provided for the event. Visit evolvegolf.com for more.
Paul Russo, PNW PGA Player Development Coordinator, spoke passionately about PGA HOPE, emphasizing the program’s impact on veterans and the need for local fundraising to sustain it. To support PGA HOPE, donate here or contact Paul at prusso@pgahq.com.
The conference concluded with Head Golf Professional, Jeremy Moe and Golf Course Superintendent, Andrew Crawford from Tualatin CC presenting Working With Your Superintendent, a discussion on collaboration between all departments to fulfill the club's mission.
Two incredible days at Tualatin Country Club brought together exceptional sponsors, inspiring presenters, and dedicated PGA Professionals united by a shared passion for learning, growth, and honoring Sean Fredrickson’s enduring legacy.
