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By Keegan Williamson, Tournament Operations Intern
This year in Pendleton, OR, PGA Professional Ryan Malby captured his fourth consecutive title at the Senior Oregon Open Invitational, held July 29–31 at Wildhorse Resort & Casino and Birch Creek Golf Course. Malby posted an impressive 15-under-par total of 201 (65-69-67) over three rounds, outlasting a competitive field and extending his remarkable winning streak.
Reflecting on the achievement, Malby said, “Winning anything and accomplishing your goal is always a very rewarding feeling. To win this particular event four consecutive times is very special to me. It means a ton to have my amazing wife Lisa and my team—Jon, Chuck, and Jose—support me the entire way for the three days.”
While all four victories were meaningful, Malby admitted this year felt different.
“I feel this particular year was a little harder,” he said. “I truly haven't been playing that well since the Senior PGA in May. The couple of things that I actually do well kind of abandoned me, so to have them all resurface this week was extremely cool. This one was very rewarding in that aspect.”
Preparation remains key to Malby’s success, with a focused approach in the weeks leading up to the event.
Coming off the Rosauers, which is certainly a shorter course, really starts to put an emphasis on wedges,” he explained. “I really try to hit a jillion wedges before this event and really work on rhythm. That holds true with the putter as well.”
Malby also credited the team competition during the first two days as a factor in his comfort level.
“There is certainly a level of comfort playing with your pro-am team,” he said. “For me, I’m blessed to play with three guys who are not only my very good friends but guys I’ve been competing with for over 25 years in various Montana Chapter PGA events. This Senior Oregon Open really promotes camaraderie unlike any other event we play all year. It truly is our favorite!”
In other highlights, Amateur Jim Ryder of Aldarra GC placed third overall and earned Low Amateur honors. In the team competition (one gross, one net at 90% handicap), PGA Professional John Freitas led the winning team of Mike Swingle, Mike Koczarski, and Jim Ryder to a 36-under-par total over 36 holes.
The Pacific Northwest Section extends a heartfelt thank-you to Wildhorse Resort & Casino host PGA Professional Mike Hegarty and The Golf Course at Birch Creek host PGA Professional Micheal Wood for once again hosting this memorable event—along with all the players and volunteers who made the 2025 Senior Oregon Open Invitational a success.
Final results: https://2025secsroregonopen.golfgenius.com/
On August 4, 2025, at Oswego Lake CC, Shane Prante claimed his third victory in a close finish at the PNW PGA Assistant Championship, supported by Cleveland | Srixon, securing his spot to represent the Pacific Northwest Section at the National PGA Championship. In the 36-hole tournament, Prante posted an impressive 9-under-par total of 133(65-68) over a highly competitive leaderboard filled with past champions.
While every win is special, this one held extra significance.
“To me, each tournament over the years that I have been fortunate to win all have different thoughts that come to mind,” Prante shared after the win. “I am always thankful to be able to secure a win of any kind. I think this one would be up there as probably the most satisfying of the Assistants’ events for sure.”
The path to victory was anything but easy. With low scores being posted early and heavy competition near the top, Prante had to stay focused down the stretch.
“It is not easy to win events in our Section with the quality of players that consistently rise to the top of the leaderboard,” he explained. “I have a lot of respect for Daniel’s game and know how consistent he has been over the years. I just wanted to make sure, worst case, I kept it close to be able to have a chance during the last couple holes, and I was able to do that with birdies on 16 and 18.”
The victory was especially meaningful given the physical challenges Prante has faced in recent years.
“In this event two years ago, I tore some ligaments in my left hand, which really changed the way I once hit a consistent draw,” he said. “And this last winter, I was in a car accident, which led to some hip issues during recovery. So, it’s been a tough stretch physically and mentally, not really playing the way I wanted and trying to figure out what’s going on.”
Despite setbacks and injuries, Prante is making a full recovery and proving he can still perform at a high level.
“It’s funny how the mind wants to protect the body and things can get weird,” Prante reflected. “I would say that I am 90% back and starting to get a more consistent shot shape, and the distance is starting to be more consistent too. I think that’s why yesterday was a meaningful experience, to let myself know that I can still play at a high level.”
With his third PNW PGA Assistant Championship title secured, Prante now sets his sights on the national stage, representing the Pacific Northwest Section with renewed confidence at the 49th PGA Assistant Championship, November 13–16, 2025, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Joining him will be PGA Professionals Daniel Campbell of Bellingham G&CC and Brady Sharp of Oswego Lake CC, who also earned coveted spots in the championship.
The Pacific Northwest PGA extends its thanks to Oswego Lake CC and its staff for hosting the 2025 PGA Assistant Championship, as well as to all participating competitors and sponsors Cleveland | Srixon and the PGA Tour for helping make the event a success.
Final results: https://2025secassistant.golfgenius.com
