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HISTORY OF WJGA
Early in the fall of 1976, Ron Hoetmer, Virginia (Mrs.Cal) Scarff, Randy Puetz, and Joan Teats came up with a plan for a junior golf program in the state of Washington. Oregon had one, so why not Washington? At that time the San Diego Junior Golf Association was going well, so we copied some of its ideas making some changes to suit the geography of our state. The high school district boundaries were used as guidelines with the help of Jim Sulenes, the Curtis High School golf coach. Before long, our plan started to take wings! And then there were 10! With the help and support of Al
Jones, the executive director of the PNGA, a second meeting was
held later in the fall of 1976 at Yakima Country Club. Al
contacted interested directors of the WSGA from around the
state. Chuck Draper, Seattle; Irv Corp, Spokane; Dale Williams,
Yakima; Bill Howard, Seattle; and Jim Paul, Aberdeen along with
Yakima CC representatives Les Moe, the head pro, and
George Price, Sr., a member. Bea Williams of Tacoma, a
well-known golf historian and journalist, attended this historic
1976 meeting, along with Joan Teats and Virginia Scarff. And then there were many more ... Junior golfers were called to meet at the home of Virginia Scarff in Federal Way. The tournament schedule was developed and the juniors present discussed and voted on the birth date deadline. Fred Couples summarized with "What’s wrong with June l?" and that settled it. The following were selected as the first WJGA district directors: District One: Henry Kuhl, Ballinger; Jim Skaagstad, Port Townsend; Annette Herber, Everett. District Two: Randy Puetz, from Tyee Valley; Bill Howard, Seattle; District Three: Jim Paul, Aberdeen; George Lanning, Oakbrook in Tacoma; Virginia Scarff, Twin Lakes; Joan Teats, Fircrest. District Four: Les Moe, Yakima; Betty Compton, Richland; Bill Boggess, Yakima. District Five: Patsy Mounsey, Manito in Spokane; Steve Prugh, Manito; Paul Hastings, Manito. With very little money, that first tournament season in l977 experienced some "growing pains". For example, our newly elected President, Jim Paul, was helping at the first sub-district tournament at Riverside GC in Chehalis. As he was taking tournament entry fees, the line grew longer and longer with kids waiting to pay and play. After that day, we set up a new rule – tournaments will be paid for in advance and no cash will be accepted at the event site. At that first sub-district, Jim
brought hand-painted signs with him created by a woman in his
office. We used these homemade signs for more than five years! 1977 There were 585 members in WJGA who paid a $2 membership fee. The office was set up in Joan’s home. Two bedrooms were consigned to junior golf and many work parties were held at the kitchen table. Outfitted with a used desk and table from the Boeing surplus second-hand store, and Joan’s IBM electric typewriter friends came in, sorted and stuffed envelopes, mailed membership forms, and Joan made coffee. Expenses were kept to a minimum. Postage was a major expense even though we used very little first class mail. Trophies and medals were selected from Monte Holmes, Jr. at Athletic Supply in Seattle. He was a great help, as we replied upon his experience and expertise. The first State Championship was set up for the 10 best boys to play 36 holes in the final round. Rick Fehr made the cut, the only l4-year-old, shooting 75-74-73, then 83 in the final 18 holes. Fred Couples won shooting 67-73-72-80 (292). Yakima CC member Dr. Dick Twiss was the tournament chairman, and Denny Colvin, another member, was his assistant. Otto Mengert, Spokane CC, dedicated a trophy in his son’s name, Al Mengert, a golf pro, to be awarded to the most Inspirational Junior Golfer. Al Mengert was U.S. Junior Champion in l946-47, Washington State Amateur champion in l949-50 and was a top-ranked amateur in the U.S. in l952. Otto Mengert hoped this trophy would be an inspiration to our young golfers. Rick Fehr had the honor of being the first winner.
1978 WJGA was especially proud that year when the 1977 boys Hogan Cup and Junior Americas Cup members Paul Colleran (University of Oregon), Fred Couples (Houston), Storm Gleim (Weber State), Chris Isaacson (Columbia Basin) and Jeff Tachell (Arkansas) all planned to attend college.
1979 The 786 juniors who played in tournaments represented a 20 percent increase in membership over the past year. What was more significant was that Washington was establishing itself as an up-and-coming power in junior golf. The Hogan Cup and Junior Americas Cup teams placed well, and the highlight of the year was when Rick Fehr, our l979 state champion, captured the PGA National Junior Championship in Pine Mountain, Ga. This victory earned Rick a spot on the Junior All-American squad and enabled him to represent the U.S. in the PGA Junior Cup matches held in Caracas, Venezuela. All–American honors were also awarded, on a collegiate level, to l977 WJGA State Champion, Fred Couples. Fred earned this honor on the basis of an outstanding year. One that included being the low amateur at the U.S. Open, making it to the final 16 in the U.S. Amateur, and winning a share of the Southwest Conference Medalist Title. The third State Championship was hosted by District Five in Spokane. The first hole-in-one at a WJGA state championship was made by Robi Raab, age 17, from Yakima. He achieved this on the 16th hole at Manito G&CC, a 191-yard, par-3.
1980 The fourth State Championship was hosted by District 2, with Fairwood G&CC in Renton, the host club. Meridian Valley G&CC and Maplewood GC assisted Fairwood. The Al Mengert Inspirational Award went to Teresa Schreck of Spokane. Also that year, the Washington State Golf Association (WSGA) sent a formal request for funds to support us to 193 of their member clubs.
1981 There were 1,000 junior members of WJGA and the membership fee was raised to $5. The fifth State Championship was held in Everett, and was one of the most closely contested tournaments in our history with four divisions being decided by a single stroke. Julie Ralls became our first state champion to come out of the 12- to 14-year-old ranks, stunning the field with rounds of 78-79-82 (239). Julie, of Woodinville and a junior member at Sahalee Country Club, won the Al Mengert Inspirational Award. Not only did she win the state title while playing in the 12-14 division, she did so with an attitude and competitive spirit that should lead her to an outstanding career in golf. She has been an inspiration to her friends and her continued improvement has been fun to watch. The points system changed, with more tournaments added to the list where juniors can earn points toward team selection. The three statewide qualifying events for the U.S. Golf Association, the PGA, Junior World (Optimist), plus the high school Class AAA and AA championships were added to the list. The tabulation of points now runs from the high school championships in May to the final day of the WJGA state championship.
1982 The year, 1982, was marked by Bill Meyer becoming the president of WJGA. It’s a role he still holds today. Also in 1982, the Puetz family offered a memorial award to honor George Puetz, a long time sponsor and supporter of junior golf. It is awarded to a boy and girl following the Junior Americas Cup Team Matches. Winners are selected by blind ballot of the team members. On the golf courses in 1982, younger players provided the biggest highlights. To begin with, Don Christensen collected a fourth state title, grabbing his second crown in the 12-14 division to go with his two in the 11-and-under group. Don didn’t believe in doing it the easy way, either. Two of his victories came via a three-man playoff and he also had a second-place finish at state to his credit as a result of a playoff defeat. Also, 15-year-old, Jim Strickland, pulled a bit of an upset by capturing the sixth WJGA State Championship, which was being hosted by District Four in the Tri-Cities. In doing so, he became the youngest boys state champion in the history of WJGA. The victory landed him a spot on Washington’s Junior Americas Cup and Hogan Cup teams and also earned him a round of golf in an exhibition with Arnold Palmer. Arnold just happened to be in Richland right after our State tournament, so the committee decided on the spur of the moment to include our Champion. What a treat! Not limiting this youth movement to the male gender, the girls State Championship was claimed by another 15-year-old, Michele Taylor of Allyn. Michele later teamed up with 15-year-old Julie Ralls of Woodinville, the 1982 state champ, 16-year-old Trish McGonigle of Spokane, and 16-year-old Paula Gamble of Kent, in the girls Junior Americas Cup. In the final round of play, the Washington girls put together the lowest round in GJAC tournament history 76-74-73 (223). For the tournament, Washington placed fourth in the very competitive field of 14 teams held in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy GC. Julie Ralls also represented the Northwest at the PGA National Junior Championship in West Palm Beach, Fla., at PGA National Haig Course. Julie finished tied for sixth with a 92-79-74-74 (314). Competing in the boys tournament was Jeff Jackson of Olympia. Jeff finished in a tie for 17th with 81-80-76-76 (312). The tournament winners were Billy Mayfair (292) and Heather Farr (287), both of Phoenix.
· The Junior Americas Cup boys team included
Mark Wurtz, Port Ludlow, 76-72-75
1983 In anticipation of continued growth, a new sixth district was added to ease over-crowding in Western Washington. District Two is divided into Two and Six. Some courses from District Three were moved to Six to evenly distribute golfers as well as golf courses. A junior golfer’s district was determined by their home golf course. The membership fee was $5, with an increase to $7.50 after May 20th. Tournament fees were $6.50 if postmarked by June 4, $7.50 after that date. A booster club was formed, spearheaded by Gary Floan, of Manito G&CC in Spokane and Emil Bulyca, of Sahalee CC in Redmond, for those who were interested in seeing junior golf prosper in Washington. The Western Washington coordinator was Malia Folquet of Port Ludlow. There were five different membership categories: Sponsor $250 - $5,000; Patron $100 - $249; Regular $50 - $99; Associate $25 - $49; Club $l / member for year. Washington played host to the prestigious Junior Americas Cup team matches at Sahalee Country Club in truly grand style. Seventeen teams represented different western associations, including teams from Mexico, Hawaii, British Columbia and Alberta. The "Golfing Gorilla" gave a long-drive performance to the very interested contestants. The Washington team included Ted Himka, Kent, 83-71-76 (230) Don Christensen, Everett, 77-80-80 (237) Jim Strickland, Bothell, 79-85-86 (250), and Croy Cochran, Kent, 81-80-90 (251). Northern California won with a score of 688 and Washington finished eighth. The girls Junior Americas Cup was played in Las Vegas, Nev., in intense heat. Washington led through the first two rounds, but unfortunately wilted and became sick in the final round. The team had to settle for a third-place finish, four strokes out of first. Interestingly enough, up until this year, the lowest winning score had been 686. This time, Southern California finished at 676 to take first, with Northern California second at 677 and Washington third at 680. Representing Washington were Julie Ralls, Redmond, 74-71-80 (225), Michele Taylor, Allyn, 77-74-75 (226), Paula Gamble, Kent, 78-78-79 (235) and Trish McGonigle, Spokane, 78-84-79 (236). Julie Ralls placed 10th at the PGA Junior National Championships with 86-84-76-75 (321) and Croy Cochran took 16th place with a 79-81-77-79 (316). At 6,970 yards, the tournament was held on a course that was playing the PGA National in West Palm Beach, Fla., preparing to hold the Walker Cup matches. Rick Fehr was selected to play in the Walker Cup matches which pit the top amateurs from the U.S. against the finest players from Great Britain and Ireland in a match-play competition. This biennial event, established in 1922, took place in Hoylake, England, at Royal Liverpool GC. Rick was instrumental in leading the Americans to a narrow and hard-earned victory. Don Christensen, of Everett, played at the Optimist Junior World at Torrey Pines in San Diego and finished a strong third with a 293 total for 72 holes. Don also won the Al Mengert Inspirational Award this year. Kelli Antolock, the 1978-state champion who was at this time a senior at Brigham Young, won the 1983 USGA Women’s Public Links Championship in Hawaii. The seventh State Championship, with its new format of all division playing 54 holes, was hosted by District Three with Fircrest GC the host course and Oakbrook G&CC and North Shore GC assisting. Also, the awards ceremony was held in the early afternoon of the final round so everyone could get started for home at a reasonable hour. However, for the first time in the seven-year history of the state championships, the overall state title came down to a sudden-death playoff between Croy Cochran of Kent and Brad Harper of Spokane. Croy won with a birdie on the first extra hole. Trish McGonigle of Spokane, capped an incredible WJGA career by winning the overall state title in 1983. She has been a steady fixture with WJGA since its inception in 1977. Her notable accomplishments include winning the very first 11-and-under state title in 1977, five district titles, two 12-14 state titles (1979-1980), the 1982 Al Mengert Inspirational Award, being on three Junior Americas Cup teams, and then concluding with the 1983 overall state title.
1984 Membership reached a high of 1,047, which was an 80 percent increase from the start in 1977. Of those 1,047 members, 157 were girls, 586 were new members in 1984. 57 percent were from public courses and 43 from private courses. Yakima CC and North Shore in Tacoma led the way with 52 and 51 members, respectively. The WJGA received financial support from 59 PNGA member clubs and the association received a significant contribution from the PGNA, as well as contributions from four other clubs that were contributing directly to the WSGA. Julie Ralls topped off her junior career by winning the state championship for the second time. She had three superb rounds totaling 219, 1-under par, which was a tournament record by eight strokes. She later was awarded the first Juli Inkster Golf Scholarship at San Jose State University. District Five was the host district for the eighth State Championship with Spokane CC the host club and Manito G&CC and Hangman Valley GC assisting. The juniors were on their typical best behavior, or so indicated the chairman of rules and marshals at Spokane CC, when he said, "I have no criticism, nor did I hear any during the tournament. Our Spokane CC members were most complimentary of the juniors deportment, appearance, and ability, and the way the young people took care of the golf course." An example of that came in a letter to the WJGA from Jim Strickland of Mill Creek. "In all of my years in junior golf and WJGA," Strickland wrote, "I have grown from being a hot-tempered little kid to a more mature respectful golfer, and I owe a lot of that credit to WJGA. I knew that if I was going to play good golf I must also have a good attitude." Not surprisingly,
Jim won the Al Mengert Inspirational Award the same year. A junior clinic was part of the Everett Open over Labor Day weekend. More than 700 potential junior golfers watched a clinic by Dave Stockton of the PGA Tour. Dave’s summary: When you’re out on the golf course, some days you have great shots but bad bounces, and other times you have bad shots but good bounces. If you want to be a champion, you have to learn that that’s the sport of golf.
1985 The Junior Americas Cup matches were held at Calgary G&CC in Alberta. From the colorful opening flag ceremony, led by Royal Canadian Mounties in their bright red jackets and an uniformed military band, to the banquet where the teams were escorted in by stately bagpipers, this was a tremendous experience. Washington finished only two strokes out of first place. On the last day of the tournament, the temperature dropped into the 30s, with winds gusting to 40 mph. Host families brought out all of their winter clothing to share with the freezing players. The Hawaiians were wearing plastic garbage bags to try to keep warm. Washington shot the lowest round of the day by two strokes, and Jim Geiser, with a brilliant 76, was one of only six contestants to break 80 out of a field of 68 in an exciting and exhilarating finish. The final results for Washington were Jim Geiser, Snohomish, 78-73-76 (227) Scott Sullivan, Lewiston, 72-71-84 (227); Patrick Brownfield, Tacoma, 74-75-83 (232); Don Christensen, Everett, 82-79-80 (241). Jim Geiser was awarded the Al Mengert Inspirational Award. Washington placed sixth out of a record entry of 17 teams at the girls Junior Americas Cup at Larchmont GC in Missoula, Mont. The Washington team included Stephanie Davis, Bainbridge, 81-77-82 (240); Kari Ruff, Toppenish, 85-79-82 (246); Audrey Wooding, Tacoma, 89-78-83 (250), and Sherri Waggoner, Spokane, 85-85-82 (252) with Harriet Dawson the team captain. The ninth annual State Championship had Sahalee CC as the host club, with assistance from Bear Creek CC and Snoqualmie Falls GC. Portable leaderboards were purchased and used at state championships. Memorial contributions were raised by Sand Point Country Club members in memory of Sean Lynch, a WJGA member from Sand Point.
1986 It was in 1986, that WJGA had its first individual champion at a boys Junior Americas Cup. The team matches were held at the beautiful Club de Golf, La Hacienda in Mexico City. Right from rounds one, WJGA’s Scott Sullivan showed he came to play, posting a 4-under par 68 to lead Washington to a 220. That was good enough for second place behind Arizona’s 218. On day two, Arizona had a superb round of 214 and its No. 1 player, Todd Barringer, shot a 68 to move ahead of Scott by one. This put Washington at 444, 12 behind Arizona. In the third round, Scott finished with a 70 and a 5-under 211 total (68-73-70) to take medalist honors, a first for a WJGA player. Washington’s third-round total was 223 while Arizona came in at 227. Washington finished a strong second with a great team effort. Besides Sullivan, the Washington team was made up of Patrick Brownfield 75-71-79 (225); Paul Hogben 77-80-74 (231), and Jim Tegeler 81-81-79 (241). Merrill and Joan Teats served as co-captains. Sullivan also made history at the 10th annual State Championship, which was held in District One in Bellingham under the very capable leadership of Jack Schmitz, the tournament director. Scott, of Lewiston, Idaho, was the first boy to win the state championship two consecutive years. He finished one stroke ahead of Patrick Brownfield. Scott shot 73-73-74 (220) and Patrick shot 75-74-72 (221). The State Championship was going on at the same time EXPO ’86 was underway in Vancouver B.C. Our accommodations were extremely limited, but our juniors followed the reservation plans outlinedand we had a full field and a very exciting tournament. Elwin Fanning, our PGA Director from Kayak Point, set up a moving leaderboard on the back of an electric golf cart that added much to the excitement. Elwin was a great asset to our tournament as well as an interesting speaker at the banquet. He attended the University of Houston and had much to tell our youngsters about golf at the collegiate level. He was assisted by the professionals from all three assisting courses — Rick Verbarendse, Everett G&CC; John Yacobellis, Lake Padden GC and Ron Haas, Sudden Valley G&CC. These gentlemen really added an "air of class". A playoff was needed to determine the girls state champion. Erin Johnsrud, a 16-year-old from Moses Lake, had an 80-83-77 (240), but lost on the first playoff hole to 14-year-old Tracy Hanson of Twin Lakes, Idaho, 82-80-78 (240). Tracy had a birdie 4 on the first playoff hole. Total members reached 1,031 with each paying a $5 membership fee and $7.50 for tournaments. Total income for WJGA reached $68,861.68. Memorial contributions were given to WJGA in memory of Ruth Busch, Seattle; Joe Lawlor, Kennewick; Sally Stull, Alderbrook and Ned Tracy, Anacortes. The WJGA officers for 1986 were Bill Meyer, President; Elwin Fanning, Vice President; Jeannie Critchfield, Secretary; Jerry Fehr, Treasurer; and Joan Teats, Executive Director. Rick Fehr, the 1979 state champion, recorded his first PGA Tour victory, winning the BC Open in Endicott, N.Y., in September of 1986.
1987 In 1987, Chris Neery joined her mother, Joan Teats, in the daily operations of WJGA. It also marked the first year for the North Pacific Girls Team Matches. The first year of the North Pacific Girls Team Matches, Washington competed against British Columbia. Joan Green of Vancouver, B.C. developed these matches with the idea of encouraging girls to play and have fun. Six top players comprise the team based on points accumulated the previous year. Matches are conducted in the same style as the Ryder Cup and Curtis Cup, using two-ball and four-ball competitions with three points awarded for each match. The ages ranged from 15 to 17 for these first matches, which were held at Fircrest GC, with the handicaps ranging from 2 to 16. The Washington team was made up of Tracy Hanson, Twin Lakes; Erin Johnsrud, Moses Lake; Stephanie Davis, Bainbridge; Shelly Triplett, Pullman; Becky Fossum, Allyn; Anne Huiziuga, Tacoma. Washington won the initial matches, 18 1/2-8 1/2.
The 11th State Championship was conducted by District Four with Yakima CC the host course, with assistance from Yakima Elks G&CC and Suntides GC. Also, this year WJGA volunteers began carrying standards at Safeco. The membership total was 1,174 as of March 3, 1987, with total income at $74,622.75. The third annual lady directors meeting was held in Ellensburg. Memorial contributions were made in memory of Ruth Busch, Seattle; Jane Clark, Kennewick; and Don Whinery, Richland.
1988 The association reached its 12th birthday and held the State Championship at Meridian Valley G&CC in District Six. Matt Bunn of Colbert was nominated for "Junior Inland Empire Male Athlete of the Year" for outstanding achievement in golf. More than 1,000 athletes attended the awards ceremony in Spokane on January 25th.
1989 The Board of Directors welcomed three new members — Bob Lund, Longview; Sean Green PGA, Meadow Springs; and Bruce Condon, PGA, Fairwood. The outgoing members were Les Moe, PGA, Yakima CC and Herb Bain, Oakbrook in Tacoma. The Washington Junior Golf Foundation was created to build a permanent endowment fund to help provide an additional source of future funding for junior golf. The directors of the foundation were Katie Carter, Steve Davis, Dan Hill (PGA), Karel Hull, Cilla Joondeph, Dennis McLaughlin, Al Patterson and Roger Stephens. Memorial contributions that year were made in memory of Charles Cufley, Earl Gamble, Mrs. Lela Griggs, Erick Hainsworth, Mrs. Lester Moe, Stan Stilwell, John Tarpening and Tom Tucker. For the first time, the WJGA State Championship had an exclusive sponsor, Seafirst Bank. The organization furnished fax machines, scoreboards, contestant towels, registration folders, ditty bags, a clinic by the "Golfing Gorilla", long drive prizes and personalized golf bags for each champion. Seafirst made the 13th annual State Championship a very classy event thanks to Rick Larson, Seafirst Senior Vice-President. The host course was Oakbrook, assisted by Fircrest and North Shore. The Big "I" Insurance Youth Classic, sponsored by Independent Insurance Agents of Washington, started in Washington. Thirty-six golfers from six local qualifying sites played 36 holes at Yakima CC with Bill Howard of Richland and David Putney of Yakima winning all-expenses paid trips to Texarkana, Arkansas, for the national finals. Al Patterson, the tournament director, was assisted by Big "I" chairman, Larry Ball.
1990 The start of a new decade saw the State Championship held in District Five at Manito G&CC, and a new junior tournament in the Northwest available after the state championships. The Frank Rodia Memorial Tournament was developed as a tribute to Frank Rodia, a professional golfer and a long-time supporter of junior golf. The late-summer tournament was held at Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club on Hood Canal, and with the help of Alderbrook members, plus Mike Fields, the head pro, Ron Stull, the president of the Pacific Northwest Section of the PGA, and the WJGA, a premier annual junior event was under way. Juniors, both boys and girls, from Washington, Oregon and Montana played in age divisions from 8 to 17 in what has become a perfect way to top off the summer golf season in a beautiful setting. An impressive list of golfers were named to the Advisory Board of the Washington Junior Golf Foundation. Named to the Board were Rick Acton, John Bodenhamer, Fred Couples, Rick Fehr, Pat Harbottle, Edean Ihlanfeldt, Brian Mogg, Al Mundle, Bill Sander, Anne Sander, Ken Still, Bill Tindall, Kirk Triplett and Robin Walton. Cilla Joondeph was named president of the Board.
1991 A WJGA alum,
Tracy Hanson, at this time a 20-year-old attending San Jose
State, received the great honor of being named to the
eight-woman Curtis Cup team that represented the United States
against the best female amateur golfers of Great Britain and
Ireland. Memorial contributions were received in tribute to Jay Alford, John Chakirian, Keith Hunt, Harry Jensen, James Keane, Frank LaFriec, Maxine McCortney, Emma Templeman, Robert Witts, and Scott Green, who was a member of WJGA and a leaderboard in his honor was contributed by District 6 members. The 15th annual State Championship was conducted by District Two with Overlake G&CC in Bellevue the host club, and assistance coming from Glendale CC and Tam O’Shanter CC. Ron Hoetmer and his professional staff at Overlake took good care of the juniors, and Joan Teats was the tournament director.
1992 Four boys from Washington combined to tie for first at the 20th Junior Americas Cup, conducted by the Oregon Golf Association and held at Pumpkin Ridge CC in Cornelius, Ore. Leading the way for Washington were Paul Walker 72-75-72 (219), Mark Worthington 72-71-77 (220), Darin Vaughan 75-76-75 (226) and Matt Thurmond 78-72-80 (230). Joan Teats and Chris Neery served as co-captains. Three new WJGA directors were named. They were Barbara Lockner of Seattle, Jeff Neyenhouse of Puyallup and Mickey Kempken of Everett. Karen Leonardson of Seattle and Dick Acarregui of Seattle retired from the board. The raffle, again under the capable leadership of Michelyn Lund, broke the record set in 1991. Total net profits were $8,535, and once again there were seven winners who received terrific prizes. The 16th annual State Championship was conducted by District One, with Mill Creek G&CC, always very supportive of junior golf, serving as the host club. Everett G&CC and Walter Hall GC added assistance. Shirley Serwold was the tournament chairman.
1993 It was an exciting day on Feb. 1, 1993, in the 17th year of the association, when the WJGA office was moved out of Joan Teats’ home and into offices on Mildred Street in Tacoma. Also, Jerry Fehr became the Executive Director of WJGA, Don Fossum assumed the position of State Rules Chairman at the end of the season and Merrill Teats retired after 16 years of service to WJGA. The new directors of WJGA were Brad Graff, a PGA member from Kennewick; Caren Mackenzie of Yakima; and Becky Shields of Yakima and Scotty McEachern of Seattle. Also in 1993, Bill Meyer, the president of WJGA since 1982, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Washington State Golf Association. The first WJGA marathon was held at Lynnwood GC and was a successful event that made a major contribution to the financial strength of WJGA. Players arrived at 6 a.m., had breakfast, got tee assignments and teed off at 7:05 a.m. By 4:30 p.m., 90 percent had completed 100 holes. Carts were provided for each player by Key Bank and that helped to make it all work. Chris Neery, who put her heart and soul into this major project, was the event coordinator and deserves much thanks. As a thank you for being Gold Medal Sponsors, John Beadle (Seattle Junior Hockey), Dick Ollinger (Harris Ford) and Boh Dickey (Safeco) played a round of golf with Rick Fehr at Seattle Golf Club. Rick gave a short clinic for the marathon players. Others who made the event a success were Bill Meyer, who provided some motivational words, Bob Nilson, Shirley Brodie, Jim Roberts, Jerry Fehr, Joan Teats, Scotty McEachern and Paul Meyer. The Triplett family of Pullman became a shinning example of the benefits and spirit of WJGA. All three children — Kirk, Bryan and Shelly — played in WJGA, then all graduated from college with financial help from golf scholarships. In college, they played four years of varsity golf and held jobs on the side to help with school expenses. Shelly was named an Academic All-American at Kansas. Kirk and Bryan both earned degrees in Engineering, and Kirk plays on the PGA Tour. Mom and dad — Diane and Perry — were WJGA volunteers for many years, and supporters. Memorial contributions were made in the names of Aaron Aiken, Jay Alford, Fran Beheymar, Tom Curtiss, Dr. Ralph Debit, Mark Denholm, Dave Dickerson, Cal Freeman, John Harris, Eunice Mills, Dr. Joe Morton, Lois Mueller, Joyce Nakamura, Miles Nuzum, Frank Rodia, Howard Steinburg, Florence Stillwell, Dr. Fred Stump, Emma Templeman, Kiyo Tsurusaki, Tom Tuck and Joe Woolsey. Heather Graff defended her title in the 15-17 age group at the 17th annual State Championship, which were conducted by District Four with Meadow Springs CC the host club. The assisting clubs were Canyon Lakes GC and Tri-City CC. PattyAnderson, a past WJGA director, did a great job in being in charge of the tournament. The Al Mengert Inspirational Award was retired and put on display in the WJGA office. The award was renamed in honor of founder and outgoing executive director, Joan Teat, and was based on the same criteria.
1994 Molly Cooper of Tumwater became the first member of WJGA to reach the finals of the U.S. Junior Girls Championships. Molly, 15 at the time, shot 74-79 (153) in qualifying and then won five matches to advance to the final, where she was finally beaten by the medalist, Kelli Kuehne, 5 and 3. Three other girls from WJGA — Mendy Cooper of Tumwater, Jamie Jou of Richland, and Britney Holt of Spokane — also played in the event, held at Meadow Lark CC, in Great Falls, Mont. WJGA got a great opportunity beginning in 1994, and the association received some significant donations as well, as WJGA alum Fred Couples began the Ernst Championship in Bellevue. WJGA provided the caddies for the event and the juniors got to see some great golfers up close. Bill Andrade won the first tournament, beating Couples in a playoff at Overlake G&CC. New directors in 1994 were Wally Habenicht, marketing, from Fairwood G&CC and District Six; and George Price, Jr., a PGA member in District Four in Yakima. Jim Roberts and Brad Graff retired from the board. The Pacific Northwest Golf Association inducted Joan Teats, the founder of WJGA, into its Hall of Fame. Inductees are individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to amateur golf in the Northwest. Joan has volunteered her services for 19 years to WJGA. During this time she also founded the Girls Junior Americas’ Cup Team Matches, and the North Pacific Junior Ladies Team Matches between Washington and British Columbia. She has served as a member of the U.S. Golf Association’s Junior Girls Committee as well as a club representative in the PNGA. Memorial contributions were received in honor of Edward Frankenfield, Fran Giles, John Harris, Bob Ihlanfeldt, Ruby Mikels, Rosie Ogden, Mary Oldson, Frank Rodia, Tom Tucker and Rodney Zahler. District Six and Fairwood G&CC in Renton were the hosts for the 18th annual State Championship. Rainier G&CC and Maplewood GC provided assistance. The division winners were Brian Coury of Gig Harbor; Molly Cooper of Tumwater, Britten Barker of Gig Harbor, Kelli Kamimura of Burlington, Jones Patton of Yakima and Jennifer Kamimura of Burlington. Jeff Neyenhouse was the tournament chairman.
1995 Washington scored a decisive team victory in the 23rd annual Junior Americas Cup, winning by seven strokes at Crane Creek CC in Boise, Idaho. Washington led by a stroke after the first day and just built on that the next two rounds. Dusty Brett of Tacoma led the way with a 5-under-par 69-69-70 (208). Other contributors were Jess Daley of Kent 71-73-73 (217), Andy Hastings of Spokane 75-75-73 (223) and Joe Valente of Renton 74-77-79 (230). New directors for WJGA were Betty Haack of Inglewood and Glenda Wilson of Inglewood. The retiring directors who deserve thanks are Barbara Lockner, Mickey Kempken and Smokey Cates. Once again, WJGA was honored to be one of the charities chosen by Fred Couples to benefit from the proceeds of his Ernst Championship tournament held at Overlake CC. John Cook won the event over numerous top-flight PGA Tour players. WJGA was saddened by the death in 1995 of Jim Paul, who served as the first president of WJGA from 1976 to 1982. He lived in Aberdeen and belonged to Grays Harbor CC. He dedicated much of his extra time to the advancement of junior golfers, and also played an integral role in the foundation of WJGA. With his help, WJGA today is recognized as one of the finest junior golf organizations in the nation, and provides competitive opportunities for more than 1,400 boys and girls. Jim also served as the honorary Washington State team captain during the early years of WJGA’s participation in the Boys Junior Americas Cup Matches, an annual international competition between teams of the best junior golfers in North America. Along with his junior golf activities, Jim was a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Washington State Golf Association. He was a Director of that organization from 1975 until his death. Memorial contributions were received in honor of Pauline Barr, Vi Couples, Rae Jeanne Dalieb, Mrs. Edward Frankinfield, Larry Huseby, Bob Ihlanfeldt, Oscar Kretschmar, Maxine Matheson, Helen Olson, Frank Rodia, Raymond Shields, Jack Seitzer, Cal Smith, Monty Snider, Hazelbeth Thatcher, Thelma Tucker and Doug Yarroll. The 19TH annual State Championship was held at Fircrest GC and conducted by District Three. The assisting courses were Oakbrook G&CC and Lake Spanaway GC. Dusty Brett, on his home course, and Kelli Kamimura of Burlington were the big winners in the 15-17 age group. Jon Pidduck of Bremerton and Jennifer Kamimura of Burlington were the winners in the 12-14 group. Cody Upham of Vancouver and Lauren Ressler of Bellingham led the 8-11 divisions. Jeannie Brett and Chris Neery were co-chairmen of the tournament. Kelli Kamimura finished in fourth place with a 79-73-73 (225) at the 18th annual Girls Junior Americas Cup at Paradise Hills CC in Albuquerque, N.M. Other Washington players were Andrea Hehn 78-83-79 (240), Jamie Jou 80-81-83 (244) and Taya Battistella 79-83-85 (247). Chris Neery was the team captain. · British Columbia won its third consecutive North Pacific Junior Ladies Team Matches competition, scoring a 15-12 victory at Semiahmoo. After nine years, Washington still holds a 6-3 series edge. Playing on the Washington team were Andrea Hehn of Langley, Kylie Smith of Everett, Jamie Jou of Richland, Lesley McClurg of Mill Creek, Angie Park of Mill Creek, and Eyren Risdon of Mill Creek. Chris Neery was the team captain, assisted by Mike Peluso.· Russell Surber of Blaine won three matches and made the quarterfinals at the 48th U.S. Junior Boys Championship at Fargo CC in Fargo, N.D. Other Washington boys in the field were Andy Hastings of Spokane and Troy Kelly of Bremerton.· The 47th U.S. Junior Girls was held at Longmeadow CC in Longmeadow, Mass. Britney Holt of Spokane and Taya Battistella of Richland each qualified for match play. Also in the field were Jennifer Hatley of Spokane and Leslie McClurg of Mill Creek.· Washington took fourth place in the 27th annual Hogan Cup; just missing out of a team medal that goes to the top three. Leading the way for Washington was Joe Valente 76-74 (150), Dusty Brett 81-74 (155), Andy Hastings 79-79 (158) and Jess Daley 87-81 (168). Jerry Fehr was the team captain.· Troy Kelly of Bremerton, with a 73-70 (143), and Yvonne Ames of Richland, with a 76-77 (153), led the way at the PGA Maxfli Junior Championship qualifier held at Hidden Lakes CC in Sandpoint, Idaho. It was a 36-hole tournament except for the 11-and-under age group, which played 18 holes (nine each day), and Maxfli had tee gifts for all contestants.· A 36-hole qualifier was held at Capitol City GC for both the Optimist International tournament at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and the Optimist Junior World tournament at Torrey Pines GC in San Diego, Calif. The medalists were given their choice of playing in Florida or California. Andy Hastings of Spokane was low with 68-66 (134). Among the girls, Andrea Hehn of Langley at 76-74 (150) tied with Britney Holt of Spokane at 74-76 (150).· Jeff Bishop of Olympia, with a 72-70 (142) and Jerilyn White of Keizer, Ore., with an 83-76 (159) were the overall winners at the Frank Rodia Northwest Junior Championships at Alderbrook. There were six age divisions and Washington was allocated 50 spots in the tournament.· Jess Daly of Kent, with a 73-73 (146), and Joe Korn of Tukwila, with a 69-77 (146), won the two qualifying spots for the IIAJC (Big "I") in Nashville, Tenn. After this year, Washington will no longer send players to this tournament. The Insurance Agents withdrew their financial support, but the WJGA thanks them for their past support.1996 Playing in WJGA events has become so popular District Two is forced to hold qualifying tournaments just to determine who gets into the regularly scheduled events. The objective of the qualifying tournaments was to have the best players fill the available spots in competition. Some new directors
for WJGA came aboard in 1996. In District One, Owen McClain of
Everett replaced Terry Hehn. In Memorial contributions were made in honor of Leonard Berglund, Forrest Bishop, Betty Jean Crider, Ray Elmgren, Eileen Espy, Howard Forbes, Pat Johnson, Mary Morgan, Jim Paul, Gordon Richards, Mabel Richmond, Gene Roberts, Frank Rodia, Paul Rudis, Elmo Samuelson, Paul Titus and Bill Voligny. Washington was the host once again for the Girls Junior Americas Cup, just as it had been at inception of the team matches, now in their 19th year. A full field of 18 teams competed at Mill Creek CC. Washington placed 12th with Jamie Jou of Richland shooting 80-84-86 (250); Shanelle Roberts of Tacoma 84-81-86 (251); Taya Battistella of Richland, 80-84-88 (252); and Leah Tambellini of Mill Creek 84-83-90 (257); Chris Neery was team captain, and assisted Bob Nilson of Mill Creek who co-chaired the event. The State Championship, in it’s 20th year, returned to Spokane and District Five with Manito G&CC the host club. The assisting clubs were Hangman Valley GC and Wandermere GC, and Susan Prugh was the tournament chairperson. The top winners were Ryan Benzel of Ritzville and Britney Holt of Spokane. The other division winners Corey Prugh of Spokane and Jennifer Kamimura of Burlington in the 12-14 age division, and Tommy Falsetto of Bellevue and Amy Wang of Kirkland in the 8-11 group. Fred Couples once again chose WJGA as one of the charities for his Ernst Championship. The tournament was held at Inglewood CC, and Phil Mickelson beat the very strong field of PGA Tour pros.
1997 Heather Graff of Kennewick, who earlier in the decade won back-to-back WJGA state titles, went national in 1997, winning the U.S. Women’s Public Links Championship at the Spencer T. Olin GC in Alton, Ill. Dan Tachell was honored by the WJGA for being such a devoted supporter of junior golf. A member of the WJGA Board of Directors since 1988, Dan has served in many roles for the advancement of junior golf in Washington. He freely donates Carnation for WJGA events. In 1984, 1986, 1988, 1994, and three times in 1996, Dan held WJGA events for the members in District Two. WJGA welcomed new directors to its board. In District Three, Nancy Meyers and Lee Anne Hausdorf replaced Carol Fossum and Karen Pidduck. In District Four, Bill Patton replaced his wife Becky who passed away in April of 1996. In District Five, Steve Prugh replaced Tim Morton and Darrell Hull. Steve is head golf professional at Manito G&CC. Memorial contributions were made to WJGA in honor of Dr. John Thomas Barksdale, Tim Bond, Bernard Brotman, Betty Briggs, Nancy DeTurk, John Gosnell, Jeanne Greiwe, Alice Hoetmer, D.J. Heffernan, Keith Jackson, Harold Loge, John Marcel, Betty Miles, J.M. Lake, Homer Money, Charlie Nap, Gordon Nelson, Swen Olson, James Petersen, Frank Rodia, Becky Shields, H.E. Stromstad and Joseph Templeman. Teaching juniors about investing in the future of this great game is fundamental and WJGA started doing this through turf grass research. The WJGA membership fee was increased from $10 to $11 and the additional dollar was designated to turf grass research because all golfers will benefit through golf course conditioning. WJGA volunteers, coordinated by Lynn Winslow, raised $1,426.90 with a putting contest at the Safeco Classic LPGA tournament at Meridian Valley CC in Kent. The State Championship, in it’s 21st year, returned to the Seattle area with Sand Point CC the host club, and Glendale CC and Tam O’Shanter G&CC offering assistance. Val Rader was the tournament chairman, and the state titles went to Derek Berg of Tall Chief GC |