Rob Ahlschwede reports:
The 2024 Columbia Cup is in the books. The new moniker honors the Columbia River, the ship Columbia that the river was named after, and Columbia Sportswear, our major sponsor. Sixty-seven players in four divisions played the 10th event on the Gearhart Golf Links in Gearhart, Ore. Not too surprisingly, the event was previously known as the Gearhart Hickory Classic. There were competitors from eight states and Alberta Province in Canada. Players traveling the farthest were from Alabama and Michigan.
The links-style course (1892) was in perfect condition – well, the fescue was pretty thick!! – greens smooth and true, stimped at about 12. Temps in the mid-60s with fog in the morning giving way to bright blue skies through both days. A gentle breeze and the sounds of the surf filled the air. Dinner Saturday night was enjoyed under the stars on the deck overlooking the course.; a perfect evening.
After the two rounds, the 2024 Columbia Cup champion is Brian Hansen, an SoHG member from Walla Walla, Wash. Runner-up in the Open division was last year’s champ, Ben Plaunt; and third was James Harper. Great competition for the prize. Net winner was Shawn Baker, followed by Scott Lonheim, and Jake Britt in third.
In the Women’s division, local player Chelsea Guenette took the honors followed by Sue Tracy and Kathleen Turner. Net winner was Paula Anderson, with Roberta Robbins in second, and Emma Guennette in third. The Senior champion was John Quickstad, followed by Ed Horvat in second and Martin Pool in third. Net Senior winner was Michael Sloan, with Seth Williams in second, and Eddie Johnson in third. The Super Senior Champion was John Henry Williams. He was followed by Ed Fitzgerald and Tom Tracy was the third place finisher. Net winner in that group was Steve Franich, followed by Tad Moore, and Lyle Rowland in third.
Next year’s Columbia Cup is tentatively scheduled for July 11-13. Information will be available when the schedule is set firmly.
This is an event not to be missed. Why? Great course, great pro staff and great company. And with Columbia Sportswear heading the list of sponsors, how can we miss?
Click here to view a gallery of photos taken by Jim Bucher.
