Benzel captures Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational

PGA pro from Sahalee takes one-stroke victory at Meridian Valley CC

For the Reporter

PGA pro Ryan Benzel of Sahalee Country Club (Sammamish) won the Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational at Meridian Valley CC on Wednesday.

Benzel shot a final-round 72 to finish with a one-stroke victory over PGA pro Shane Prante of The Home Course (DuPont), PGA pro and 2014 champion John Cassidy of Arrowhead (Molalla, Ore.) and amateur David Ganz of Gonzaga University.

Benzel shot rounds of 74, 67 and 72 to finish 3-under par.

Benzel has previously won four section majors. He took the Oregon Open Invitational, Rosauers Open Invitational, PNW PGA Professional Championship and the Assistant Championship. He also has played in the PGA Championship three times and has won the PNW PGA Player of the Year three times.

Amateur Michael Haack of Meridian Valley finished tied for eighth, with a three-round total 217, 1-over par. Meridian Valley’s Brian Thornton finished 10th at 2-over par.