Hopefuls vie for state championship today

MOSES LAKE — Amateur golfers form all over the state descended upon the Links at Moses Pointe Monday with the hopes that the first day of summer will be gentler on their stroke than on their brows.

For Moses Pointe, it is the first time hosting the Washington State Golf Association Men's Amateur Championship — the state's oldest amateur tournament.

During yesterday's practice rounds, some players felt the heat - which reached the 90s - to be of concern this week.

"We're not used to this weather since we are from the other side of the state," said Josh Immordion, a three time All-American from Western Washington University.

In his fifth appearance in the Men's Amateur Championship, Immordion feels the course's long fairways are going to be a challenge.

"It's going to be tough to be under par this week," Immordion said. "It makes you hit long drives."

The 72 par, 7,428 yard course hosts some of the longest holes in the state. The first hole of the tournament is a monstrous 584 yard par five lined with deep grass.

"Your drives are what are going to win it out here," said Trevor Loe, a college player from Gonzaga. "The only place you are going to rack up numbers is in the grass."

Players are also concerned the wind may be a factor on some of the longer holes.

"If the wind blows down here it can be really tough," said Erik Hansen, former Seattle Mariner and one of the favorites to win the tournament. "If the conditions are benign, it favors the long hitter who can get to the long par 5s and make the par 4s."

A field of 135 players will compete to make tomorrow's cut, of which 60 players will continue on through Friday.

"I'm just hoping to make the cut," Bobby Huynh of Snoqualmie said of his first big tournament. "I'm facing some pretty tough competition. I'll be playing against a lot of younger players - a lot of college players."

One such competitor is Jake Easterly of Leavenworth. Easterly, who plays at the University of Portland, has played the Men's Amateur twice before and has high aspirations this time around. In his last at tournament at Suncadia, Easterly shot a 65 to win the tournament.

"I'd be happy with top five," Easterly said. "Playing after high school, I was in a slump. I made the cut one of the two times. My game has matured a lot since them."

The 79th annual Men's Amateur Championship is free for spectators.

"We're sure hoping there will be a lot of local spectators," said Bill Porter, PGA professional at Moses Pointe. "That always makes things exciting."

For more information, contact The Links at Moses Pointe at (509) 764-2275.