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RICHLAND Mike Schoner drained a 6-foot birdie putt on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff Wednesday to beat Brandon Kearney of Bend (Ore.) Golf and Country Club and win the 105th PGA Northwest Open Invitational at Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland.
Schoner, a club professional at Lakeview Golf and Country Club in Soap Lake, finished the tournament at 8-under-par 208. But he shot even-par 72 on the final day and bogeyed the 18th hole of regulation, which allowed Kearney to force a playoff.
"Honestly, I was kind of relieved to get a second chance," said Kearney, who shot a tourney-low round of 65 on Monday to take a one-stroke lead but finished with a final round of 73. "I deserved to lose today. I didn't play well enough to win."
Schoner and Kearney were tied at 8-under after 16 holes. Schoner sank a 12-foot birdie putt on 17 to take a 1-stroke lead but gave it right back with a bogey on 18.
The final group of Schoner, Kearney and Bob Rannow of Sandpines (Ore.) was held to a time limit by PGA officials for holes Nos. 13-15, which Kearney said created a rushed atmosphere.
"I think it affected the round for all three of us. We were all 1-over for those three holes," Kearney said. "I don't think any of us were too pleased about that."
But Kearney later praised Meadow Springs officials for the outstanding conditions during the tournament.
Schoner earned $3,000 for the victory, while Kearney walked away with $2,500 as runner-up. Ryan Gilmour of Willamette Valley (Ore.) Country Club shot 7-under 209 to finish third and collect $2,000.
Jason Aichele and Steve Stull, both with Meadow Springs, finished tied for 20th at 1-over 217 to earn $550 apiece. Brandon Black, an amateur from Canyon Lakes Golf Course, shot 4-over 220 to earn $162.50.
The low amateur score came from Craig Larson of Oakbrook Golf and Country Club in Tacoma. Larson finished tied for 13th at 1-under 215.
