ProAm draws 170 to Black Butte Ranch

Steve Burch tees off. photo by Conrad Weiler The "three Ps" of a Robert Graves-designed golf course are Playability, Practicality and Pulchritude (great physical beauty and appeal).

All three were much in evidence last weekend as 170 pro and amateur golfers competed at Black Butte Ranch's Big Meadow Golf Course, which was designed by Graves.

Thirty-six teams (one pro, four amateurs) played rounds on Saturday and Sunday under warm, sunny skies during the 70th Oregon Open ProAm. Shotgun starts at 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. started 18 teams on the course simultaneously.

"The course is in great shape," said Byron DeShaw, an amateur representing the Yakima (Washington) Elks.

His fivesome had son Kelly DeShaw as the pro partner. Byron paid that back by caddying for his son during the three-day Pro Open Championship held on Monday through Wednesday following the ProAm weekend.

Saturday's winds proved not to be much of a factor.

"Pros know how to compensate," said veteran golfer Jerry Bogen of BBR.

Saturday results saw popular BBR pro Jeff Fought, Director of Golf, winning the individual Pro event by shooting a 67 and winning $200.

The winning fivesome on Saturday was George Mack Jr., BBR Pro and his team of Mike Adams, Fred Hasse, Steve Hval and John Kosadar with a team score of 185. George Mack Jr. also won the Saturday Pro Team event with that score.

"This is a wonderful event," said Loy Helmly, BBR General Manager. "The weather is perfect, the course in excellent condition, just ideal conditions for the Oregon Open."

Helmly competed in the two-day ProAm event.

Graves designed the course in the early 1970s. It's a walkable course, offering great views.

But it's also challenging with water hazards, fairway bunkers and greens that take skill to negotiate.