The Pacific Northwest Section of the Professional Golfers

Association has announced that the 74th playing of the BMW Washington Open,

featuring the Merrill Lynch Pro-Am, will be held at the new Tournament

Players Course (TPC) at Snoqualmie Ridge in May 2000.

“Pacific Northwest Section PGA is thrilled to have this year’s

BMW Washington Open at such a magnificent facility,” stated Chris Frickel,

director of marketing for the Pacific Northwest Section PGA.

“TPC Snoqualmie Ridge will present a real challenge for those playing in

the Merrill Lynch Pro-Am and our professionals throughout the

championship round. We are excited to showcase the facility with this event.”

The BMW Washington Open will mark the first professional event at

the Jack Nicklaus-designed course. The tournament is scheduled for Friday,

May 19, through Wednesday, May 24.

According to the association, the BMW Washington Open has

proven to be one of the most prestigious stops on the Pacific Northwest

Section PGA’s tournament schedule. Dating back to the Yakima Country Club

in 1922, the event is the oldest professional golfing tournament in the state.

Among the former champions are Fred Couples, Don Bies, Rick

Acton, Dave Barr, Al Mengert, Bob Duden, Ken Still, Bud Ward, Fred Haney

and Chuck Cogdon. Last year’s winner was Jeff Coston and other recent

winners include Keith Liedes, Keith Coleman, Jeff Gove, Todd Erwin,

Jim Strickland and Brian Mogg.

“We were excited,” said TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Director of

Golf Lindsay Taft. “They came to us last year and said they wanted to come

out here. We thought it would be a great introduction to the tournament scene.

“Since we’re new, it will be a great opportunity to showcase the club

and the golf course. With all of the statewide PGA pros and the amateurs

alike, it will be five or six days of fun. People will be able to see what we’re

all about.”

For further information on the event, contact the Pacific

Northwest Section PGA office at (800) 688-4653.