​The Oregon Coast has long embraced golf as a defining tradition, with the Oregon Coast Invitational standing as a prime example. Since its inception in 1910, the event has become a cornerstone for West Coast golfers, surpassed in longevity only by the Oregon Amateur Championship. The Oregon Amateur Championship celebrated its 117th annual tournament from June 22 to 27 at Riverside Golf & Country Club in Portland. Meanwhile, the Oregon Coast Invitational is poised to return on Saturday, July 18 for its 115th edition at the Astoria Golf and Country Club, where it has been held since 1951. The week-long competition is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, July 25. The event is often described in affectionate terms, evoking a wholesome, family-oriented atmosphere reminiscent of baseball, mom, and apple pie.
“This tournament is different because it really promotes the family aspect,” said Astoria Club Professional Jared Lambert. “It’s incredible talking to some of these families because you discover that perhaps their grandfather came out here 70 years ago. For many, it’s an annual tradition.” Lambert noted that the tournament’s format helps draw familiar faces year after year, fostering camaraderie among players. “Each of these competitors builds relationships,” he explained. “Because of how the event is structured, many golfers end up facing one another multiple years in a row. That encourages friendly competition, with some players seeking a rematch from a loss a few years back, while others are motivated to carry forward their family’s legacy of success at this event.”
As for competition, Lambert described the process: each golfer completes an opening round, after which they are assigned to a flight based on those results. This setup tends to heighten drama, as many players return to the same heat in successive years, squaring off against familiar rivals. The Grand Championship bracket represents the premier flight and will be played on the final day, Saturday, July 25. It is the event’s centerpiece, drawing players and spectators alike after the day’s rounds have concluded. In essence, the tournament offers a high-stakes, elimination-style path built on round one performance and the battles that follow.
“Every golfer who signs up gets to play at least one round of golf,” Lambert noted. “Those who keep winning will have opportunities to compete on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.” The field this year is expected to feature a blend of established names and rising stars, with several players to watch in different divisions. The familiar faces from recent years include last year’s Grand Champions Caelan Wobbrock for the men and Gretchen Johnson for the women. Additional contenders of note include 4A Boys State Champion Xanh Quang and Warrenton standout Gavin Brown. Quang, a Seaside High School graduate, will compete in the men’s Grand Championship flight, while Brown defends the boys’ junior flight title. Johnson, meanwhile, continues to lead the girls’ Grand Championship as a dominant force, having won the flight three straight years and adding a triumph in 2019. Her current pursuit is to secure another title, a goal that also holds appeal for strong SEO and broader recognition.