Astoria golfer comes from behind to win Oregon Open crown

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Updated: June 30, 2015

PGA Professional David LeBeck of Astoria Golf and Country Club came from behind to win the Oregon Open Invitational by two strokes at Sunriver’s Crosswater course.

LeBeck fired rounds of 67-69-71 for a 207 total to narrowly beat out PGA Professional Brian Thornton of Meridian Valley CC (Kent, Wash.). Thornton won the Oregon Open Invitational in 2012. Thornton finished two shots back at 209.

Derek Barron led after two rounds but faded with a 76 in the final round to finish three shots behind. Barron had tried to qualify for the U.S. Open at the Columbus, Ohio qualifier and then had to catch a flight back to Portland before driving to Bend, getting to Crosswater just a couple of hours before his tee time. He led after two rounds after shooting 68-66.

Casey King of Tokatee Golf Club was fourth at 213 while Ryan Malby of Iron Horse Golf Club in Montana was fifth at 215. Rounding out the top 10 were Matt Epstein of Inglewood Golf Club, Ryan Books of Wenatchee Golf and Country Club, Shane Prante of Fort Steilacoom Golf Club and Ryan Benzel of Sahalee.

LeBeck collected a first-place check of $7,000 for winning the tournament.

Low amateur honors went to Jesse Heinly of Pro Golf of Bend who finished at 216.