Hovland-Davis repeat as champions in Oak Tree National Pro-Scratch Invitational
By Ken MacLeod
EDMOND – Despite moving his full-time residence to Florida, former Oklahoma State hero Viktor Hovland still spends – and enjoys – a considerable amount of time in Oklahoma.
He certainly had a good time this week, as he and friend and former OSU golfer Ian Davis combined to defend their title in the Oak Tree National Pro-Scratch Invitational, shooting a combined 8-under both Thursday and Friday to finish at 16-under, two shots ahead of the duo of Talor Gooch and Kelsey Cline.
Although Davis played well Thurday, it was Hovland’s show Friday, as he birdied seven holes to make it easy on his amateur partner, who won the 2023 event with a birdie putt in a sudden death playoff.
Hovland received $20,000 for first place in this unique event which featured a host of PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour rising stars, nearly all of whom are members.
“Oak Tree has always been a player’s club, we don’t have a pickleball champion,” said Tom Jones, president and COO. “It’s great to see the way they all embrace the club and the event. It doesn’t matter if you’re from OU or OSU or somewhere else. We’ve got a great course that helps them refine their games.
“It’s so cool being here,” Hovland said. “It’s great to come back and see all the boys and some other guys from outside Oklahoma. This really shows how good Oak Tree National is as a club and a golf course and the whole thing. It’s just cool to be a part of it.”
Gooch and Cline shot 14-under as Gooch shot 8-under on his own ball Friday, including an eagle on the par-4 14th hole. The tees were moved up to make it a risk-reward drivable par-4 and Gooch put his tee shot a couple of feet from the cup.
Blaine Hale and partner Grant Bennett shot 5-under Friday to finish in third 1t 13-under, one shot ahead of the teams of Robert Streb and Danny Mitchell and the duo of Chris Gotterup and Franco Castro.
Gotterup is a good example of why Oak Tree National has been able to attract such a talent-laden membership. The PGA Tour first-time winner this year came to Oklahoma as a transfer to the University of Oklahoma from New Jersey. Instead of returning home, he embraced the challenge of playing and practicing daily at Oak Tree National and now is not only a member but has purchased a home nearby.
Viktor Hovland, center, and Ian Davis, right, celebrate their victory in the Oak Tree National Pro-Scratch Invitational.The home grown Oklahoma talent are all mostly members as well, including PGA Tour members Austin Eckroat, Taylor Moore, Gooch (LIV Golf), Streb, Max McGreevy and Quade Cummins.
“We’ve tried to build something like the old Oak Tree Gang, but we needed some new young blood and that’s what we’ve worked really hard to do,” Jones said. “When you look at this group it’s pretty special, especially we’re not in a state where it’s warm year round, or where the wind doesn’t blow much.”
The tournament had a waiting list of pros wanting to play this year and Ryan Munson, who helps organize the field, expects that will be even longer next year.
“Especially when they hear we played two days in the low 80s with light winds,” Munson said. “it was a great event this year and really proud for Oak Tree National.”
