Howie Tiger
The PebbleCreek Men’s Golf Association has named Duane Hagstrom its most improved player of 2020. Under non-COVID circumstances, the official announcement would have been made at the PCMGA annual meeting during the Member-Member Tournament luncheon.
As background, Duane grew up in Long Beach, Wash. He attended high school in Ilwaco, Wash. and attended Western Washington University in Bellingham. He did post-graduate work at the Pacific Coast Banking School. He also served in the Marine Corps Air Reserve for six years.
Duane spent his entire working career in the banking business. First, he was with Rainier Bank for 30 years, working in various capacities at several bank branches. He then spent 12 years as the president and CEO of the Bank of the Pacific, a small community bank. Even after retirement in 1997, he continued for another 10 years serving on its board of directors.
Duane and his wife of 60 years, Sharon, purchased a retirement home at PebbleCreek in 1997. He enjoys hunting and fishing as well as spending time with their seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
One of Duane’s golf career highlights was winning low net at the Northwest Washington Whidbey Island Invitational when he made seven birdies (gross) on the final day of the two-day tourney. He has made three holes-in-one, including two on the 8th hole of Eagle’s Nest.
In 2020, Duane improved from a 13.8 index to an 8.4. Like many PCMGA members, Duane battled some back issues, but by following a planned exercise program he increased his strength and flexibility. He attributes this program for his improvement this year.
The PCMGA uses the USGA method to determine who the most improved player is. The formula used is a ratio that encompasses the handicap index at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year. The formula also takes into account that it is more difficult to improve from an index of 10.0 to a 5.0 than it does to improve from a 25.0 to a 20.0. The PCMGA player with the highest ratio is the winner.
A card credit for $25 will be awarded to Duane.
Congratulations to Duane for a great season!