A Legacy of Champions
The Monterey Open Championship has a rich and storied history dating back to 1926, when it was won by “Light Horse” Harry Cooper in an event that included most of the top golfers in the nation—including the reigning U.S. Amateur George Von Elm, and 1927 Ryder Cup team members “Wild” Bill Melhorn, Joe Turnesa, Johnny Golden, Al Watrous, Johnny Farrell, Leo Diegel, and Al Espinosa.
The tournament missed a few years during the Great Depression, and again during WWII, but otherwise remained a popular annual event on the Del Monte Golf Course calendar. Following the WWII death of popular Monterey golfer Bud Brownell, the Bud Brownell Memorial Trophy was created by Jo Mora for engraving the names of future winners.
After a brief hiatus (the tournament was not played from 1997-2003), Del Monte Golf Course resumed the event in 2004.
2025 Monterey Open Crowns a Champion at Del Monte
The 2025 Monterey Open, held on October 13-15, 2025, at historic Del Monte Golf Course, saw RJ Manke of Lakewood, WA, claim the title. He did so with a solid final round -4 under par 68 to finish the tournament at -15 under par with a 54-hole total of 201. A former four-year starter at Pepperdine, he’s looking to continue his fine play at the upcoming first stage of PGA Tour Q-School qualifying. Blake Hathcoat of Fresno, CA finished two strokes back in second place at -13 under par 203. And, Bryan Bigley of Danville, CA, claimed third place after firing a final round -5 under par 67 to finish with a -12 under par total of 204.
The tournament was played under dynamic and ever-changing weather conditions, including wind and rain. However, players were treated to outstanding course conditions and sunny skies for the final round. Manke earned a winner’s check of $5,000, along with entry into the TaylorMade Pebble Beach Invitational, which is played at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and The Links at Spanish Bay, from November 18 to 23, 2025.
