The Oregon Classic first splashed onto the Nationwide Tour in 1998. Founded on one premise, the Nationwide Tour was designed to be a proving ground for rising professional golf stars. Over the years, as purses have risen, it also has become a viable place for PGA TOUR veterans to hone their skills mid-career. The Nationwide Tour has evolved into arguably the second best professional golf tour on the planet, and the leading 20 money winners earn their PGA TOUR card and playing privileges for the following season.

Supported by more than 200 local businesses and presenting sponsor Kendall Auto Group, the Oregon Classic has become one of the longest tenured events on the 15-year-old tour.

In addition, more than $675,000 has been generated for charity by the Oregon Classic. In 2005, for the first time, the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic will be the event’s primary charitable beneficiary.

Because of it late season spot on the Tour schedule, the Oregon Classic typically draws 50 or more of the top 55 players on the Nationwide Tour’s money list. Past Oregon Classic participants include: Jason Gore, Notah Begay III, Shaun Micheel, Ben Crane and Zach Johnson, to name only a few. During the past six years, Oregon Classic alumni have won 30 times on the PGA TOUR.

Other former Nationwide Tour players include the likes of Jeff Maggert, David Toms, David Duval, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, John Daly, Chris DiMarco and Tom Lehman.

Oregon Classic Chronology

September 2005: Northwest native Jeff Gove wins the rain shortened Oregon Classic. Sitting at 15 under after three rounds, the final round was washed out giving Jeff his third career Nationwide Tour victory and enough money to secure his 2006 PGA TOUR card.

September 2004: Eugene native Jeff Quinney fires a Shadow Hills CC course record 63 for a thrilling come-from-behind victory (13-under 275) in front of his hometown crowd.

September 2003: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native Chris Couch wins the 2003 Oregon Classic by shooting a 14-under 274.

September, 2002: Van Nuys, Calif. native Jason Gore wins the 2002 Oregon Classic by three strokes (18-under, 270).

September 12, 2001: In light of the 9/11 attacks, the PGA-TOUR cancels the Oregon Classic. The World Golf Championships, Tampa Classic, the Champions Tour’s Vantage Classic and the LPGA’s Safeway Classic are also canceled.

September 24, 2000: Keoke Cotner, from Cordoba, Mexico, wins the 2000 Oregon Classic.

September 26, 1999: Kelly Gibson, a New Orleans, La. native wins wire-to-wire at the second Oregon Classic posting a 9-under 279.

September 27, 1998: Charles Raulerson, a Jacksonville, Fla. native wins the first Oregon Classic by five shots posting a 16-under, 272.

September 24, 1998: Joe Ogilvie shoots 7-under 65 to lead the after the First Round of the inaugural Oregon Classic.

February 24, 1998: The PGA TOUR selects Eugene as the host site for a Nationwide event scheduled Sept. 24-Sept.27.

January 19, 1998: One week after Casey Martin’s victory, Eugene native Eric Johnson notches his second career Nationwide Victory at the Nationwide South Florida Classic.

January 12, 1998: In the midst of a pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Eugene’s Casey Martin wins the Nationwide Lakeland Classic.

December, 1997: Oregon Classic organizers submit another bid for a spot on the 1998 Nationwide Tour schedule.

June 27, 1997: Oregon Classic organizer’s bid loses out to a bid submitted by a group from San Jose, Calif. The San Jose event has since folded.

June 10, 1997: Tournament organizers begin pursuit of a September spot on the Nationwide Tour schedule vacated by Provo, Utah.