Cougar Club hosts golf tournament

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Cougar Club will host the 2009 Moses Lake Cougar Golf Classic tournament at noon on Tuesday with a shotgun start at the Moses Lake Golf Club.

Past and present Washington State University coaches will be attending, including former Washington State head football coach Jim Walden.

Walden led the Washington State Cougars football program between 1978 and 1986. Walden led the Cougars to the 1981 Holiday Bowl — the school’s first bowl appearance in 51 years and he led the Cougars to victory in the 1985 Apple Cup.

The 1985 victory in the Apple Cup was the program’s third win over arch rival Washington in four seasons.

Walden currently is a color commentator for Washington State football games.

Tournament Coordinator David Thomsen said it is an honor to have Walden participate in the 2009 golf tournament.

“Jim Walden is known by a majority of all Cougars,” Thomsen said previously. “It is going to be a huge benefit to have a big WSU name (like Walden there).”

The Cougar Golf Classic is an opportunity for the Columbia Basin community to interact with members of the Washington State University athletic department, Thomsen said.

“(The tournament and banquet) allows the people of Grant County an opportunity to meet and play with WSU coaches,” he said.

Following Tuesday’s tournament, the Grant County Cougar club will host a banquet with both live and silent auctions.

Items available for during the auctions include a Washington State football, sideline passes, and Cougar memorabilia.

All proceeds from Tuesday’s events will support the Washington State Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund.