If you go
? What: 58th Royal Oaks Invitational golf tournament
? When: Friday-Sunday
? Where: Royal Oaks Country Club, 8917 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., in Vancouver.
? Admission: Free for spectators.
? On the Web: For results, tee times — www.roit.org
Ryan Fery earned one of the biggest victories in his golfing career last June at the Royal Oaks Invitational Tournament.
After such a hot start to the summer, he chilled for a bit.
“I considered that enough to make my summer the perfect summer,” Fery said Thursday during his practice round for this year’s ROIT. “That’s all I needed to do.”
The 58th edition of the tournament tees off Friday morning. Fery is back to defend that title, but he has plenty of competition.
If you go
? What: 58th Royal Oaks Invitational golf tournament
? When: Friday-Sunday
? Where: Royal Oaks Country Club, 8917 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., in Vancouver.
? Admission: Free for spectators.
? On the Web: For results, tee times -- www.roit.org
The Royal Oaks Invitational is one of the most prestigious amateur events in the Northwest, drawing some of the best players, young and old, in the region. Division I college golfers from throughout the West often show up to compete.
Fery used to be one of those college golfers, a long time ago. Now 37, the former University of Oregon golfer turned professional after college and then went through the long process to return to amateur status.
Royal Oaks was the first tournament he contacted, asking for a spot in the lineup, when he was cleared.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Fery said of returning as the defending champ. “I’ve always wanted to win this thing.”
This season will bring another challenge. Fery, who lives in Beaverton, Ore., said he has not been able to practice as much as he did last year. Plus, those younger golfers are also pushing, trying to get to the top.
Still, Fery’s expectations are high.
“I’m trying to win, no doubt about it,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”
Fery did not play many tournaments last summer after his big win in Vancouver. He did caddy a few times on the Web.com Tour. He remembers what it was like playing as a professional.
“When I see those guys playing, I have no regrets,” Fery said of returning to the amateur ranks. “It’s a different game out there. Just different pressure, for sure. Especially at those tours, it is so hard to make a good living.”
Amateur golf is competitive, too, but not as stressful, he said.
“You’re playing for titles and shop credit. You’re not playing to make a living,” Fery said. “You’re just trying to win a golf tournament.”
Royal Oaks is one of the big ones to win.
“Everyone loves Royal Oaks. It’s always in perfect condition,” said John Buck, the first assistant at the club, now working his 20th invitational.
Golfers also enjoy the challenge. The course, not real long, makes up for it with trees surrounding each fairway and super fast greens.
“Most guys who play here know if you get above the hole, when you hit your putt, you might as well walk down the green and wait for it and hope it stays on the green,” Buck said.
The course is tough, and that is an attraction for Fery.
“There is no better golf course in the Portland-Vancouver area than this one,” Fery said.
NOTES: Fery is one of nine former winners in the field this season: Tom Brandes (2006); Jay Poletiek (2000, 1997); Bob Britt Jr. (1999, 1993); Dick Shafer Jr. (1996, 1991); Gregg Guernsey (1992); Dick Iverson (1990, 1980, 1978); Pat O’Donnell (1982); and Kent Myers (1977). … In all, 192 golfers are signed up to play. Tee times begin at 7:30 a.m. Friday.
