Matt Wells & Mark Blakefield win the 73rd annual KCC Invitational 2026 with a 3 & 2 victory over Andrew Ruthkoski & Ethan Tiller
Welcome to the 73rd Annual Kalamazoo Country Club Invitational - one of the most prestigious and enduring amateur better ball tournaments in the country.
This year marks a unique chapter in the tournament's rich history. While Kalamazoo Country Club's Championship Course undergoes an exciting renovation, we are proud to continue this cherished tradition at Gull Lake Country Club. Though our venue has changed for this year, the spirit, competition, and camaraderie that define the KCC Invitational remain as strong as ever.
As we gather for another championship, we do so with sincere gratitude for the remarkable history of this event. Since its inception in 1954, the Kalamazoo Country Club Invitational has welcomed generations of outstanding amateur golfers and has become woven into the fabric of our club and our community. While future PGA Tour professionals—including Davis Love III, Nico Echavarria, Joel Dahmen, Bubba Dickerson, and many others—have competed for this title, the true legacy of this championship is found in the friendships forged, the families who return year after year, and the countless memories created on and around the golf course.
This tradition continues because of the unwavering support of the Kalamazoo Country Club membership. Whether you're competing, caddying, volunteering, or cheering from the galleries, you play an important role in preserving what makes this tournament so special.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Gull Lake Country Club for graciously hosting this year's Invitational while KCC's Championship Course undergoes renovation. Their hospitality, partnership, and commitment to providing an exceptional championship experience have ensured that this proud tradition continues uninterrupted, and we are sincerely grateful for their friendship and support.
We also thank our generous sponsors, whose continued support allows this championship to thrive. A special thank you goes to Jason and Matt Huntington of Printing Services for producing our tournament program and invitations; Joe Spoerl for his many hours dedicated to announcing matches on the first tee; and Tom Sielatycki of Absolute Video for his outstanding work on the tournament website, online coverage, player interviews, live broadcasts, and scoring updates.
Be sure to visit www.kccinvitational.com for tournament information, pairings, scoring, and event coverage. To all of our competitors, thank you for being part of the 73rd Kalamazoo Country Club Invitational. We wish you a memorable week of championship golf and the very best of luck.
KCC Invitational Committee
As we gather for another championship, we do so with sincere gratitude for the remarkable history of this event. Since its inception in 1954, the Kalamazoo Country Club Invitational has welcomed generations of outstanding amateur golfers and has become woven into the fabric of our club and our community. While future PGA Tour professionals—including Davis Love III, Nico Echavarria, Joel Dahmen, Bubba Dickerson, and many others—have competed for this title, the true legacy of this championship is found in the friendships forged, the families who return year after year, and the countless memories created on and around the golf course.
This tradition continues because of the unwavering support of the Kalamazoo Country Club membership. Whether you're competing, caddying, volunteering, or cheering from the galleries, you play an important role in preserving what makes this tournament so special.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Gull Lake Country Club for graciously hosting this year's Invitational while KCC's Championship Course undergoes renovation. Their hospitality, partnership, and commitment to providing an exceptional championship experience have ensured that this proud tradition continues uninterrupted, and we are sincerely grateful for their friendship and support.
We also thank our generous sponsors, whose continued support allows this championship to thrive. A special thank you goes to Jason and Matt Huntington of Printing Services for producing our tournament program and invitations; Joe Spoerl for his many hours dedicated to announcing matches on the first tee; and Tom Sielatycki of Absolute Video for his outstanding work on the tournament website, online coverage, player interviews, live broadcasts, and scoring updates.
Be sure to visit www.kccinvitational.com for tournament information, pairings, scoring, and event coverage. To all of our competitors, thank you for being part of the 73rd Kalamazoo Country Club Invitational. We wish you a memorable week of championship golf and the very best of luck.
KCC Invitational Committee
2026 List of Teams
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Adam Anderson & Will Anderson
AJ Todd & Kian Rose Andrew Ruthkoski & Ethan Tiller Andrew Swanson & Craig Stull Arie Jackman & Ricky Shilts August Meekhof & John Barry Barrett Kelpin & Isaac Hinkle Billy Nelson & Brixton DeVries Bob Kramer & Colin Sikkenga Braden Falk & Brockton English Brian Burt & Josh Burt Bryan Sallmen & Tyler Rayman Cameron Huss & Jack Schnur Chris Gates & Will Preston Dan Ellis & Dan Hinkle Dan Urban & Joey Blondia Derrek Klimek & Jack Klimek Douglas Biro & Kaleb Johnson Erik Nelson & Bryce Wheeler Evan VanderMeeden & Michael Houtteman Grant Haefner & Jimmy Dewling Jake Drenth & Jimmy Dales Jamie Schnur & Davis Codd Mark Blakefield & Matt Wells Max VanderMolen & Michael Carrillo Mike Turley & Russell Boring PJ Maybank & Matt Novak Ryan Vliek & Zach Robbins Tyler Copp & Will Verduzco Ben Liggett & Eric Lilleboe Dan Haines & Pat Williams George Griswold & Jack Zubkus |
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