LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Seaside’s Sam Hinton, now a junior at Willamette University, sank a 25-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole to take first place at the 2018 Northwest Conference men’s golf tournament, which concluded Sunday at Oakbrook Golf Club.

Hinton shot a tournament-low 69 in the first round and a 74 in the second round. His 2-under 69 was the only sub-par round of the tournament.

Alex Plusquellec of George Fox shot 72-71 to finish tied with Hinton after the final round, before Hinton won on the second hole in the playoff.

A five-way tie for sixth place at 147 included golfers from five different teams, which included Willamette’s Kenneth Sheldon, a graduate of Ilwaco High School who carded a 147 (73-74).

“I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s just been so solid all year,” Willamette coach Patrick Daugherty said of Hinton. “I love the way he plays. Alex Plusquellec is such a great competitor and an awesome kid. There’s a ton of mutual respect for him. It was great to see those two battle it out.

“Sam hit the back of the green on No. 18, which was the second playoff hole, just catching the fringe,” Daugherty said. “Since he wasn’t on the green he elected to keep the pin in. Alex hit a chip shot to about five feet which he had to make for par. Sam and I talked about the read and discussed what we both saw, and agreed he should putt it not chip it. The ball rolled in with good pace just on the left center of the hole. It was pretty special. The team immediately came out to congratulate him. There must have been 50 or so people watching intensely. It was very special to have his parents, Suzie and Steve Hinton, there watching.”

Hinton was named first team All-Northwest Conference. Three Bearcats, including Sheldon, earned second team all-conference.

Pacific Lutheran won the tournament with a score of 581. Whitworth placed second at 595, followed by Willamette with a 596.