With four players in the top 15, Whitefish won the girls team title at the Western A Divisional golf tournament held Friday at Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda. The team has a solid chance of bringing home the gold at the State A competition next weekend in Polson.  

“There was a battle early in the game against Frenchtown, but our girls played steady golf all day,” said Shaun Forrest, head coach. 

Stella Jaffe shot an 80 to lead the Lady Bulldogs, finishing third behind defending State A medalist Katie Lewis of Frenchtown (76) and 2022 State B medalist Keni Wade of Bigfork (78).  

Lady Bulldogs Rhylee Scott (92), Karlee Brown (94) and Ava Zignego all placed in the top 15. The team had 368 strokes to win the one-day event by 14 over Frenchtown. Frenchtown will again pose a challenge at state this weekend.  

The Whitefish boys took second with 323 strokes. They were second to Corvallis (301) and Columbia Falls was third, just two strokes behind Whitefish. Aiden Rickels led the way for the Bulldogs shooting a 75. Mason O’Neil (79) and Otto Klein (81) both finished in the top 15. 

It was an interesting day for the boys. Halfway through the day, they were sitting at seventh. “They didn’t panic. The last four and five holes we were bouncing between fifth up to second place. We played well at the end and just keep playing steady golf through the pressure and ended up second.” Forrest said. 

The top four teams and a total of 28 individuals (plus ties) from Western A Divisionals qualified for the State A Tournament, which is Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4-5 at Polson Bay Golf Course.  

Both the girls and boys teams ended the season with fifth place finishes at divisionals in 2023. 

“It was our goal from the beginning – to punch our tickets to state. Now, it’s just bonus play. The rest is an opportunity to have a good experience at a higher level,” Forrest said.  

“Our girls have put themselves into position for a trophy. If things go our way, a state championship could be in grasp.” 

For the boys, there’s a chance of “sneaking into a trophy situation,” but top five is a good goal.  

“The boys have played really tight. They’ve bounced back and forth with Polson and Columbia Falls all season. Laurel and Corvallis are favorites going in, but after that, “it’s wide open.”  

Whitefish hasn’t faced off against any eastern schools, except for East Helena. Billings Central, among others, will be tough to beat. 

Forrest said the athletes are confident heading in. “We’re in familiar territory. They’ve played at Polson Bay over the summer... we’ll go out Thursday morning for practice rounds.” 

    Whitefish's Otto Klein looks over the line on his putt on the third hole during the Kalispell Invitational at Buffalo Hill Golf Club on Thursday, Sept. 19. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    Whitefish girls golf wins Western A Divisionals. (Photo provided by Shaun Forrest)
  

    Whitefish boys golf team takes second at Western A Divisionals. (Photo provided by Shaun Forrest)