As career starts go it’s hard to top what Glacier golf coach Jim Ness experienced his first season: A sweep of divisionals followed by a State AA crown title for the boys team.

Yet Torren Murray has one-upped him. 

“He’s only been playing two years and he’s been on two state championship teams,” Ness said of the Wolfpack junior. “Pretty good record.” 

Murray finished seventh individually at the 2024 state meet, and he and fellow All-State golfers Luke Nelson and Jonah Wynne — the seniors tied for 12th — will help Glacier weather the graduations of Sam Engellant, Tanyon Murray and Wes Weber.  

“We have some pretty talented players again this year, so that’s exciting,” Ness said. “Torren, at least starting off the season, is our No. 1 player. He’s been playing all summer and in a lot of tournaments, and playing very, very well.” 

Adding Nelson and Wynne to Murray, who tied for fourth at state as a freshman, Ness added: “They’re all capable of winning a state title.” 

The goal of the Wolfpack, of course, is to hunt down a third straight state title. Senior Sam Syverson, whom Ness said has been consistently shooting in the 70s, is the No. 4 golfer. “The five spot was a bit of a toss-up,” Ness added. Sophomore Elliot Anderson emerged from the 36-hole qualifying with a second-day 74. He’ll fill out the squad that opens its season today at the Whitefish Triangular. 

That’s the lineup for now; Weber and Nelson alternated at times on last year’s squad, and this year’s Wolfpack includes some 40 boys. 

The season is short and busy. The annual Crosstown Cup with Flathead is Thursday, at Village Greens. 

Having a lot less depth is the girls squad: Just five golfers, though four of them were part of the Western AA Divisional championship. 

Seniors Abbi Townsend, Vaida Cole and Kendall Tkachyk are the 1-2-3 golfers. Townsend tied for 17 th at state a year ago. Junior Maggie Mitton is the No. 4, and sophomore Lillie Groom, who played in a couple varsity events a year ago, fills out the team. 

“She’s improved immensely over last year,” Ness saiid of Groom. “All the girls are really solid. They’re very capable of putting up some good scores.” 

A year ago Glacier slipped to eighth at the State AA meet, in which Eastern AA teams claimed places 1-6. Still, Ness figures state trophies are quite possible for both his teams. 

“The boys are very much in contention for a state title,” he said. “The girls have the potential. I’m excited and optimistic about the girls team.” 

    Glacier's Abbi Townsend tees off on the eighth hole during the Class AA State Golf Tournament at Northern Pines Golf Club in Kalispell on Thursday, Oct. 3. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider   

    Glacier's Jonah Wynne chips onto the green on the fourteenth hole during the second round of the Class AA State Golf Tournament at Northern Pines Golf Club in Kalispell on Friday, Oct. 4. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider   

    Glacier's Kendall Tkachyk tees off on the seventh hole during the Class AA State Golf Tournament at Northern Pines Golf Club in Kalispell on Thursday, Oct. 3. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider