The Whitefish golf teams are off to a tremendous start this season, head coach Scott Minton said.  

For the girls, the goal is a state title, and it’s within reach.  

“The sky’s the limit,” Minton said. “All indicators are, it’s ours to lose.” 

There’s a solid squad of eight girls this season, with five making up the varsity team. The girls placed second at state last year and graduated only one senior, Stella Jaffe.  

This year, Ava Zignego is the sole senior and the team captain. There are three new players on JV, two freshman and one junior.  

Karlee Brown is one to watch. After playing at a high level over the summer as an individual, she kicked off the high school season with an individual win at the Corvallis Invite in Missoula Aug. 18. It was her first win as a Bulldog and her lowest round recorded. She followed that with a win the next day at the Whitefish Triangular.  

Also at the Whitefish Triangular, the girls team was first by a landslide, plus 27 to Glacier’s 46 and Flathead’s 109.  

“I’m equally excited for the boys,” Minton said. “High expectations, a strong freshman class, and we’re loaded with sophomores and juniors just splitting hairs – it's highly competitive to get a varsity spot, which is making the level rise. 

The next three to five years should be a phenomenal run for Whitefish boys golf.” 

Last year’s fourth-place state team graduated only one senior as well, Otto Klein. The sole senior this year, Aiden Rickels, is the team captain. He along with Mason O’Neill were top-10 finishers at state last year.  

The boys won handily at home during the Whitefish Triangular Aug. 19 – collectively taking the AA schools, Flathead and Glacier, by over 20 shots. Meanwhile, the JV boys began their season in West Glacier with a sweeping win, in what Milton described as a testament to the talent coming up the pipeline.  

The golf team has seen some transitions in coaching recently. Tait Rocksund picked up the role in 2021, and Shaun Forrest stepped up last year, with Minton on board as assistant coach. 

This may be Minton’s first season teeing up as head coach for the Bulldogs, but he brings a wealth of experience. The PGA professional has been in the sport for about 20 years and was a head coach for several years in North Carolina prior to moving to Whitefish. 

“I’m loving it. Great kids, and I’ve never seen a golf program more supported locally than it is here by Whitefish’s golf club,” he said. “It’s interwoven in the community and it’s great to be a part.” 

The season’s schedule is loaded the first couple of weeks. 

The boys played in Browning at Marias Valley Country Club Friday, Aug. 22 and placed fourth as a team. Ashton Taylor shot an 81, followed by Jessop Hutchinson 84, Drew Queen 85, Devin Meuter 88, and Wyatt Scott 91. 

Both teams were in action at Old Works in Anaconda Monday and Tuesday at press-time. 

Next, they’ll be back at home for the Whitefish Invite Wednesday, Sept. 3, followed by the Bigfork Invite Sept. 4, Polson Invite Sept. 8, and the Kalispell Invite Sept. 9-10. 

    Karlee Brown takes a swing on the north course of the Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Aug. 20. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    The Bulldogs played Flathead and Glacier during the Whitefish Triangular Aug. 20. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Jessop Hutchinson on the south course of the Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Aug. 20. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Wyatt Scott on the south course of Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Aug. 20. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Mason O’Neil on the south course of the Whitefish Lake Golf Club Aug. 20. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)