There’s plenty of good golf to be played in Western A this fall, but Polson looks to be the team everyone will be chasing.  

The Pirates return their entire lineup from a team that finished third at State last season, and coach Cameron Milton has plenty of reasons to be excited. 

“We’re going to compete really well,” Milton said. “Billings Central is always the top of A, so we’re fighting to get to their level.” 

Cameron’s son, Max, leads the way for the Pirates. Now a junior, Milton won the Class A individual state championship as a freshman in 2024 on his home course at Polson Bay. 

He’s coming off a big summer, too. Milton tied for 41st at the Boys Junior PGA Championship in July, opening with a 69, and recently committed to play college golf at the University of San Diego. 

And he’s not alone. 

Junior Carson Emerson qualified for state in each of his first two seasons, and Polson has plenty of experience behind the two. 

“They’re just really easy to coach,” Milton said. “They all work extremely hard.” 

Columbia Falls also has experience of its own. 

Juniors Bentley Cady, Austin Hall and Dylan Owens all enter their third season on varsity, while seniors Jack Bowler and Tristan Victor give coach Josiah Osborne five golfers he feels comfortable turning to. Osborne enters his fifth season with the Wildcats. 

Osborne has plenty of options to choose from, with any of the five fighting for the No. 1 spot. Though Cady has consistently held that spot in the past, this year he will balance starting on the Wildcats football team and hitting the links. 

“We’re sitting in a good spot this year,” Osborne said. “We’re excited about the program, and we really hope to make some big waves at the end of this season.” 

For Whitefish, a new chapter begins with a first-year coaching staff as Danny Neff takes over, bringing 20 years of experience at Whitefish Lake Golf Course. But there will be familiar faces on the course.  

Senior Mason O’Neil will lead the Bulldogs, while freshman Zach Schmid-Sommer has quickly worked his way up the lineup after picking up golf 18 months ago. His older brother Nick is another key varsity piece. 

Bigfork has a proven golfer in senior Mason Peterson. A four-year varsity player, Peterson is someone coach John Hollow believes could be in for a breakthrough season. After that, there is plenty to sort out. Fourteen golfers in the Vikings program will be fighting for the other varsity spots. 

Libby coach Dann Roher, who has coached for nearly five decades, said this is the youngest boys team he has ever had. 

Incoming freshmen Lawson Purdy and Hank McAfee are two youngers that have caught Roher’s eye early with their commitment to their craft. 

The Loggers might be a year or two away, but Rohrer likes what he sees coming. 

“We’re a ways away. It’s going to be a learning curve for us,” Rohrer said. “But I just truly have confidence in these kids and their work ethic.” 

Polson might be the favorite now, but four other teams have plenty to prove before the season is over. 

Reporter Luke Schmit can be reached at 406-758-4441 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.