The Polson Bay Junior Golf Camp has been a part of the community for over 30 years, allowing kids to experience golf and the resources in their community.  

This is “probably the biggest” year they’ve had with 165 students, Cameron Milton, the Polson Bay Association director of golf, said.  

The camp is a three-day event for kids in kindergarten to eighth grade. The schedule includes instructions in golf disciplines, a putt-and-drive contest and a potluck barbecue. This is all provided on the Polson Bay Golf Course at no cost to the kids.  

“We are a public golf course and providing opportunities for our community's youth three days once a year is pretty awesome,” Milton said. “It is a way for the golf course to give back to the community, which we're very fond of.” 

Milton describes this camp as a mentoring opportunity for the Polson High School golf team. These high school students have free access to the golf facilities year-round, and in exchange, the team volunteers their time as payment.  

Milton also noted that these high school students were once attendees of the junior golf camp.  

Conner Turner, a coach and high school golf team member, has volunteered at the camp for the last three years. Turner explained that he attended the camp as a kid, and now it is really cool to help out the younger kids.  

He said it is “super fun” to watch the kids get excited as they drain a putt.  

“Everybody's excited, everybody shows up and has a good time,” Turner said. “It's great to see them improve.”  

Milton explained that there are costs associated with the camp, such as T-shirts and food, but the golf simulators inside Bunkers Bar and Grill completely cover those expenses.  

He said one of the benefits of this camp is that it exposes kids to the facility. It also encourages the community's youth to come out and play. He said they have free push carts and club rentals for kids.  

“I don't think there's a high school golfer who has come through that did not participate in the junior camp,” he explained.  

He said they always have more than 100 kids attend, and they shut down the course's practice facilities during camp. Milton is known for his great connection with students and said the key is to get down to their level. He added that he brings enthusiasm and excitement, with lots of high-fives.  

Results from the Pitch, Putt & Drive Competition  

For girls 5-6 years old, first was Josie Gage at 580, followed by Thea Nelson in second at 550 and Clair King in third at 510. In the girls 7-8 years old, Zoey Isbell took first with 860; second was Claire Shackelford with 800; and third was Kayleigh Gill with 710.  

In the girls 9-10 years old, Emma Schallock took first with 1,020; Alexine LaForge in second at 1,000; and third was Giada Hertz with 910. For the girls ages 11 and up, Hailey Cottet brought home first with 1,530; Addison Rushing was second with 1,260; and Nora Shackleford was third with 1,190.  

For the boys aged 5-6, Ivory Lefthand was first at 810; Gannon Oakland was second at 800; and Carver Beard was third at 690. Among boys ages 7-8, Wells Ruhkala was first at 970; Marcus King was second at 950; and Carl Fors was third at 910.  

In the boys ages 9-10 division, Kobe Caye took first with 1,960; Zayn BigMan was second with 1,760; and Asher Nelson was third with 1,370. For the boys 11 and up, Levi Nelson was first with 2,030; Noah Valentine second with 1,520; and Tobia Becker took third with 1,480.  

    Polson High School girls golf team members and Zoie Fuentes, a college junior on an internship at the Polson Bay Golf Course, teach the middle school girls some golf tips. (Emily Messer/Leader)

 Conner Turner coaches sixth grader Levi Nelson during the Polson Bay Junior Golf Camp. (Emily Messer/Leader)