MOSES LAKE — Mason Bradford of the Moses Lake Mavericks golf team signed his letter of intent to Whitworth University to continue playing golf at the next level Thursday afternoon.  

“The last four years (I've been) looking forward to going somewhere and continuing with golf and just blessed to be able to play at the next level and play the game I love,” Bradford said.  

Bradford said he first considered playing in college after his sophomore year at Moses Lake High School. He saw increased success that season, including a state appearance where he earned a fifth-place finish. As he perused his options, Whitworth eventually stood out to him, and so he took a visit to the university.  

“I just had a great visit there (with) Coach Kramer,” he said. “Just a super good (visit), wonderful coach and a great facility. There are a lot of places to practice, one of the best in the area, (including) indoors. Weather is tough in Washington, and they make it super easy to practice there all year, which is a big thing for me, and academics too. Whitworth is a good academic school, and (there are) a lot of great opportunities there.”  

When he arrives on campus, he plans to begin his studies in business management, he said. In the meantime, the golf season has only just begun. As he looks to finish his time as a Maverick on a high note, he has his eyes on leaving his name in the record books and making another appearance in the state tournament.  

Head Coach Terry Melbye has witnessed Bradford’s growth firsthand over the last few seasons, he said.  

“He's been a leader for the last three years,” Melbye said.” And he's a golfer; there's no question about it. You'll never see or meet a nicer kid, just courteous. He's a great kid, period. I can't say enough about him...I'd take 100 of him, I really would.” 

Melbye spoke highly of Bradford’s work ethic throughout his time as a Maverick, noting he was a "first to arrive, last to leave" type of golfer.  

“Practice starts at three, and he's out here at noon. When I come out for practice at three, they're already warmed up and played nine holes,” he said. “Great chipper, great irons... he hit 16 out of 18 greens yesterday, and he drives the ball spare yards. What more can you ask for?”  

In his sophomore year, Bradford shot his first under par at 71. From there, he developed his game to the point where he does it consistently, the coach said.  

“I don't know if people realize, it's less than 0.5% of the people that are golfers ever shoot under par, ever in their entire lives. He does it consistently now,” Melbye said.  

Melbye said the Pirates program is getting a golfer who plays with a lot of confidence. Something that has brewed over the last few seasons. He noted a conversation they had during a competition on Wednesday.  

Bradford was on the green preparing to take a tough shot that only gave him about four feet to work with, Melbye said. He opted for his seven iron. He told the coach he already visualized the swing and he was confident he could keep the ball low.  

He ended up sending the ball 80 yards, the ball not rising more than four feet off the ground, according to Melbye. 

“When you’ve got that kind of confidence, that's what you need if you're going to score,” he said.  

As Bradford reflects on his time as a Maverick, he said he will miss the people he came across along the way, he said.  

“My teammates, coaches, friends and family that all supported me. It's been a lot of people that support me all these years, and it's going to be a lot different (at) Whitworth next year,” Bradford said.  

    Mason Bradford putts during a previous Maverick golf tournament. Head Coach Terry Melbye called Bradford a leader of the Mavericks golf team.
  

    Mason Bradford, seen at a previous meet at Moses Lake Golf and Country Club, plans to continue playing golf at Whitworth University next year.
  

    The Mavericks’ Mason Bradford, left, after placing fifth in the state tournament his sophomore season.