It’s a chilly, sunny day and leaves start to fall all over the Polson Bay Golf Course, where high school golf teams from all over western Montana gathered for the Western A Divisionals on Saturday, Sept. 26. Local Polson Pirates golf had success, with the boys team taking first with a final score of +15 (303). The ladies team placed second with a score of +89 (377). Player Max Milton won the individual boys division for Polson with a score of -7 (65). 

Just two days before divisionals, Max set a new record at Polson Bay, scoring a -13 (59) with 11 birdies and one eagle. More recently, he set a new tournament record at the Lake City Open, also held at Polson Bay this last spring. Making him the youngest champion of the tournament.

Coach Cameron Milton is in his ninth season coaching the Polson Pirates and, with a successful season so far, is happy both teams will be playing at state this year. Currently, the boys’ team stands undefeated, and the ladies team is competing at states for the first time in three years, according to Cameron. 

Having played golf his whole life, he’s happy to see that his son, Max, loves the sport as much as he does. That's one reason why he wanted to coach, and it's paying off for Max. 

“We have a really good junior program here in Polson; I definitely wanted to coach Max,” Cameron said. “There was a great group of kids in front of him. When the job came open, it was a no-brainer to put in for it.” 

Max claimed the title of MHSA's Athlete of the Week in early September, after a Helena Invitational win, scoring a -17 (127), with 18 birdies. Also, with the help of his dad’s coaching, he also holds the title of Class A Individual Champion for the 2024 Montana State Championships. 

“It’s really fun being able to continue teaching him. I love being on the course with him,” Cameron said. “I want him to do whatever he wants in the future; I just want him to have fun.” 

Max, a high school junior, has already announced his commitment to the University of San Diego’s Division I golf program once he graduates Polson High School. 

“It’ll be weird when he won’t be coaching me anymore. We’ve had a good run; I’m excited to go play in college,” Max said. “My biggest goal right now is winning or getting a team win at states this year.” 

Cameron stresses the importance of resilience, positivity and handling challenges for all his athletes. He added that  divisionals on Saturday went “amazing.” He’s very excited and proud of all his students as they gear up for state on Oct. 2-3 in Shelby at the Marias Valley Golf and Country Club.