POLSON — On Saturday, another step toward the state golf tournaments was taken as the Western A divisional tournament teed off at Polson Bay Golf Course.
Ninety-five total golfers came to Polson for the last tournament before the state tournaments tee off next week.
With COVID-19 restrictions, golf tournaments have largely been limited to one-day events.
On the individual side of things, it was Whitefish's Cameron Kahle who came away with the best score of the day for the boys, and Corvallis' Macee Greenwood had the low score of the day on the girls scorecard.
Kahle, a senior, shot an even-par 72 to win, followed closely by his teammate Billy Smith, who shot a 74.
"I couldn't get anything to fall coming down the stretch, but I made some good saves and was able to scratch out an even-par," said Kahle. "I came into this week with pretty low expectations. I had a back injury situation, got that figured out and hit a draw all day and was able to feel it around the golf course. Happy with how I played (Saturday)."
Heading into the week of state, Kahle obviously is eyeing the title, but he also had an overall goal for his senior season to shoot a combined 10-under par in tournaments and is close heading into state.
Regardless of his individual performance, Kahle is more than confident in his team.
In the boys team rankings, Whitefish also came away with the combined low score of the day with a 308. Whitefish golfers Marcus Kilman and Johnny Nix shot 80 and 82, respectively.
"Coming into this year I knew we were going to be the best," said Kahle. "I mean, we're the best team out here, there's no question about it. If we go out next Thursday and Friday and do what we're supposed to do, then there's not a chance in hell anyone can beat us."
Hamilton came in second with a combined score of 332. Polson came in third with a score of 351.
On the girls side, Greenwood ruled the day with her 2-over 74.
"I think I played pretty steady," said Greenwood. "I was in the fairway, hit a lot of greens, then didn't make any putts but didn't three-putt, which always helps."
Heading into state Greenwood said she just needs to put together a consistent tournament.
"Getting mentally focused and just hitting a bucket of balls a day," said Greenwood. "I just want to put two good rounds together and see what happens."
In the team standings, Corvallis came in third with a combined score of 400. Polson came in second, shooting a 397, and Whitefish swept with their girls winning with a score of 379.
Here are the final scores from all 95 players:
Boys:
Girls:
