Polson's Milton claims State A title on home course
Polson coach Cameron Milton celebrates a state championship with his son, freshman Max Milton, who took top honors in the State A Golf Tournament, held at Polson Bay Golf Course last Friday and Saturday. (Bob Gunderson photo)
State Class A golf champ Max Milton tees off during last week's championship tourney at Polson Bay Golf Course. (Bob Gunderson photo)
Polson's Kila Cannon drives the ball on hole two during last week's State A Golf Tournament. (Bob Gunderson photo)
Golfing on his home course, Max Milton secured the individual Class A State Championship, posting 11 birdies in two rounds on Oct. 4-5.
“No one has more rounds on Polson Bay than him,” Polson Head Coach Cameron Milton said. “He knew all year that state was here. The knowledge, as well as being comfortable with the shots had to help. Having an individual champ who is also my son at the course we call home feels incredible. All the local support out on the course for the two days was also a big factor. Max had to feel good having the crowd on his side.”
Milton notched a 66 on the first day of the state tournament on Friday, and followed that up with a 70 to win the state title by three strokes with a 136.
“The day 1 round helped set the stage for day 2,” Milton said. “We have always talked about not winning a tournament on day 1, but you can lose one. He had started out fairly slow for his standard, making no birdies on the first eight holes, but then played his final ten holes in 6 under par, which is very impressive.”
Laurel’s Sam Norman notched a 139 for second, and Park’s Swayer Gentry placed third with a 140.
Laurel would win the team championship, but nobody could keep pace with Milton’s 66 out of the gates. Polson’s Carson Emerson and Ronan’s Cooper Clary would tie for 33rd with a 165, while Connor Durglo was 57th with a 191.
“Carson Emerson qualifying as a freshman and playing well is impressive,” Milton said. “We obviously always want to qualify as a team and didn't accomplish that this year. Shooting in the low 80's both days will be a great experience for him as we try to build around Max and Carson going forward for the next three years.”
On the girls side, Kila Cannon was 21st with a 197, while Ronan’s Hanna Lytton was tied for 36th with a 208.
State Class A golf champ Max Milton tees off during last week's championship tourney at Polson Bay Golf Course. (Bob Gunderson photo)
Polson's Kila Cannon drives the ball on hole two during last week's State A Golf Tournament. (Bob Gunderson photo)