PREP GOLF: Miles could add up to titles for Coeur d'Alene teams

By JASON ELLIOTT 

Sports writer 

To get a fifth state boys golf title, and the girls first in program history, Coeur d’Alene High has put in some miles this season. 

Tournaments in southern Idaho, eastern Idaho and a few in Central Idaho at Moscow and Lewiston will do that. 

But the travel isn’t phasing the Vikings this week. 

“We’re used to traveling as we are a North Idaho team,” said Coeur d’alene girls golf coach Jeff Lake, in his third year. “We’ve got a lot of experience traveling to our competition. We are road warriors. So far, we’ve been to Pocatello already, Boise, Moscow, Sandpoint and Lewiston multiple times. Even though we are always on the road, we are right at home on the golf course.” 

Next up is the state 6A tournament at Highland Golf Club in Pocatello starting Friday. 

Coeur d’Alene’s girls were second at the Gate City Open in Pocatello, the same site as this week’s tournament on Sept. 26. 

Coeur d’Alene’s boys were third at state for the third-straight year in 2023 in Lewiston last fall. The Viking girls were runner-up to Rocky Mountain of Meridian last year. 

“Our kids are excited to play some golf this week,” said Bennett, in his sixth year as boys coach. “Our schedule has prepared them for big events such as state and they are ready to roll. Our freshmen also play in big events and tournaments in the offseason, so they are used to and prepared for big time tournaments.” 

Coeur d’Alene senior Grant Potter, medalist at regionals last week, was fifth at state individually last year. 

Boise, Mountain View, Thunder Ridge, Madison and Rocky Mountain are contenders for the team title according to Bennett. 

Rocky Mountain, HIghland, Eagle and Mountain View are teams to watch for the girls team title. Rocky Mountain has won the last three girls team titles. Eagle won the boys title in 2021 and 2023. 

Timberline’s Ella Arnzen, the girls champion, and Eagle’s Beau Sahr — who has verbaled to San Diego State — are defending individual champions. 

5A: Lakeland sophomore Tyler Zachary shot 3-under 70 to earn medalist honors at The Links Golf Club last Thursday in Post Falls, advancing to state starting Friday at River’s Edge Golf Club in Burley. 

“The practice round will be very important in setting him up for success, especially against competitors who play there often,” second-year Lakeland coach Colleen Hall said. “Tyler’s been averaging about four strokes over par in the last half of the regular season, and he ended extremely strong. While River’s Edge has more trees and water, he’s got tournament experience on similar courses.” 

Bishop Kelly of Boise (boys) and Twin Falls (girls) are defending team champions. 

Bishop Kelly’s Cara Carter returns after winning the individual title last year. 

Moscow’s Chase Lovell was second at state individually last year.