The inaugural Kalispel Championships brought high school golf to center stage on May 9, 2024, at the picturesque Kalispel Golf and Country Club in Spokane, WA. The tournament — proudly promoted by and benefiting The Sunshine Club — showcased elite young talent from across the region and set the tone for what has quickly become a spring highlight on the local golf calendar.
A Memorable Beginning
In its inaugural year, the Kalispel Championships delivered competitive excitement and community spirit. Players, coaches, and families gathered for a day of golf under ideal spring skies, enjoying excellent course conditions and a tournament atmosphere designed to challenge and inspire the next generation of golfers.
The event also underscored its mission to support youth sports: proceeds benefited The Sunshine Club, a nonprofit committed to expanding access to the game of golf for young athletes throughout the Inland Northwest.
Individual Standouts Take Top Honors
Girls Individual Champion – Brooke Bloom (Mead High)
Brooke Bloom, a senior from Mead High School, claimed the girls’ individual title in commanding fashion. Bloom carded a 3-over-par 76 over 18 holes, finishing three strokes clear of the field. Her poised play and steady touch on a testing course earned her well-deserved recognition as the first girls champion in Kalispel history.
Boys Individual Champion – Ben Barrett (Mead High)
On the boys side, Ben Barrett, a sophomore also from Mead, fired a 3-under-par 69 to capture the boys’ individual title. Barrett’s strong performance helped cement Mead High’s presence at the top of the leaderboard and marked a standout day for the program.
Together, Barrett and Bloom gave Mead High a sweep of the individual championships — a memorable moment in the first year of the event.
Team Competition Highlights
While individuals shined, several teams also turned in strong performances on the day:
- Ridgeline High School’s girls golf team captured the girls team championship, showcasing depth and consistency across their lineup.
- On the boys side, Lewis and Clark High School took home the team title with a solid collective effort.
These team results highlighted the competitive balance across the region and hinted at future rivalries to watch in seasons to come.
A Lasting Legacy Begins
The inaugural Kalispel Championships did more than crown champions — it brought together young athletes in a meaningful competitive setting while spotlighting the supportive spirit of the local golf community. Coaches praised the tournament’s organization and the unique opportunity it provides for high school players to compete on a respected course, with one noting the generosity of the Kalispel Tribe for donating tee times and helping make the event possible.
As an inaugural success, the 2024 Kalispel Championships laid a strong foundation for future years, promising growth, tradition, and continued support for The Sunshine Club’s mission.
Looking Forward
Building on its debut, the Kalispel Championships has quickly become an event that players and programs will circle on next spring’s schedule. With continued community support and growing participation, this tournament is poised to become a marquee competition in the Northwest high school golf scene.
