GOLF: Badgers sweep at 3A District 1 tourney

RATHDRUM — Eli Blackmore and Braylyn Bayer earned 3A District 1 medalist honors for Bonners Ferry, who swept team titles at Twin Lakes Village Golf Club, advancing to the state tournament being held Monday and Tuesday, May 13-14, back at Twin Lakes Village.

Blackmore shot an 8-over 80 and Bayer an 83 for the Badgers, who won last year’s girls title.

Taking second for the boys was Chago Jimenez with 90 and Avery Bayer took second for the girls with 85.

Bonners earned all of the qualifying spots to state and will take both teams to state. 

This was the third time the Badgers competed at Twin Lakes this season, in part to have course experience before the state contest. 

Bonners Ferry head golf coach Travis Blackmore said playing at Twin Lakes is close to a home field advantage for Bonners Ferry, as they will not have to travel across the state this year. 

“Playing at Twin Lakes gives us an advantage, as it is a different course than southern Idaho teams are used to. It’s a technical and tighter course, unlike the links style used in the south,” he said. 

Despite hail, wind and rain, the Badgers persevered. Blackmore said the girls had two holes left when a thunderstorm came through, and he was surprised the horn didn’t sound to clear the course. 

All season he has been impressed with newer golfers Nolie Hiatt, Callie Bateman and Sydney Hinthorn for improving and supporting the girls team. Having the girls team as a whole qualify at state is a testament to their hard work. 

“It has been inspiring as a coach to see kids that have hardly touched a golf club before the season to now go off to the state championship,” he said. 

Avery and Braylyn Bayer have both placed at state in the past years, with Braylyn being named individual medalist in 2023. The seniors are expected to have another great showing at state before moving on to collegiate golf. 

For the boys, Blackmore said the team is solid and consistent and pushing to reach the next level. 

“They have continued to hit milestones. Payton Hinthorn as a freshman dropped below 100 strokes and scored a 92 on Monday,” he said. “Eli Blackmore is steady and strong, he’s constantly been just shy of receiving an individual medal.”

Blackmore is optimistic that the Badgers will score better on Monday and Tuesday, as weather conditions are expected to be better. 

BOYS

At Twin Lakes Village Golf Club, Rathdrum

Par 72

6,236 yards

TEAM SCORES (Winner to state) — 1, Bonners Ferry 362. 2, Timberlake 452.

INDIVIDUAL STATE QUALIFIERS — 1, Eli Blackmore, Bonners Ferry, 80. 2, Chago Jimenez, Bonners Ferry, 90.

BONNERS FERRY — Eli Blackmore 80, Tyson Tadlock 100, Chago Jimenez 90, Jacob Bliss 109, Payton Hinthorn 92.

TIMBERLAKE — Payden DeVore 93, Harry Hunter 104, Tyler Sells 121, Caden Bates 134, Drew Potts 138.

GIRLS

At Twin Lakes Village Golf Club, Rathdrum

Par 72

5,908 yards

TEAM SCORES (Winner to state) — 1, Bonners Ferry 390. Timberlake incomplete team.

INDIVIDUAL STATE QUALIFIERS — 1, Braylyn Bayer, Bonners Ferry 83. 2, Avery Bayer, Bonners Ferry, 85.

BONNERS FERRY — Braylyn Bayer 83, Avery Bayer 85, Nolie Hiatt 120, Callie Bateman 110, Sydney Hinthorn 112.

TIMBERLAKE — Malia Miller 97, Ashley Wilson 121, Maddiey Longo 128.