The numbers are up, but the time is short.

Flathead golf returns to the course for less than a week of practice before heading out for its opening tournaments. 

Second-year head coach Phil Jackson started evaluating his squad of 45 boys and girls Thursday ahead of Wednesday’s opening triangular at Whitefish Lake Golf Club. 

“Our kids are working really hard,” Jackson said. “Monday was our first real practice after our evaluations.” 

After Wednesday’s Whitefish triangular, Flathead then duals with Glacier at the annual Crosstown Cup Thursday at Village Greens. Tee times are scheduled to start at 1 p.m. 

The Bravettes feature a trio of returners from 2025’s state qualifying team in Hayden Ward, Becky Schmidt and Hadley McDonald. 

Along with that trio, Jackson is thrilled with the increased turnout, citing the junior golf program for getting more girls interested in the sport. 

“We have had a lot of growth through the junior program in the summer and getting girls out to open swings,” Jackson said. “Trying it is the big thing and once they get a feel for it, they get excited.” 

Pair that with a new assistant coach in Glacier and Carroll College graduate Stella Claridge, and the Bravettes are ready to make another run towards state. 

Jackson also cites Ella Bubar as an exciting sophomore for the roster. 

As for the boys, Jacobe Sullenger is the lone varsity returner from a Braves squad that placed two in the state tournament. 

“Jacobe will be offering a lot of senior leadership to help some of the younger kids,” Jackson said.  

Jackson says that his staff is excited to help a lot of players get their first varsity experience. 

Jackson adds that Teegan Eisenzimer is expected to jump into the No. 1 role as a freshman. He qualified for the State Junior Amateur in July. 

Six Flathead golfers will get their first varsity experience Wednesday when the Braves and Bravettes hit the course. 

“We are working hard in having our kids strive for a level of excellence on and off the course — in everything,” Jackson said. “We believe that if that strive for excellence then the results will follow.”