Growing Kettle Falls Golf Program Eyes Strong Season, State Potential

With increased participation, the Kettle Falls golf program enters the 2026 spring season with some experienced players that should lead to a competitive year. 

Head coach Brady Hansen said his goals for the program remain consistent year to year, centered on both development and enjoyment of the game.

“My expectations are always the same. I want our golfers to grow more confident in their abilities and enjoy their time on the course. Golf is a game, and it’s supposed to be fun,” Hansen said. “That said, we do have a competitive group this year with some new kids pushing for varsity spots and a state contender in Mace Thivierge Jr. Hopefully, we can have a strong showing throughout league matches and see how things shape up when we get to state.”

The Bulldogs are seeing continued growth in numbers.

“We have a great turnout this year with 15 golfers, which is a handful more than last season. Our program keeps growing, which is great to see,” Hansen said. “We have three upperclassmen on the boys team and four on the girls side, but we also have a lot of younger golfers coming up who will help keep the program strong for years to come.”

Hansen said leadership will come from a core group of upperclassmen, headlined by one of the top returning golfers in the region.

“Our upperclassmen varsity golfers will be the leaders for us this season. Mace Thivierge Jr. will lead the boys team and brings state-level experience that will help guide some of the younger golfers,” Hansen said. “On the girls' side, Adde Boone and Cambria Thivierge will lead the way. Both were just a couple of strokes shy of qualifying for state last year and are hoping to break through this season.”

Hansen emphasized the importance of mental preparation as a key team strength.

“As a team, our strengths vary individually, but overall I want our golfers to be mentally strong and prepared when they step onto the course,” he said.

The Bulldogs will face a challenging league schedule, with several programs consistently producing top competitors.

“Our league is very competitive on both the boys and girls side. Freeman, Colfax, and Upper Columbia Academy always field strong teams each season. St. George also has a state championship contender who is usually near the top of the leaderboard week to week,” Hansen said.

Despite the tough competition, Hansen said he believes his team is capable of making noise as the season progresses.

“This group of Kettle Falls golfers is a great group of kids, and they make all the time and effort worth it,” he said. “I’m excited to see what they accomplish this season, and hopefully we can send a handful of golfers to state and bring home some hardware.”