Kyle Kelly North Central Year: Junior Sport: Golf

Kyle Kelly has his sights set on a fairway that is open and lush in January, so the North Central junior has sent off a few letters of introductions to colleges in the south.

Before he hits the national junior circuit this summer, what he ought to do is invite college coaches to Spokane for a round of golf at the Creek at Qualchan. They would have to be impressed with the course and even more impressed to know Kelly shot a 2-under par 70 there last week.

“He’s having a great year,” NC coach Dave Hall said.

Good enough to lead the Greater Spokane League with an average of 75 per round, despite a disappointing 82 earlier at MeadowWood.

“I’m working on my game a little more,” said Kelly, who has qualified for the state tournament twice and finished fifth last year.

“Give credit where credit is due,” Hall said. “His work ethic is really good and (Qualchan professional) Mark Gardner has worked with him and done a tremendous job. I’ve always felt from day one his strong part was his short game and he’s gotten better with the long game.”

Kelly gave credit to his putter.

“It was shaky at the beginning of the year,” he said. “Most of that is mental, but you just have to get out there and pound putts. Now I feel like I can make any putt I stand over. It takes lots of practice.”