State Aaa Golf Championships

When

Today and Tuesday (18 holes each day)

Where

Boys at The Creek at Qualchan; girls at Downriver.

Who

80 boys and 80 girls from six district tournaments, including nine Greater Spokane League boys and 10 GSL girls.

Schedule

First tee times are 7:48 a.m. with the last group off at 10:39. Spectators are welcome. There is no admission charge, and no advice may be given to participants.

Advancing

The top 40 (plus ties) in each tournament advance to Tuesday’s second round. It takes at least two golfers for a school to contend for a team title.

Team favorites, boys

Bellarmine Prep, the defending boys champion, advanced five to state with runner-up Kentwood getting four and South Kitsap, third last year, three. GSL champion Mead has three, Ben Holt, Brian Fong and Dustin Dauphin.

Individual favorites, boys

The top three from a year ago, including champion Mark Waddington of University, graduated, but the next eight return. North Central junior Kyle Kelly, in his third state tourney, is probably the favorite since he finished fifth last year and is playing on NC’s home course. Dusty Brett of Bellarmine was fourth last year.

Team favorites, girls

Defending champion Cascade qualified three but, Ferris, sixth last year, has four: Jennifer Hatley, GSL runner-up, Hillary Prugh, ninth last year, freshman Briget Johnson and Julie Jensen.

Individual favorites, girls

Mead sophomore Britney Holt, the GSL champion, has picked up plenty of experience since finishing just out of the top 10 last year. Runner-up Shelly Russell is back and seven others who finished in the top 14. Other top 10 finishers include Erin Peck of Kelson, Kylie Smith of Verett and Mendy Cooper of Tumwater.