Arneson wins district tournament, 6 Whatcom County golfers qualify for state

Lynden’s Ezra Arneson held on to his day-one lead to win the Class 2A Northwest District Boy’s Golf Tournament by five strokes on Tuesday, May 17, at Skagit Golf and Country Club.

Arneson shot a 2-under-par 69 on Monday, May 16 and finished Tuesday with a 74 which gave him a score of 143 for the tournament. Most golfers recorded higher scores Tuesday due to windy conditions, according to Lynden coach Russ Dorr.

With the win, Arneson guaranteed a trip to the state tournament which starts Tuesday, May 24, at Horn Rapids Golf Course in Richland. Arneson grew up playing at Horn Rapids and is comfortable there Dorr said.

Crabtree qualifies for state in one-hole playoff

Alex Crabtree of Lynden shot a 172 for the tournament which tied him with Burlington-Edison’s Loch Elliot for the 17th and final state qualifying spot.

The two played a one-hole, sudden death playoff in which Crabtree came out the winner with “a perfect drive, a perfect wedge and a 2-putt par,” according to Dorr.

“Alex kept his cool and did a great job,” Dorr said. “It’s tough when you’ve got the whole tournament looking at you.”

Six Whatcom County golfers advance to state

Joining Arneson in the state tournament are Nick Nolan (155) and Zach Nolan (163) of Bellingham, Kyle Reilly (164) and Andy Werner (170) of Sehome and Lynden’s Alex Crabtree (172).

Sehome’s Ian Hakeman (173) and Brady McDonnell (174) missed the cut by one and two strokes respectively.

Four Squalicum golfers including Jacob Coon (178), Taylor Lenderman (180), Jason Lowry (181) and Chase Grimstead (182) missed the cut as well.

Not available

Results from the Class 2A Northwest District Girls’ Golf Tournament were not available.

This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 11:02 PM with the headline "Arneson wins district tournament, 6 Whatcom County golfers qualify for state."