In 2026, the Washington Golf Foundation – which has led dedicated efforts to foster and advance the growth of the game in Washington since 2022 – has offered its inaugural Junior Golf Opportunity Grant to 10 recipients. Each one-time award offers $600 to Washington residents of ages 8-17 who exhibit financial need, passion for golf and strong academic achievement.
Three of the grants have recently been awarded to a single household. Gage, Ryker and Tanner Blakesley, who live in Otis Orchards east of Spokane, comprise a sibling trio that has done plenty over the previous years, whether equipped with golf clubs or No. 2 pencils.
According to their mother, Arreal, each of the boys’ steadfast golfing journeys began some three years ago. Their dad is a casual player, and their grandmother is a competitive one, automatically providing them with family playing partners in addition to each other. Trailhead Golf Course, Liberty Lake and MeadowWood – all of which are located just about next door to each other in Spokane – have served as common destinations for family golf endeavors.
“I think it’s cool that they’re going to be able to have the opportunity to buy new stuff,” Arreal said. “We’ve been using borrowed clubs and things like that, so it’ll be nice to get them something that fits them.”…