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.”

Each brother practically blazes their own trail, too. Gage, the oldest at 17, is a senior at Central Valley High School. Sharpening his game through the winter by practicing on an indoor simulator, he can say each day of work offers something to learn, contributing to the overall growing experience the game offers.

Within Central Valley’s walls, Gage sports a cumulative GPA of 3.5, and he’s already enrolled in a running start program at Spokane Community College in automotive studies. This spring, Gage hopes to make his school’s varsity golf team.

Two years behind Gage is 15-year-old Ryker, whose passion for the game is also reflected in his long-term goals.

“I’ve always liked the sport since I started,” Ryker said simply, adding that he hopes to himself play on Central Valley’s golf team before he graduates in 2028.

For now, though, Ryker claims his game is right up there with his big brother’s, with both their scores usually only differing by a stroke or two in friendly matches.

And as for 13-year-old Tanner’s golfing skill, he’s already come within inches of a hole-in-one at Liberty Lake and credits the excitement from even coming “this close” as a reason to keep coming back to the course.

Even if his brothers have a few years on him, Tanner’s game is on par with theirs. He’s beaten them once or twice, and likes to think his precision is as good or better than Gage’s or Ryker’s.

“They’re stronger than me,” Tanner admitted. “But they’re not as accurate as me.”

And that’s extra impressive, considering the youngest Blakesley’s bag once contained only a driver, 5-iron, 7-iron and putter.

Still just in seventh grade, Tanner hopes to be a military pilot, a dream boosted by his sturdy grades up to this point. All the while, playing golf with his brothers offers lessons of discipline and focus while swinging away at Liberty Lake and elsewhere.

The Junior Golf Opportunity Grant is one of three new programs that works in conjunction with WA Golf Youth on Course, a program supported by the Washington Golf Foundation, which provides golfers aged 6-18 with access to play for only $5 per round at 94 participating courses in Washington and Northern Idaho, as well as thousands more across the U.S., Canada and Australia. The program, which has over 15,000 young members throughout WA Golf territory, also simply provides an opportunity to develop a lifelong love for the game of golf.

Click here to see other opportunities for young golfers through the Washington Golf Foundation, and click here for information about the WA Golf Youth on Course program.

The other seven recipients of the Junior Golf Opportunity Grant

Bryson Chang, 9, of Lynnwood. “Most importantly, I want to build my character through playing golf, leading eventually to being a good person in the future.” Won the WJGA District I Championship, his fourth win in four events.

Norah Louis, 14, of Olympia. “Most of all, golf to me means time with family. My cousins took me golfing for the first time and I have never loved a sport more.” Although still in middle school, Norah has been invited to play with the high school team.

Elizabeth Peshette, 16, of Redmond, Wash. “I’m an artsy kid. But I’m also a GOLFER, albeit quite accidentally. And I’m so very thankful to be one!” Plays on the varsity golf team at Juanita High School.

Kallie Phon, 17, of Covington. “The golf journey isn’t just about golf, it embodies the journey of life; The constant pursuit of more and all the valuable life lessons that golf teaches.” Plays on the varsity team at Kentwood High School, and last fall earned first team all-league honors.

Westin Thayer, 14, of Bremerton. “Golf has taught me that if you stick with something and work hard at it, you can see the results.” Competes in the PGA Jr. League at Chambers Bay, and his team recently won first place.

Raymond Wang, 11, of Bothell. “I feel like my golf friends are some of my best friends.” Named the WJGA Player of the Year in his age group.

Vanessa Zacapantzi, 17, of Spokane. “Golf keeps me focused, confident, and it’s where I feel the most like me.” Plays to a 9.0 handicap, and a 4.0 GPA at Ferris High School.