Briefs: Change coming to Men's State Am; Milton; Brisendine; Lakers scramble

The Montana State Golf Association announced plans for a new qualifying structure for the 110th Men's State Amateur Championship in 2027. The event will take place at The Wilderness Club in Eureka from June 24-26, featuring a 96-player field. Players will earn entry through local qualifying events or tournament exemptions. The Senior and Super Senior Amateurs will become stand-alone events.

Qualifying for the 2027 State Amateur begins in fall 2026 and continues in spring 2027 at various Montana courses, with each qualifier limited to 48 players. The first qualifier will be at Larchmont Golf Course in Missoula on September 26. Four spots in the 2027 field will be awarded at each event, with an additional four to six local qualifiers expected in spring 2027.

MSGA executive director Nick Dietzen emphasized the organization's commitment to balancing the demand for championships with competitive opportunities for players statewide.

In other news, Max Milton of Polson was named the Montana High School Association's male Athlete of the Week for his impressive start to the 2026 season. Milton, who recently committed to the University of San Diego, finished 10 strokes ahead of the defending champion at the Helena Invitational. Meanwhile, Livingston soccer player Loralai Iverson was named the Female Athlete of the Week for her outstanding performance in a 7-1 win over Hamilton.

In a recent match, University of Montana player Reagan Brisendine scored a goal for Washington State in a 1-1 draw against Cal State-Fullerton. Brisendine, who recently transferred to the Cougars, has one goal and one assist this season and is fifth on the team in minutes played.