b'CHIP SHOTSChanging the world in AlaskaFor the third straight year, AngelaFunds from the event have helped Merkle of Anchorage will be part of anprovide patients with transportation event that bridges one-of-a-kind Alaskato treatments, and the event has also golf with philanthropy. promoted educational programs for Merkle is a developmentearly detection. It has brought together manager for the American Cancersurvivors, caregivers and community Society, putting on the Drive Outmembers, around a day of golf. CancerAlaska Golf Classic on JuneSupport from all over Alaska is 13, at Anchorage Golf Course. Its avisible through guests too, as last year, fundraising event that aims to support2024 Miss Alaska Regina Welch served local patients and provide them withas emcee for the event.access to vital resources. The tournament isnt the only Merkle calls the outing a key eventway Merkle has given back. Formerly in her portfolio, and her role a dreamMiss Alaska herself in 2022, she has come true.A cancer survivor herself, andpreviously served as executive director former volunteer before joining the Cancerof Miss Amazing in Alaska, a program Society full-time, she has seen the impactaimed at allowing girls and women and gained a personal understanding of itswith disabilities to build self-esteemAt last years fundraiser, 2024 Miss Alaska organizational efforts. and pursue goals. Throughout herRegina Welch served as emcee. Merkle Living in Anchorage, Merkle knowspageantry experience, where she is(right) was Miss Alaska in 2022. the unique Alaskan golf settingwithnow also a part-time coach, cancer its scenery and long summer days awareness has always been her contributes to the games ability to bringplatform.community members together. Sir Nick Faldo in Big Sky CountrySince retiring from broadcasting in 2022, six-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Famer Sir Nick Faldo has found the good life in Montana, where he lives on a 125-acre farm with his wife Lindsay in Belgrade, not far from Bozeman. Living there, where his international course design firm Faldo Design is headquartered, he has taken part in Montanas golf community. Last August, he spent an afternoon giving a clinicon golf and on its life lessonsto the students in the Bozeman and Gallatin high school golf programs.He designed the Wilderness Club, and vouches for golf in other roles in Montana, in ambassador roles for Spanish Peaks, Moonlight Basin, Yellowstone Club and Crazy Mountain Ranch. He has also connected with the local golfLast summer, Nick Faldo gave a clinic for students enrolled in golf community through fundraisers.programs at Gallatin Valley High School and Bozeman High School, A major addition.with the clinic held at Valley View Golf Club in Bozeman. (Courtesy Lauren Miller/Bozeman Daily Chronicle)12 PACIFIC NORTHWEST GOLFER|JUN 2025'