b'His father, Robert, served as executive secretary for the Western Washington Golf Course Superintendents Association (WWGCSA). In that role, Kirks dad was excited to show him around Snoqualmie Ridge shortly after it opened in 1999.Every time I go there, I think about that time with him, Triplett said.Triplett maintains other connections to the state, too. His son attends Seattle University, and he has other relatives who have stayed. Reflecting on eastern Washington and his upbringing there, he called it a great environment.The [Pullman] community always knew what was important, he said. Just sort of a no-nonsense way to live that sometimes gets glossed over. It was just a great, great atmosphere.The career Triplett made from that atmosphere has provided special memories. The timing of it all allowed him to interact and play with prominent players, which proved to be a source of inspiration.The day-in, day-out ability, year after year to be able to perform at that level, he said of his high-achieving colleagues. Just is so inspiring and really cool to be part of. When youre outside of it you dont necessarily understand the energy and the effort that really went into what you just watched.Triplett certainly still competes among some of those highly regarded names. After all, the tour he plays on has Champions in its name.Top to bottom: Kirk Triplett (second from left) was selected to represent Team Washington in the 1979 Junior Americas Cup. Triplett (front row, wearing sunglasses) played on the Pullman High School golf team. In his senior year in 1979, his brother Bryan (front row, second from left) also played on the team. Triplett (tallest in back row in the brown jacket) was selected to play for the U.S. team in the 2000 Presidents Cup. JUN 2025|PACIFIC NORTHWEST GOLFER29'