b'Alaskan Golf DreamsAbigail Ante and Jack Carr play their way from frozen tundra onto college teamsby Logan Groeneveld-MeijerI n forming thoughts about Alaska, its possible that snow-capped mountains, polar bears and the Iditarod come to mind before golf does, given the states well-known winter climate.But opposite Alaskas wicked winter months are those of its predominantly daylit summer, which understandably bodes well with plans to tee it up. Throughout a short but thoroughly seized three months of the year, college-level talent is still more than capable of originating up north, even in an absence of high school programs.Exemplary players Abigail Ante and Jack Carr, both of Anchorage, play for the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Willamette University programs, respectively. It was at Anchorage Golf Course in Alaskas big city where both players earned their stripes after being introduced to the game by their fathers.Having just completed her redshirt freshman season, Abby recalls, I just started going to the range with my dad; hes the one who started working with me, adding that most golf outings in high school simply added up to a bunch of kids goofing off on the course, given Alaskas lack of widespread junior tournaments. As college golf became Abbys biggest dream ever, she found herself working at that course in her hometown and took full advantage of her access to it during the fleeting summer seasons. I would make sure to, after I clocked out, just hit balls and live on the course allBelow: Ante and Carr spent many hours the time, she said. I remember playing until 1:00am sometimes. hitting balls inside the Fox Hollow Sports Jacks dad, himself an avid golfer, wasted little time lending his skills to his sons. Dome during the long Alaskan winters. 22 PACIFIC NORTHWEST GOLFER|SEPT 2025'