b'GOLF ALASKAYouth Shines bright during State Match playAlaska tends to produce young talent known for hockey and skiing, but a new wave of athlete could be on the horizon as Briggs Winfree claims his first State title. When school starts this fall over 4,500 miles away in Hilton Head, South Carolina, the 16-year-old Winfree will have a new title to add to his young golf careerAlaska State Match Play Champion. Originally from Anchorage, Winfree spent this past winter honing his craft at the JPGA Academy and it seems to have paid dividends. After earning the No. 7 seed, Winfree calmly made his way through the bracketBriggs Winfreeto place himself in the championship match. After defeating local talent Erik Thompson in thrilling extra holes, Winfree was able to claim his first gold pan.It was a back-and-forth slugfest as Thompson forced extra holes on 18. Both players halved the par-4 first hole in the playoff. It was on par-5 second that Winfree showed his guts. An incredible second shot found Winfree on the green with an eagle putt to claim the title. Thompson answered by pitching to within gimme range for a birdie. Winfrees eagle putt raced past the hole, but he made the come-backer for birdie to keep the playoff going.After an errant tee shot on the par-3 17th, the third hole of the playoff, Thompson was forced to hit a provisional ball, while Briggs played his ball to the green leaving him with two putts for par. Thompson wouldnt go down without swinging as he found his first ball inWomens State Champion Keira DeLand, the trees and was able to punch it ontoAGA President Jeff Ranf, and Mens State the green for an opportunity at par. Thompson would the putt, and WinfreeChampion Greg Sanders (left to right). secured his first title. Sam Olson, AGA Board MemberGOLF ALASKA| SEPT 20255'