Kamiak High School senior Chris Hatch signed with Western Washington University on Nov. 14, at a signing party at Harbour Pointe Golf Club, committing to continue his golf career there.

“The reason I picked WWU is because they are a nationally ranked golf team and they have always had very strong players on it,” Chris said. “WWU is a great school as well, and I am excited to be able to attend.”

“When I went for a visit I just felt a click, so it was a good fit for me.”

Chris is a three-time Wesco All-Conference player for the Kamiak High School golf team.

This year has been filled with notable accomplishments for Chris:

In February, he won the Northwest Jr. Golf Tournament by one stroke. He scored 79 and 69 over the two-day tournament held at Canterwood Golf and Country Club and McCormick Woods Golf Club.

He won first place in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship Qualifier in June. He shot 73-71 on a 36-hole stroke play tournament for an even par score of 144. He led by five strokes.

He had the honor of next playing in the 65th U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at The Golf Club of New England in Stratham, N.H.

Chris also earned a spot in the Junior America’s Cup to represent Team Washington at the BanBury Golf Club in Eagle, Idaho, in July. He was one of four players representing Washington state.

He placed 12th or better in more than 10 other golf tournaments and received several other honors throughout his time at Kamiak.

His parents, Jennie and Todd Hatch, and Harbour Pointe golf coach Joe Puetz, who were all present as he signed his National Letter of Intnt, said they are all very happy for Chris.

“We are so thrilled because I am from Bellingham, so I grew up there, that’s my hometown, and my husband graduated from Western and he played soccer there.

“We’ve got a lot of family that have attended Western so we are a big Western family.”

Joe Puetz added: “I’m real excited for him. I think Western has an amazing program, and to be offered a scholarship at that program, he’s accomplished a lot. All of that hard work he put in has paid off.”

-Sara Bruestle