STORY AND PHOTOS BY DEREK SVENNUNGSEN

The 29th Annual Chuck Gates Memorial Golf Tournament had its day in the sun--and wind-- on Sunday.

Despite the squirrely and swirly weather, the 30 teams enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of golf, helping the tournament raise $4,000 to support the Atkinsons Park Junior Golf Program.

The program provides instruction for young golfers in the valley.

Will Spiller organized the tourney.

Tournament organizer Will Spiller, a local restaurant owner, shared some insights about the tournament and its history.

“It was established in 1998 to honor avid golfer Chuck Gates, who co-founded the Idaho Mountain Express, shortly after his passing. The annual Chuck Gates Memorial Golf Tournament has evolved from a small memorial into a significant community event that supports youth education and golf programs in the Wood River Valley, as well as supporting other great nonprofits based in the Wood River Valley.”

Over the course of the summer, there are usually a couple of Gates Memorial Tournaments. There is the scramble, which takes place at Sun Valley’s Trail Creek Golf Course; the junior tournament, which moves around but is often at the Bigwood Golf Course; and the junior putting tournament, which is at Trail Creek’s putting course.  

“Year after year we have an incredible return rate of former competitors from all age groups and have seen junior putting competitors now competing in the adult golf scramble,” said Spiller. “This continued support from the local community helps us continue to make sure The Chuck Gates returns every year.”

The wind was swirly but the golfers managed to keep their hats on.

Roger Roland is the main advocate and president of the Chuck Gates Youth Endowment, and a long-time friend of Chuck Gates.

“He is the reason this has been so successful over the past three decades,” Spiller said. “It’s also important to thank Tate Mills, Tyler Jones, Jim Snyder, Jeff Peterson and Doyle Corbett—former directors of Sun Valley Golf-- and many other current and former employees of Sun Valley Resort for their help and support and keeping this tournament going strong.”

The players, most of whom were all smiles even after shanks or shots that got caught by the wind, were excited to be playing.

“My son played when he was young, and the Gates Endowment helped him improve,” said Clark Shafer, whose team won the 2025 tournament. “Everything we do to support kids in this community is worthwhile.”

Just a touch of snow dotted Baldy as golfers set out on the Trail Creek course.

Tucker Gates, Chuck Gate’s nephew, played in the tournament as well. He first played in it more than 25 years ago.

“I’m finally not working, so I could play,” he said. “My uncle Chuck loved golf, and I never was able to beat him. Even after being away from the tournament so long, it’s really fun to see people who were close to Chuck here playing, especially Roger Roland.”

RESULTS FROM THE 2026 TOURNAMENT:

Low Gross

Shooting on the Fairway.

1. Daniel Hollis + Adam Quarles + Hunter Storey + Carson Mooney, 56

2. Billy Tryder + David Demkovich + Gardiner Young + Jeff Carlquist, 62

Chuck Flight (Net)

1. Brian Town + Clark Shafer + Travis Thelen + Dave Lipman, 56

2. Tyler Rainear + Mike Adamson + Carter Colgate + Miles Hatzenbuehler, 59

Gates Flight (Net)

1. Buffalo Lamb + Cohen Lamb + Leighton Thomson + Ryan Thomson, 58

2. Bill Sundali + Greg Nau + JP Prouty + Mike Smith, 59

Individual Awards

Men’s

Longest Drive, Hole No. 9: Jamie Hjort

Closest to the Pin, Hole No. 4: Rob Beck

Closest to the Pin, Hole No. 17: Brennan Cira

Women’s

Longest Drive, Hole No. 9: Wendy Speth

Closest to the Pin, Hole No. 6: Jennifer Harper

Closest to the Pin, Hole No. 10: Keely Cashman