Feature: Tess Blair

Of all the student athletes who have walked through Bingham’s halls, few are as decorated as Golfer Tess Blair.

Last year, Blair became one of the youngest winners in history of the 112th Women’s State Amateur Tournament without even playing past the 16th hole in any of her four matches. She also collected her second consecutive 6A State medal in High School Women’s Golf. This past summer, she won ten times at the Utah Junior Golf Association and has been named the UJGA Player of the Year seven times.

Blair shared, “Golf is such a beautiful sport. This game teaches you humility, patience, perseverance, and discipline.Though it may not seem as physically demanding as other sports, it is incredibly challenging. Its difficulty mixed with its countless life lessons is why I fell in love with it.”

Tess has been golfing for as long as she can remember. Following in the footsteps of her older sister, who golfed for San Diego State and is now a professional, she was coached by her dad from an elementary school age. “Being in such a golf-intense family is a blessing.” Blair said, “I truly believe we have such a strong bond because of the time spent together on the golf course.”

All the hard work paid off. Blair joined the Bingham team as a freshman and since then received several college offers from schools all over the country. She committed to Sacramento State in November and will join their women’s golf team this fall. Sacramento State is ranked among the top teams in division one women’s golf. Sacramento State Women’s Golf Head Coach David Sutherland said to the Sacramento Athletics Department last fall,  “Tess truly dominated Utah junior golf. She played terrific on a national level this past summer and has won a ton of tournaments at all levels. She’s a very consistent golfer who is strong in all parts of her game.”

Becoming a consistent player in the Sacramento lineup is challenging, and going pro is even harder. But Blair is ready for any challenge and we here at Bingham High School know she has what it takes. It’ll one day be a bragging right of Bingham to say Tess Blair is a former Miner.