Faces: Tanner Lineberry

October 20, 2009

Columbia Falls High School

Faces: Tanner Lineberry

Tanner Lineberry is a senior on the Columbia Falls High School golf team. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon

By Lido Vizzutti , 10-18-09 A senior at Columbia Falls High School, Tanner Lineberry, 18, is not only a top Wildcat golfer, but he also excels as a guitar player in the Columbians, the school's jazz band, and percussionist in the school's drum line.

"If I hit a nice solo, and it's good from beginning to end, it's the same feeling as getting that good shot or accomplishing that good game," said Lineberry.

At 10 years old, Lineberry's golf addiction was sparked after winning a tournament in Whitefish.

"It felt good to finish the first tournament I ever played in," he said. "Everything seemed to come together."

Fueled by his father's interest in golf, Lineberry's natural talent was also fostered by Ron Platke, who became his unofficial golf coach.

"Dad gave me my interest; Ron escalated it," he said.

Lineberry admits that it's the special moments during a game that keep him interested in golf.

"When I hit that perfect shot that sticks a foot away from the pin, and I can knock them in for birdie," he said. "But I also love those 20-foot putts that just drop in. That keeps my interest up."

Last year, when Lineberry traveled to state, he was the lone Wildcat on the course.

"It was tough," he said. "I did what I had to do. I was proud of myself for getting things done."

This year, Columbia Falls has qualified as a team for the Class A State Tournament and Lineberry said he is looking forward to being on the course as a team.