ARLINGTON — Arlington High School golfer Anthony Allen began competing in the sport as an 8-year-old in the Washington Junior Golf Association, and  almost 10 years later, on Aug. 8, he played his final tournament for the program.

Allen competed in the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Junior Boys Championship, and although he lost in the final match, he ended his summer series on a high note.

“Joan Teats was the founder of the WJGA, and every year they give out the Joan Teats Inspirational Golfer award,” said Tony Allen, Anthony’s father. “This year they gave it to him.”

The award was of particular significance to Allen as this year marked his final year playing for the program, as well as the year that Teats passed away.

“It really meant a lot to me,” said Allen. “The award is for being inspirational and I like to be looked up to. I always try to be helpful to the younger kids and volunteer time toward the program.”

Although he is proud of his accomplishments, including helping others, he said he will miss the WJGA program. “I’ve been there since I was 8,” he said. “It’s going to be kind of sad next year not doing it again. It taught me a lot about golf, being a leader and being a good person. I think I will volunteer next year. It’s more than teaching a game, it’s teaching respect and understanding.”

Although he is finished with competition in the WJGA, finishing in 10th place in their state championships, Allen is still heading into his senior year at AHS, with some strong goals for his final high school season.

“I obviously want to make it to the All-Wesco First Team, I’ve made it every year so far,” he said. “This year I won districts for high school and WJGA, which was a huge accomplishment. My goal for next year is to win districts again and make it first in state.”

Allen’s skill on the green is already attracting attention from colleges and universities. “My goal for him was always that golf be a vehicle for college,” said Tony Allen. “A few colleges have talked to him already.”

“I’ve been talking to a couple,” said Anthony Allen. “It feels good that my hard work is starting to pay off.”

Allen’s goals for himself don’t stop at the collegiate level of competition. “It really depends on how college goes but my dream after college is to tryout for the nationwide tour and from there get my player’s card,” he said.

But for now, he’s just proud of how far he has made it. “This has been a really great experience,” he said.