Indiana Girl’s High School Golf Begins in August As we look forward to another sizzling summer month of golf in August, the girl’s high school golf season begins. After reviewing the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s state finals record books for girl’s golf, I noticed some interesting findings. Freshmen Sensations: Since the first IHSAA girls state golf finals was held during the 1973-74 school year, only two freshmen – Emily Johnson of Warsaw HS and Ava Bunker of Columbus North HS -- have won the individual state title. Johnson won in 2003 when it was held at the Legends Golf Club in Franklin and Bunker won last fall when the state finals were played at the Prairie View GC in Carmel. FYI: Johnson returned in 2006 to win the state individual title again. Bunker hopes to successfully defend her title this year. Three-Peat Princesses. In the history of the IHSAA’s girls state golf finals, only two girls have won three consecutive individual titles, Carmel’s Martha Foyer and Martinsville’s Leigh Anne Hardin. FYI: Prior to her three winning straight titles, Hardin was the state runner-up in 1996 as a freshman. State Record Holder. The player with the lowest 36-hole score at the IHSAA’ s state girls golf finals is Kelly Grassel of Chesterton who shot 137 at the Legends GC in 2012. FYI: The next best 36-hole score is by Martinsville’s Leigh Anne Hardin in 1999. She shot a 139. Forever a Bridesmaid. Since the 1973-74, four girls, Stephanie Ristau, Erica Wicoff, Amber Amstutz and Mary Lidestar, finished runner-up in the state twice, but never won a state title. FYI: In 1983, Marion sophomore Jackie Gallagher was the state runner-up when it was just an 18hole tournament. Fast forward to this year’s Senior LPGA Championship at Sultan’s Run GC in Jasper, Gallagher – now Jackie Gallagher-Smith – finished in a tie for fifth. MIKE MAY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SUBSCRIBE Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Michigan Golf Journal Back 9 Report Indiana Golf Journal
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