IHSAA state girls golf: Can Ashley Kirkland conclude her Castle career with a state title?

Posted by Admin October 3, 2024 Golf

EVANSVILLE — Will Southwestern Indiana have a state champion crowned this weekend?

The girls golf state tournament concludes on Friday and Saturday with the state championship at Prairie View in Carmel. The final weekend of the season has been kind to the Evansville area with multiple programs finishing on the podium in recent memory.

The path for a team championship will be difficult. The odds for an individual are intriguing. Here is your guide for everything to follow concerning SW Indiana this weekend at the state finals:

More: Castle, Memorial and two individuals from SW Indiana advance to girls golf state finals

Is this the year for Ashley Kirkland?

Projecting the individual champion is a fool’s errand. It requires not one but two good days, perhaps one incredible round. Prairie View isn’t designed to be easy either. But the Castle standout is absolutely on the shortlist of contenders.

Kirkland is a two-time state runner-up already. A victory in her final tournament would cement a strong legacy with the Knights that includes three sectional and two regional individual championships. The reasoning is based on experience but also talent. The Xavier commit competed in the U.S. Junior Amateur and Junior PGA Championship this summer.

Kirkland has a target score in mind if everything goes as planned. It’s a low number but not unobtainable.

“I’m looking to win,” she said. “This is my last year and I’m trying to go out with a bang. My long game is good. I’ll hit fairways and greens. I need to get the putter to work (at Prairie View) for me to win.”

How high could Castle go on the leaderboard?

Castle coach Luke Richison said the stretch-goal before the season was 10th. That might be the baseline now.

The Knights have improved not only year-over-year but also the past month. The 317 at Country Oaks, which played longer and tougher because of wet playing conditions, on Monday is a positive indicator of potential this weekend. It was the sixth-best regional score across the state.

The chances for a podium finish begin with a strong weekend from Kirkland. The reasoning though lies in improvement from junior Leena Rice (74.3 average the last three tournament), the emergence of freshman Deeya Patel (79.3) and a strong finish by senior Jenna Smith (89.3).

“I think we’ve outgrown (preaseason thoughts),” said Richison. “I’d love to see us reach up for fourth or fifth place. Maybe, if something goes right, second place. It depends on what the other teams do, how low Ashley goes and how much her confidence bleeds into the rest of the team.”

Can Memorial regain its early season form at Prairie View?

Memorial had positive moments throughout the season but scores fluctuated. It appears to be on an upswing based on the last two weekends. The score at Country Oaks won’t turn heads, but it was 28 shots better than how the Tigers played in the conference tournament.

The lineup has two anchors in junior Abby Shires and senior Emi Hoagland. Both were vital in how the Tigers emerged over the final nine holes Monday to earn this opportunity. The biggest question is how will the rest of the lineup, which lacks experience comparatively, do at this stage?

“It’s going to be a pretty competitive group,” said Memorial coach Tucker Smith. “The one thing about this team is they started off hot, had a bit of a decline but turned it on the last couple weeks. I’m hoping our score at Prairie View is even better than (Country Oaks).”

Which individuals could finish the season strong?

The golf state championship is among a few unique sports. Its not only a team competition but an individual one.

Kirkland will receive a lot of deserved attention with her quest for a title. There are others from Southwestern Indiana who could either finish their career on a high note or use this as a springboard for next season.

Gibson Southern senior Haley Hughes was the best in the Pocket Athletic Conference the last two years. This will be her second trip to state following the Titans’ team appearance in 2022. This might also be an opportunity for North Posey junior Mackenzie Mills to gain needed experience for another run next season. A good weekend from Rice and Patel would push Castle’s ceiling higher in 2025.

Also keep an eye on Shires. The junior finished tied for 52nd a year ago and has the potential to be among the best in the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference next year. If her mental approach remains strong – her driver is no longer the enemy – then her name could creep up the leaderboard.

“I’m a totally different golfer than I was a year ago,” said Shires. “I’ve been growing a lot in my game. I knew what I was capable of. I could be a lot better than I was those two days (last year).”

Tee times and other information

All tickets will be digital and purchased through Eventlink (additional fees may apply). The cost is $15 per person (good for both days) with age 5 and under admitted free. Spectators will use the off-site parking lot southwest of the roundabout at the intersection of Main Street and River Road. A shuttle will transport you to and from the golf course.

The first round tee times: Castle 8:20-9:00 a.m. CT on the first tee, Memorial 8:50-9:30 a.m. CT on the 10th tee, Haley Hughes 7:50 a.m. CT on the first tee, Mackenzie Mills 7:50 a.m. CT on the 10th tee.