Daily Chronicle 2024 Girls Golf Preview: 5 to watch

McKenna Bark, Hinckley-Big Rock, sr.

Last fall, Bark was a junior amongst a veteran group of seniors. Now, she’s a senior and the only golfer among the team’s top seven players last year to be back. How will she transition to a new role as a senior on a young, inexperienced team? How has her game changed from 12 months ago?

Taya Johnson, Sycamore-DeKalb, jr.

While the numbers for the Sycamore-DeKalb co-op program are low, and the loss of last year’s Daily Chronicle Golfer of the Year Brianna Chamoun is substantial, the team does return some players, including Johnson who had the lowest regional score after Chamoun.

Emma Kunstman, Kaneland, fr.

As freshmen throughout the state adjust to new schools, Kunstman is doing the same, but she gets to play for her dad while being teammates with her older sister. Tournament play over the summer should be a great asset for her as she looks to make an impact right away for the Knights.

Kailey Kunstman, Kaneland, jr.

Coming off an all-conference season, Kunstman’s role continues to grow for the Knights. After firing a 96 at regional last season, Kunstman has continued to work on her game, playing in tournaments over the summer to prepare for fall competition.

Ava Smith, Genoa-Kingston, jr.

Smith posted the team’s best scores at regionals and sectionals behind standout Aleia Lauer who graduated. On a team without a consistent two-figure scorer, Smith will try to take her game to the next level. She will help lead a team that features three sets of sisters with Mikayla and Payton Bass, Lucy and Nora Foss and newcomers Hope and Jordan Hargrave.