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Oklahoma high school golf top storylines, golfers to watch during 2024 season

hallie hart, the oklahoman
·3 min read

Norman North’s boys golfers have focused on a goal since seeing rival Norman atop the podium last spring.

The Timberwolves want to take that spot.

New head coach Mike Kaffenberger, previously an assistant, said Norman North’s seniors are “on a mission” to win state in Class 6A after placing third last season. They return with a balanced, talented group led by Pacific signee Josh Stuart, but it’s not an easy road to gold.

Class 6A is stacked with several promising team contenders. Norman has a shot again as reigning individual champion Sebastian Salazar enters his senior season. Oklahoma State signee Grant Gudgel leads Stillwater, and you can never count out golf powerhouse Edmond North.

Here’s a look at more storylines and golfers to watch in Oklahoma high school boys and girls golf:

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Lucy Darr of Stillwater tees off on the 12th hole during the final round of the Class 6A state tournament on May 4 at Meadowbrook Country Club in Tulsa.
Lucy Darr of Stillwater tees off on the 12th hole during the final round of the Class 6A state tournament on May 4 at Meadowbrook Country Club in Tulsa.

Will a girls team dethrone Jenks?

Jenks repeated as the Class 6A girls golf champion last season, and it wasn’t close.

With a score of 614, the Trojans ran away with the title, but can anyone jeopardize their dominance this year? One strong challenger is Stillwater, the team that won this year’s state preview at Stillwater Country Club. Oklahoma State signee Lucy Darr leads the Pioneers.

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Community Christian's Collin Bond signed with Oklahoma State in November.
Community Christian's Collin Bond signed with Oklahoma State in November.

Will Community Christian maintain team success?

One year after not qualifying for state as a team, Community Christian boys golf won its first state title.

The Royals captured the Class 2A championship with two juniors and three freshmen, so they’re poised for another successful season. Oklahoma State signee Collin Bond returns after carding a 197 through three rounds to finish as the individual champion.

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Josh Stuart of Norman North prepares to putt during the final round of the Class 6A state tournament on May 9 at Bailey Ranch Golf Glub in Owasso.
Josh Stuart of Norman North prepares to putt during the final round of the Class 6A state tournament on May 9 at Bailey Ranch Golf Glub in Owasso.

7 OKC-area boys golfers to watch

Preston Albee, Jr., Choctaw: Albee checks in at No. 85 nationally and No. 2 among Oklahoma boys golfers in the American Junior Golf Association’s rankings.

Collin Bond, Sr., Community Christian: Bond won the Class 2A individual title last year with a 12-stroke lead.

Grant Gudgel, Sr., Stillwater: Gudgel claimed the Class 6A individual state title as a sophomore and tied for fifth as a junior.

Ben Lathrop, So., Heritage Hall: Lathrop placed second at the Class 4A state championship as a freshman, carding a 205.

Sebastian Salazar, Sr., Norman: Salazar carded a 1-under 215 at the Class 6A state tournament last season to win individual and team titles. He was the only golfer to finish under par.

Parker Sands, Sr., Edmond North: A Florida signee, Sands placed second at the Class 6A tournament with an even 216 as a junior. He is the top-ranked AJGA boys golfer in Oklahoma.

Josh Stuart, Sr., Norman North: Stuart placed third at last year’s 6A state tournament with a 1-over 217.

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Norman North’s Syrah Javed tees off during the Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference Tournament on April 3 at The Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City.
Norman North’s Syrah Javed tees off during the Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference Tournament on April 3 at The Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City.

7 OKC-area girls golfers to watch

Lucy Darr, Sr., Stillwater: Darr improved significantly during her junior year, capping it with a second-place finish at state. Now, the OSU signee returns for one more year of high school.

Juliana Hong, So., Norman North: After a breakout freshman year, Hong is off to another strong start, placing third in the state preview at Stillwater Country Club. She is the AJGA’s second-ranked girls golfer in Oklahoma.

Syrah Javed, Sr., Norman North: Javed placed second in this year’s state preview, going to a scorecard playoff with Rylee Roberts of Edmond North. Javed finished third at last season’s state tournament.

Abbie Justiz, So., McGuinness: With a 9-over 151, Justiz won the Class 4A individual state title as a freshman.

Allie Justiz, Sr., McGuinness: The Justiz sisters led McGuinness to last season’s Class 4A team state title. Allie placed second, carding a 152.

Natalie Purvis, So., Edmond North: Purvis recorded Edmond North’s best score at the state tournament as a freshman, tying for ninth with a 163.

Rylee Roberts, Sr., Edmond North: Roberts won this year’s state preview in a scorecard playoff.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma high school golf storylines, individuals to watch in 2024