The new state tournament format for high school golf in 2022 wasn’t met with open arms from several coaches and golf pros across the state.
A first round was added for golfers last year. The region winner and the following seven individuals previously qualified for the state tournament.
In an attempt to strengthen the field, a state first round was added. The region tournament now sends two teams and 10 individuals to the state first round made up of four regions. From there, three teams and 15 individuals advance to the final round in Bowling Green.
Region winners did not get an automatic berth into the final round of the state tournament.
While there were some skeptics, the format appears here to stay as the KHSAA has announced state first-round sites for the next three years.
In 2023, the Calvert City Country Club will serve as the state first-round site for regions 1-4. In 2024, the Hopkinsville Golf and Country Club will play host, while Drake Creek Golf Club in Ledbetter will be the 2025 host.
The Bowling Green Country Club is expected to continue to host the state championship rounds through the same period.
