Scouting Fox Valley area golfers at state

Class 3A state tournament

Where: The Den at Fox Creek, Bloomington

When: Today and Saturday

Format: Two 18-hole rounds

Defending team champion: St. Viator

Defending individual champion: Joe Carlson (Sr., St. Viator)

Fox Valley outlook: The local area has no teams participating in the state tournament, but there are six individuals who hope to master The Den at Fox Creek this weekend. One who would appear to have the best shot is Larkin senior Ryan Smith, who shot a 149 last year to tie for 16th place. Smith just made the cut at the St. Charles East sectional, shooting a 76 at St. Andrews, as did South Elgin sophomore Xavier Owens, the first Storm golfer to advance downstate. Also in the field is Jacobs junior Scott Cahill, whose 72 was the third best score at the Lake Forest sectional and just 2 shots off the winning score. Cary-Grove senior Matt Efflandt shot a 76 to beat the cut at Lake Forest and will try to better his 30th place tie at state last year. And Crystal Lake South sophomore Nick Robles, who also had a 72 at Lake Forest, will play downstate for the first time.

Class 1A state tournament

Where: Prairie Vista, Bloomington

When: Today and Saturday

Format: Two 18-hole rounds

Defending team champion: Champaign St. Thomas More

Defending individual champion: Travis Kreiter (Brimfield, graduated)

Fox Valley outlook: Our immediate area has just one participant in the Class 1A tournament, junior Eric Winters of St. Edward. Winters qualified out of the Somonauk sectional at Edgebrook with a 75, which was good for third place.