Prospect's Grouwinkel picks Iowa

Karly Grouwinkel has hit some pretty fine golf shots during her career at Prospect High School.

Next fall, she'll be hitting shots for the University of Iowa. The Knights' senior has earned a partial scholarship to golf for the Hawkeyes.

The last two falls, she helped lead Prospect to the Mid-Suburban League title.

Grouwinkel's 75 in the MSL meet this year at Schaumburg Golf Course was second only to eventual Class 4A state champion Kris Yoo of Conant, a Wisconsin recruit who shot a 73 that day.

Grouwinkel, currently playing for the Knights girls basketball team, was in contention against Yoo for the entire round and at one point enjoyed the lead.

"When Karly strikes the ball people turn their heads," said Knights veteran girls coach Jim Hamann. "The sound of her ball striking and her effortless swing is what makes people stop and watch her hit balls for a while. Her ball striking is fantastic."

Grouwinkel also won the Waukegan Invite this fall, posting a Prospect record 73.

"Karly is really looking forward to working on her game this winter," Hamann added. "She will be working with her teacher, John Elliott Jr., and this winter's focus is the wedge game and putting."

Hamann sees a bright future for the three-sport athlete.

Karly is going to make a great college player," he said. "Because of her ball striking, the longer courses will be "advantage for Karly and advantage Iowa."

Grouwinkel averaged a score of 40 this fall for 9 holes and 77.6 for 18-hole tournaments.

"I am very happy for Karly and for Iowa," Hamann added. It is a great fit. I am very proud of her."