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August 14, 2024

The Hoeft family of Huntley congratulates Miranda Hoeft for finishing second at the McHenry County Junior Golf Association Tournament of Champions. From left: Miranda's grandmother, Jan Welch of Sun City; brother TJ Hoeft; Miranda Hoeft; mom Melissa Hoeft and grandfather Tom Welch of Sun City.
Steve Peterson
The Hoeft family of Huntley congratulates Miranda Hoeft for finishing second at the McHenry County Junior Golf Association Tournament of Champions. From left: Miranda’s grandmother, Jan Welch of Sun City; brother TJ Hoeft; Miranda Hoeft; mom Melissa Hoeft and grandfather Tom Welch of Sun City.

Features, Sports • August 14, 2024

Family golf ties lead to summer success

By

HUNTLEY — Strong golf family ties led two Huntley golfers to honors in the 24th summer season of McHenry County Jr. Golf Association (MCJGA).

The season came to a close at the MCJGA Tournament of Champions at Woodstock Country Club Aug. 8.

Huntley’s Maddie Sloan led the local results as she won girls 16-18 Player of the Year honors. Teammate Miranda Hoeft took second in her class for the tournament, age 13-15.

Sloan dominated play all summer and finished with more than 900 total points in 13 events. Sloan, a senior,  will lead the Red Raiders into the new season which begins Aug. 12. Sloan was runner-up to Rylee Rud of Crystal Lake, who won the champions tournament by four shots, 93 to 97.

“I knew I wanted to win and do my best. I have been working on consistency in my drives,” Sloan said.

Sloan mentioned she uses a hybrid club, which combines aspects of an iron and a wood club.

Sloan has been golfing since seventh grade, and plans to keep going in college. She credits parents Keith and Stacy with much encouragement. Sloan said she has not selected a college yet, but will be doing so.

Hoeft, meanwhile, enjoyed an early start to golf.

“I’ve been golfing for seven years, and learned it from my dad (Huntley Mayor Tim Hoeft) and my grandfather, Tom Welch. The summer has been good. I’ve played a lot of golf and had a got to know future teammates and players I will play against.”

Hoeft, a freshman at Huntley, was on the first junior high girls golf team at Marlowe Middle School last season, and finished 37th at the state tournament at Marengo Ridge Golf Course.

Hoeft fired a round of 51 at Woodstock Golf Course Aug. 8 for the nine-hole score. She placed second in the tournament and second overall in 13 events with 800 points. Teammate Kinsey Hayes, a sophomore, ended with 775 points for third.

Girls golf coach Lindsey Allen said it is beneficial for Sloan, Hoeft and Hayes to compete.

“They have been playing in tournaments consistently,” Allen said. “I really think playing summer golf helps the girls see the courses we will play during the season. It also helps them get into the competition mindset. Most importantly, it really allows the girls to make new friendships with fellow golfers across our area.

Hayes competed in several MCJGA events in 13-15 and 16-18 divisions. She finished second in her final tournament, at Crystal Woods.

One more interesting sidebar to the summer of youth golf is Owen Sroka. He stayed with his grandparents who live in McHenry all summer. He led his division, boys 13-15, and won the title Thursday with a 76.

His dad, Kurt, played his prep golf at McHenry.

“It was fun and nice to compete. They’re more tree lines on these courses,” Owen Sroka said.