NILES, Illinois — Northridge freshman golfer Ian MacFarlane made history Monday afternoon at Title Run Golf Club in Danville, becoming the first Knights golfer to qualify for the IHSA 1A State Finals in nearly a decade. He's the first freshman to advance down state in school history.
The freshman started strong out of the gate, shooting a 38 on the front nine. Heading into the back nine, facing nerves and difficult shots, MacFarlane finished the round while avoiding any double-bogey's or worse. He finished tied for 8th place (83) individually, good enough to advance to Bloomington.
Just missing a trip down state was senior Evan Kataoka, who had a competitive finish to the round after beginning the day on a tough back nine. Kataoka fell just two strokes short of qualifying.
"It was a blast to coach Evan and Ian today alongside Coach Cleveland," head coach Joe Egan said following the round. "Evan Kataoka was such a dependable, talented player and leader for us. Our program will miss him next year!"
On freshman Ian MacFarlane, Egan could not have been more pleased.
"I am super happy for Ian MacFarlane. To be able to maintain your composure as a freshman and qualify for a state championship is beyond impressive. It is something that takes most good players three years to do. I am super excited for him to experience state on the same course I played on 10 years ago! It's going to be lots of fun and a great experience for both of us!"
MacFarlane is the first Northridge golfer to qualify for the state finals since Paul DiFranco '16 in 2016. DiFranco has gone on to compete professionally in multiple PGA events.
"A big congratulations is in order for our freshman Ian MacFarlane on advancing to the state finals in golf," athletic director Will Rey said. "It's an incredible achievement. It's been over 20 years since a Northridge underclassman advanced this far. Kudos are also in order to senior Evan Kataoka for advancing to Sectionals and nearly qualifying for state. It's been a very strong finish to an already memorable season!"
MacFarlane will now head down state next Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19 at the Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Illinois.
For more information, visit the IHSA official website.
