By Bobby Narang
The 2026-2027 IHSA golf season is set to tee off this week. Several local teams are vying for the State title this season.
On the boys side, Benet is bringing back a ton of talent, including Jack Quil, Rory Neill, Charlie Davis, and Will Mathieson to go along with a strong core of seniors, juniors and sophomores. The Redwings have the East Suburban Catholic title for five times in the last six years, but they have to replace all-stater Caden Petersen.
“We expect big things from our team this year,” Benet coach Marty Gaughan said. “The strength of our team will be depth. There will be strong competition for our top six spots. I think our team has a good mix of returnees and young players who will be motivated to make a strong run.”
Neuqua Valley seniors Daniel Zhang, Brady Chung, and Connor Rodebaugh headline the team, with sophomore Alex Chen primed to be a major contributor.
“I love that we have some stud veterans, and also the opportunity for underclassmen to contribute,” Neuqua Valley coach Bart Carbonneau said. “It should be an exciting year.”
Waubonsie Valley enters the season with a new look after eight players graduated from last year’s squad. The Warriors are highlighted by Finus Douglas, Arnav Nanda, and Neil Patel, with team captain Aanish Kamdar and Avi Khanduja providing leadership and experience for the young roster.
“With a blend of emerging talent and veteran leadership, Waubonsie Valley aims to advance to sectionals as a team and return to the state finals,” Waubonsie Valley coach Eric Flodberg said.
Naperville North seniors Trevor Schmidt, Henry Haumesser, Lincoln Schultz, Colin Mills, and Zach Zafar headline a team with high aspirations, especially after winning the DuPage Valley Conference and qualifying for sectionals last season.
“We are excited for this season to build on what we did last year and try to make it as a team to state,” Naperville North coach Ryan Hantak said.
Wheaton Academy is among the top teams in the state after finishing in third place in Class 2A last season. The team is poised for a run at the state title with the entire team returning, including five of the state’s best golfers. Senior Owen Coniaris, an Auburn recruit, returns to lead a team consisting of sophomore Nick Ratini, juniors Ben Patel, and Clayton Barnett are joined by freshman Luke Patel.
Wheaton Warrenville South returns four varsity players, including Quinn McCoyd.
“The team is excited to have the opportunity to grow and best its best for 2026,” Wheaton Warrenville South coach James Selleck said.