Defending state champion Martinsville will be joined by 20 other schools in the 28^th Annual IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals Friday and Saturday (Sept. 29-30) at the Legends of Indiana in Franklin.

It’s the largest field in tournament history, as the number of regional sites was increased from six to seven this year to accommodate the growing number of schools competing in the tournament series. As in previous years, the top three teams at each regional site advanced to the state finals.

The Legends of Indiana is the tournament’s site for the first time. Designed by Jim Fazio and opened in 1992, the Legends of Indiana already has hosted three United States Golf Association qualifiers and several of Indiana’s major golf championships. That includes both the men’s and women’s state amateur tournaments and the Indiana PGA. Under the direction of head professional Ted Bishop, the course has previously hosted IHSAA sectional and regional championships for girls and boys.

The IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals will be played on the Middle Nine and the Road Nine at the Legends of Indiana, which is a 27-hole facility. The complex also includes The Niblick, a sporty 18-hole par-three course, and a superior practice facility that includes the largest grass hitting area in Indiana.

Martinsville captured the Bloomington North Sectional and Martinsville Regional to reach the state finals for the 12th consecutive year. The Artesians have won five straight state championships and eight of the last nine. The 2000 squad, ranked No.2 in the most recent coaches association poll shot a state-best 307 in sectional play at Cascades G.C. in Bloomington. Its 335 in regional competition was third lowest in the state. Top regional honors went to third-ranked Noblesville with a 325 at the New Castle Regional played at Westwood C.C.

Center Grove, ranked No. 1 in the coaches association poll, finished second to Martinsville at the sectional and the regional.

Individually, a new state champion is assured. Leigh Ann Hardin of Martinsville won medalist honors the past three years, and now is a freshman at Duke University. Her final-round 68 and 36-hole total of 139 in 1999 were state finals records. She also joined Martha Foyer (Carmel, 1979-81) as the only three-time IHSAA state champions.

Among returning players, senior Lauren Gant of Fort Wayne Dwenger, had the best 1999 finish. She took third with a 36-hole total of 153. Gant was the Indiana Golf Association Girls Junior champion in 1999 and 2000.

Other returning players from the 1999 IHSAA State Finals top 20 are sophomore Katie Tewell of Center Grove (seventh in 1999), senior Adrienne Mayhew of Carmel (tie, 13^th), sophomore Lynnsey Showers of Western (16^th), and senior Ashley Powell of Marion (tie, 20^th).

The top scores in regional play were posted by senior Joni Reynolds of Twin Lakes and junior Kim Thompson of Park Tudor. Reynolds shots a 76 at the Lafayette Regional at Lafayette Municipal G.C. to win by two strokes. Thompson fired a 76 at the New Castle Regional to win by two strokes.

8 a.m. each day.

No charge.

Not required.

Ben Davis, Carmel, Center Grove, Columbus North, DeKalb, Evansville Memorial, Fort Wayne Dwenger, Fremont, Jennings County, Kokomo, Lafayette Jefferson, Martinsville, Michigan City Marquette, Noblesville, Northview, Penn, Plymouth, Twin Lakes, Western, Yorktown, Zionsville.

Martinsville.

The top nine players, excluding those whose teams advance to Round 2, plus any player within six strokes of the leader, will advance.

317-736-8186.

Will be located adjacent to the pro shop in the cart barn. Working space and a pool phone will be available for credit card and 800 calls for media representatives.

Proceed south on I-65 to the Whiteland exit (mile marker 95). Turn left (east) at the exit ramp and proceed less than 1 mile to the "T" in the road. Turn right (south) on to Hurricane Road and proceed 3 miles. Entrance is on the left.

Proceed north on I-65 to Franklin exit (mile marker 90). Turn left on to Indiana 44 and proceed 1 mile to Eastview Drive. Turn right on Eastview and proceed 1 mile to flasher stoplight at junction of Hurricane Road and Arvin Road. Turn right on Hurricane Road and proceed 1.3 miles to The Legends of Indiana. Entrance is on the right.

Enter Franklin on Indiana 144 or Indiana 44. Proceed north on U.S. 31, 2.8 miles to Earlywood Road. Turn right and go to third stoplight sign, which is 2 miles. Turn right on 350 E and proceed 0.7 mile to The Legends of Indiana. Entrance on the left.

Enter Franklin on Indiana 44, cross under I-65 and proceed 0.9 miles to Eastview Drive. Turn right on Eastview Drive and proceed 1 mile to the flasher stoplight at junction of Hurricane Road and Arvin Road. Turn right on Hurricane Road and proceed 1.3 miles to The Legends of Indiana. Entrance on the right.

Final individual and team scores will be posted on the IHSAA website under Girls Golf/2000 State Finals Results.