Top players to watch at new schools in 2022

The transfer portal is the hottest hangout spot for student athletes these days.

Established in October of 2018, the portal, which allows players to declare their intention to transfer and begin communication with prospective schools while still on campus at their current school, has been used by athletic programs across the country, especially in college golf.

Not only do some players still have an extra year of NCAA eligibility to use due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but don’t forget the NCAA also passed a new rule in 2021 that allows players to transfer penalty-free one time in their collegiate career.

As rosters turn over ahead of the 2022-23 season, a few transfers have stood out among the rest. Here are some players who may be well equipped to take advantage of a change of scenery this season.

Coaching carousel: Coaches in new positions with something to prove in ’22

Luke Kluver

Transferred from: Kansas | Transferred to: Oklahoma

On the heels of past transfer portal successes in Norman like Jonathan Brightwell and last year’s Haskins Award winner Chris Gotterup comes Kluver, who played an integral role in Kansas’ rise up the ranks in college golf the last few seasons. In 24 starts for the Jayhawks, Kluver earned nine top-10 finishes, including three in the top five and a win at the 2021 Gopher Invitational. A team with national championship aspirations each year, Kluver’s 10-4 match play record may come in handy in the spring.

Caley McGinty

Transferred from: Oklahoma State | Transferred to: Ohio State

Caley McGinty’s roller coaster college career is back on the incline after a second transfer, this time from Oklahoma State to Ohio State after just a few months in Stillwater.

Ohio State head coach Lisa Strom coached McGinty for two years at Kent State from 2019-21 where she won both the MAC Player and Freshman of the Year awards, as well as the individual conference championship in 2021 before finishing second at the NCAA Columbus Regional, of all places.

Last season over five events at Oklahoma State, McGinty boasted a stroke average of 68.58 that led to four top-five finishes including consecutive individual wins at the Schooner Fall Classic and the Jim West Challenge.

Caley McGinty and Lisa Strom when both were at Kent State during the NCAA Women’s Golf Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club. (Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY…