Brandon senior Laura Kwiatkowski will have a chance to close out her high school golfing career on the state’s biggest stage.
Kwiatkowski qualified for the state tournament for the second straight year by shooting a round of 84 in Division 2 regional action May 18 at Lapeer Country Club, placing her second among individual golfers to Lapeer West’s Jaquee Benscoter, who finished at 81.
The top five individual golfers at regionals qualify for the state tournament, regardless of how their team did at regionals. This year’s tournament is scheduled to take place June 2-3 at The Meadows Golf Course at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich.
Last season, Kwiatkowski just missed out on making the All-State team. At the Division 2 state meet June 3, 2005 at Forest Akers West Golf Course in East Lansing, Kwiatkowski shot a round of 86, placing her 17th out of 86 golfers.
The top 12 golfers at the state meet are named to the All-State team.
Kwiatkowski said she will get in plenty of golf prior to the state tournament, and hopes to get a first-hand look at the course she will play during the state tournament.
‘I’m going to practice at least every day,? she said. ‘I want to play the course (The Meadows) this weekend (May 26-29) if I have the chance.?
She also said her experience last year makes her more confident heading into this year’s tournament. ‘I’ll know what to expect ? it won’t be quite as nerve-wrecking,? she said.
As a team, the Blackhawks just missed out on going to the state meet, placing fourth with a team score of 425. The top three teams qualify for the state meet.
Flint Metro League rivals Fenton and Linden took the first two places with scores of 383 and 400, respectively, while Flushing finished third at 415.
Other Brandon golfers at the regional meet were Abby Galey (103), Rebecca Scherer (109) and Rachel Hartwig (129).