Ecker advances to stroke play
Published 4:52 pm Tuesday, July 17, 2012
EAST LANSING – Michigan State golfer Liz Nagel earned medalist honors at the Michigan Women’s Amateur at Forest Akers West Golf Course Tuesday afternoon after shooting a one-over-par 68-77—145 in the 36-hole stroke play part of the competition.
The tournament continues Wednesday morning with the top 32 stroke play finishers competing in the first round of match play.
Niles’ Elizabeth Ecker tied for seventh after shooting a two-day total of 151 and advances to stroke play.
Although Nagel (DeWitt) shot nine strokes over what she shot in her first round on Monday, she still managed to earn Medalist honors for the second time in three years. She was also Medalist in 2010. Most scores were higher on the second day of play at the Michigan Women’s Amateur as warm winds made the golf course more challenging.
“The wind definitely was a factor,” said Nagel. “But because I’m so familiar with the course, I know how to get out of trouble if I get into it because chances are I’ve been there before.”
Nagel’s putting was not as stellar in the second round but was consistent.
“I didn’t putt as well as yesterday but I had a lot of good two-putts,” said Nagel. “I left myself with more long putts today.”
Nagel’s 13-year-old brother Will was on her bag both days and plans to caddie for her tomorrow as well.
“I thought he might want to take a break because of the heat the past two days but he wants to go again tomorrow,” said Nagel.
Jacqueline Setas (East Lansing), a junior at Lansing Catholic High School, finished one stroke back of Nagel and shot 71-76—146.
There was a playoff between six players for three final match play spots.
Ella Pendy (Grosse Pointe Farms), Brandi Studer (Essexville) and Mariah Massa (Holt) won playoffs to get into the match play. Emily White (Saline), Alanna Gerber (Hudsonville) and Christina Cibrario (Milford) will go home.
Competition begins Wednesday at 8 a.m. Admission is free and spectators are welcome. Match play brackets are posted on the GAM web site and live scoring will be available throughout the tournament.
