My City November 2022

the second round’s top score (70) was closing fast, hoping to at least force a playoff. Times like these are when Brody’s greatest golf attributes take over. From an early age, she has

“I feel like I accomplished everything I could have hoped for in my high school career. I had an amazing coach and an amazing team every year.”

been unflappable, focused and composed on the golf course, no matter the situation. Against a backdrop of towering orange and green trees, Brody stepped forward and drained the putt to put the finishing touch on a 145 total for 36 holes and a one stroke victory.

As cheering erupted from her supporters, Brody joined Powers Catholic’s Katie Strawser (Divi sion 3 in 2003 and 2004) as the only Genesee County girls golfers with more than one state title. “That weekend (October 14-15) at the state tournament was everything I had ever hoped for and the feeling after I won was indescribable,” says Brody, also a state titlist in 2020. “I felt so much joy, happiness and a feeling of accom plishment. It meant so much to have so many people there supporting me and sharing the moment.” Sharing not only the moment with Brody, but also that “championship feeling’’ was her mother Jennifer, a three time Upper Peninsula State Champion (1990-92) while playing for L’Anse High School, who later became an All-Big Ten performer at Michigan State, Michigan Open winner and LPGA Tour player. These days, Jennifer manages Brody’s Pro Shop at War wick Hills Golf & Country Club with husband Doug, a Linden native who also serves as Warwick’s head golf pro. Jennifer provides lessons, as well. “We were certainly confident Kate could win because of how she had played all season; but with golf, so much can happen on any given day,” Jennifer said. “Kate played well all weekend, but it came down to the wire. She held her composure and made shots.” Along with steely nerves, unmatched consistency was crucial for Brody as she opened with a 73 and followed with

GLEN BAUER, GRAND BLANC GIRLS VARSITY GOLF COACH

a 72.The two first-round leaders followed 72s with 77s, and all other players finishing in the top five had at least a three stroke difference between their rounds. “Because of the weather and conditions, I knew that shooting pars was going to win it,” Brody says. “It was cold, windy and somewhat wet, so the course wasn’t playing super-easy. Staying calm, steady and consistent was the key because I was a little nervous on the last two holes. Playing the course three times before in non-high school events really helped, too.” She started strongly and was three-under-par at one point in round one before a bogey and double-bogey stalled her momentum, but she remained in a good position. After the opening round, Grand Blanc Coach Glen Bauer and Brody discussed strategy as they traveled to the course for round two.

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