By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
PLAINWELL—Allegan senior golfer Zoe Bronkema entered the Division 3 regional at Lake Doster Golf Club on Thursday, Oct. 6, hoping to accomplish a first in program history: qualify for the Division 3 state finals three times.
She did just that.
Bronkema finished with a 93 to secure the third and final individual-qualifier slot, meaning she will compete at Michigan State University’s Forest Akers East beginning Friday, Oct. 14.
Regional host Otsego, meanwhile, qualified as a team by virtue of its runner-up showing of 410. Vicksburg won the regional title with a 392 and Charlotte placed third at 411 to round out the list of team qualifiers.
Allegan coach Steve Angle couldn’t have been happier for Bronkema and her accomplishment.
“The Lake Doster greens were extremely fast, which made scoring tough,” Angle said. “Zoe struggled at times, but parred three of the last four holes to beat the girl she was playing with to qualify.”
Bronkema and Marshall’s Lindsay Malone were tied headed to the final hole, with Bronkema able to prevail by one stroke.
“One of the goals we set for Zoe was to be the first Tiger to qualify three times for the state tournament,” Angle said. “She did that. Now the goal for the finals is to break into the top 25.”
Maddie Schense led Otsego with an 89, who was second overall to Hannah Robinson of Charlotte (77). Malia Holmes (101), Sydney Grile (107) and Tessa Visser (113) also scored for the Bulldogs.
Allegan’s other scoring golfers were Leah Snyder (115), Audrey Brink (133) and Lilly Dame (152).
“Youth and inexperience made it difficult for the other girls on the team,” Angle said. “They are all back next, so we should be better.”
Two other area golfers joined Bronkema in qualifying for the state finals as individuals.
Plainwell’s Renae Jaeger was fourth overall and second among those whose teams didn’t qualify with an 82 at the Division 2 regional at Yankee Springs Golf Course. In the Division 3 regional at Willow Wood Golf Course in Portland, Hamilton’s Autumn Vanderkooi was the third individual qualifier with her 97.