The second time was the charm for Laura Kwiatkowski.
Kwiatkowski, a recently graduated senior from Brandon High School, finished second out of 86 golfers at the Division 2 state meet June 2-3 at The Meadows Golf Course at Grand Valley State University in Allendale.
She shot 75 on the first day and 79 on the second day to give her a two-day score of 154. Forest Hills Central’s Allie Tyler won the Division 2 individual championship with a two-day score of 144.
Kwiatkowski said there wasn’t as much pressure this year as last year, taking into account last year’s experience and the fact she graduated from Brandon Sunday, May 28, leaving her free to concentrate on golf.
In addition, she said there wasn’t a cut after the first day this year, as opposed to last year. ‘You automatically played both days,? she said.
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 were named to the All-State team.
Brandon coach Kevin Meyer said Kwiatkowski did a good job preparing for this year’s state meet.
‘Laura worked hard at her game ? she’s done that her entire career,? he said. ‘She studied the course ahead of time. She was very smart about how she played the course. She handled the pressure exceptionally well.?
Kwiatkowski said she preferred playing at The Meadows as opposed to last year’s course.
‘I thought it was in really good shape,? she said. ‘It was a links-style course ? there weren’t as many trees, and it was more open. Number nine (the ninth hole) was a little tough ? you have to strategically hit your first shot. That was the toughest hole of the course.?
Meyer also noticed the ninth hole, which was a par-five, was a little challenging for Kwiatkowski.
‘During her final round, she was a little off with number nine, but she came back and finished her next few holes with birdies and pars,? he said.
She said her most memorable shot of the tournament was on the 18th hole on the first day, when she hit her shot about three inches from the pin on her approach, then hit the next shot for a birdie.
Now that her high school career is done, Kwiatkowski said she intends to play on the Power-Bilt Junior Tour this summer, and has signed up to participate in six tournaments throughout southeastern Michigan.
In the fall, she will start college at Oakland University, where she has earned a scholarship on the Golden Grizzlies? women’s golf team.
Meyer said Kwiatkowski, who plans to major in biochemistry at Oakland, will fit in very well in all aspects of university life.
‘I think she’ll handle herself very well,? he said. ‘She’s a good student, a good citizen, and just a great kid to coach.?