By Greg Johnson for www.skyviewsports.net
BRUTUS – Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll of Haslett won her third consecutive GAM Women’s Senior Championship with what she called some boring golf at Hidden River Golf & Casting Club Tuesday.
“Yesterday I had a lot more chances for birdie than I did today,” said the 52-year-old head women’s golf coach at Michigan State University.
“Today was just really kind of steady golf, hit it in the fairway, hit in on the green, two-putt. It wasn’t exciting. I would say boring, but that kind of boring works.”
Slobodnik-Stoll shot a second consecutive 1-under 71 for a 142 total to win this year’s championship presented by Golf Digest by seven shots. She will have her name inscribed on the Sara Wold Trophy once again, and it was her record 19th GAM individual title.
Lori Schlicher of Lewiston, the reigning Michigan Women’s Senior Amateur champion, shot 73 for 149 to finish as the runner-up.
Julie Massa of Pentwater, a two-time former champion, was next with a 75 for 151 and Kathy Eisenga of Spring Lake shot 79 for 154 and fourth place.
Slobodnik-Stoll, a member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, said she was playing Hidden River’s course for just the second time when she arrived this week. She played it over Fourth of July weekend as guests of John and Becky Duffey, the owners and notable MSU alums and donors.
“I think it’s a great place,” she said. “Obviously, the beauty is amazing, and it’s just a very nice course to play. The greens were in great shape for the tournament, and of course when you play well, you like the golf course.”
Slobodnik-Stoll, 52 and starting her 29th year leading the Spartans, said she doesn’t set scoring goals but is always looking to shoot as low as possible and give herself a chance to win.
“You know, I watch my (MSU) players and I see the scores they shoot, and players at every level shooting 66 and lower,” she said. “Yesterday I had enough chances to shoot that, and today I just didn’t hit enough shots close enough on the greens. There’s always more to work on, more to try and accomplish. I keep trying and it’s always nice to win.”