McConnell Captures 89th Annual Michigan Amateur Championship

Sophomore Mandi McConnell shot an opening-round 76 and is tied for 21st after first round action at the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic.

McConnell Captures 89th Annual Michigan Amateur Championship

7/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf

July 16, 2005

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Junior Mandi McConnell (Grand Blanc, Mich.) won the 89th annual Michigan Amateur Championship on Friday, July 15 at Radrick Farms Golf Course in Ann Arbor, Mich. In a weather-delayed championship final, McConnell defeated Laura Bavaird 6&5 to capture her first-ever Michigan Amateur Championship.

"It's really exciting," McConnell said. "I talked to my coach (Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll) and she said it's just a great place to have your name. It will always be there."

McConnell advanced to the championship match after defeating Rosemary Cassard 3&2 in the semifinals on Friday morning. Bavaird advanced to the championship by defeating former Spartan Joan Garety (1975-78) in 21 holes.

With the win, McConnell joins the likes of former Spartans Bonnie Lauer, Susie Conlin, Joan Garety, Lisa Marino, Becky Iverson, Kelly Holland, Paige Green, Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, Stacy Snider and Sarah Martin to have won the Michigan Amateur Championship.