Max VanderMolen, Kate Brody Win GAM Junior Invitational Titles

Richland’s Max VanderMolen and Grand Blanc’s Kate Brody used great starts and steady finishes in winning GAM Junior Invitational titles at Michigan State University’s Forest Akers West Golf Club.

VanderMolen, 14, and this summer’s Michigan Junior Amateur champion, shot 4-under 68 in the first round and followed it up with a final 2-under 70 for 138, two shots ahead of Drew Miller of East Lansing, who shot 69 to finish, and Winston Lerch of Howell, who shot 72.

Brody, 17, who will sign with the University of Wisconsin golf program in November, fired the low score of the tournament with 65-72 for 137. She finished four shots ahead of runner-up Grace Wang of Rochester Hills, and five up on Sophie Stevens of Highland.

VanderMolen’s win was his third GAM tournament of the summer. 

Champions of the 15-and-under age divisions:

• Ian Masih of Okemos (boys)

• Grace Slocum of Traverse City (girls)