GAM WOMEN’S CHAMPION: Canton’s Bridget Boczar

Oakland University golfer Bridget Boczar saved par from a greenside bunker on the second hole of a three-way sudden-death playoff to win the 32nd GAM Women’s Championship at Washtenaw Golf Club. 

“It wasn’t too difficult of a bunker shot and I’ve been there before,” said Boczar, who is familiar with Washtenaw as a playing and practice site. “So, I just put a good swing on it and it ended up right next to the hole.” 

Anci Dy of Traverse City, who plays college golf at Indianapolis and is the reigning Michigan Women’s Amateur champ, bogeyed No.1, the first hole of the playoff with a three-putt – while Boczar and Kate Brody (Univ. of Wisconsin commit) of Grand Blanc made par. 

Brody three-putted 18, the second playoff hole, from about 30 feet, missing a three-footer that lipped out of the cup, and Boczar closed it out by knocking in her two-foot par putt that had resulted from the bunker shot. 

“I’m very pleased, it means a lot,” Boczar said. “I never really won anything this big before so I think it goes to show that what I’m doing is working and how I’m practicing is really helping me in my game. I’m excited. I’m really pleased.” 

Boczar shot a second consecutive 1-over 73 in regulation play for 146, while Brody fashioned a 70, the lowest round of day two, to land at 146, and Dy shot 72 for 146 total. 

The playoff trio finished three shots clear of the field with Oakland University golfer Nateda Her of Lansing, and Emilie Alba Paltrinieri of Ann Arbor, a University of Michigan golfer, who both shot 149. 

“I knew there was a chance because 17, the green is so tough, and 18, just everything about 18 is hard,” Brody said. “Then in the playoff I don’t feel like I hit a bad putt. It just lipped out and that’s golf. I had a real solid round today. I think it was my first bogey-free round in a GAM tournament, and I know I left a few shots out there.” 

Both Dy and Brody qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur in Los Angeles in mid-August.