Golf: Skyline’s Maki calls second-place finish at State Finals ‘pretty solid’

The MHSAA Division 1 State Golf Finals features 108 of the best high school players in Michigan so finishing second is pretty impressive. Well, Skyline’s Adie Maki is exactly that – impressive.

Only a junior, Maki fired a 73 on the tough MSU Forest Akers East course on Friday to finish tied for second in the individual standings. Utica Eisenhower’s Ariel Chang also shot a 73.

Grand Blanc sophomore Kate Brody shot a tournament-best 70. Plymouth’s Bridget Boczar and East Kentwood’s Elise Fennell both shot a 74 to tie for fourth. Pioneer senior Amaya Melendez carded a 76 to tie for ninth with two other golfers in a very competitive day on the links.

Maki made her trip around the 18 holes playing “pretty solid golf” but didn’t know exactly how solid it was until she played her final hole of the day.

“I had no idea where I was on the leaderboard until Coach Ashley told me after I holed out on my last hole. I was really excited to have placed runner-up. It was great competition out there, and I am happy that I was able to place second out of 108 players.”

Golfers, like many athletes, know when things are going well. They find that groove and wide that wave, building confidence along the way. Maki was in the swing of things from the first tee box.

“I thought I was playing pretty solid,” she says. “I didn’t know where I was on the leaderboard or what everyone was doing, but I just tried to stay focused and make some putts. There were some strong winds on the back nine, but I managed to push through. This wasn’t my best round that I have played in a tournament, but I am happy with the score I posted with the conditions.”

PIONEER FINISHES 10TH AT STATES 

“Solid” is a great way to put it, especially on the greens.

“My lag putting was on and I saved some pars and birdies inside 10 feet,” Maki said. “There is always a shot or two that I would like to have back at the end of the day. But I think everyone who plays golf feels this way after a round.”

Skyline Coach Ashley Manta was thrilled for her standout golfer.

“We have our first State Championship runner-up,” said a proud Manta. “To tie for second individually amongst a tough field of 108 players was great to see. Congratulations to Adie!”

Manta also thanked her Skyline team (photo above), many of whom made the trip to East Lansing to support their teammate.