(Photos, Peter Huguenin, Columbus Telegram)
Abby Brodersen scaled many heights during her highly-decorated high school golf career.
Twice Mid-State Conference champion. Three-time district champion. School record-holder for 36-hole score. All-State and Super State selection. Class C state runner-up in 2019.
The Boone Central senior took the final stride to the ultimate peak Oct. 12-13 at Elks Country Club in Columbus, becoming the first player in the history of the Cardinal girls golf program to win the state tournament gold medal.
Abby Brodersen, 2020 Class C state champion.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Abby. Being a state champion is an incredible accomplishment. It’s not something many people get to say,” praised first-year Boone Central Coach Amy Ahlers, herself a conference and district gold medalist who helped Boone Central win three straight state championships (2009-2011).
As in any golf competition, Brodersen’s 2020 state tournament had ups and downs, high and lows, and many tense moments. The talented senior, daughter of former Albion Country Club golf professional Jesse Brodersen, handled them all with aplomb.
Brodersen forged to the front of the field during the opening round, but struggled on the final hole and finished the day with a round of five-over par 77, tied with Cozad junior Lynzi Becker.
After a strong start on day two, she faced a three-stroke deficit going into the final stretch of holes. No problem, as Brodersen reeled off five straight pars to finish. The first three made up the deficit, the final two sealed a round of 78, a 36-hole total of 155, and a two-stroke victory over Becker.
State champion, although that took a moment to sink in after her final putt disappeared into the cup.
“That putt, I was like, ‘I’ve got to sink this,’ so it went in, and I’m like, ‘wow, that just went in,” Brodersen told media following the round. “And then five seconds later, I realized that I just won the state tournament and emotions just started rushing in. Everything that I’ve worked for just came all together, and it was great.”
It was an emotional experience for Ahlers, as well, and she said Brodersen earned and deserved the gold.
“Throughout the state tournament, Abby was in a really good place. She had a new sense of confidence and level of mental toughness,” Ahlers said. “She knew this was her moment. She knew it was her time.
“She didn’t just wish for it to happen, she took complete control and made it happen.”
Further details in Print & Online editions of Albion News
