With making it to the state final for the first time, senior Grace Hoffman’s love of golf is obvious.

“It was an amazing experience and made me want to play golf longer,”  Hoffman said.

Hoffman tied for 28th in the MHSAA Division 2 state final Friday, Oct. 20, and Saturday, Oct. 21.

Coach Andy Nester said Hoffman stepped up with the competition.

“Grace Hoffman answered the call,” Nester said. “She played like her name might suggest, like a fierce competitor with style, humility, and respect for the game.”

The final took place at the Bedford Valley Golf Course in Battle Creek and included over 100 of the state’s best golfers.

On day one, Hoffman shot an 88. On day two she carded an 84 for a total of 172.

The medalist was Bloomfield Hills Marian’s Shannon Kennedy, who won the individual state title by three strokes. Kennedy shot a 146.

Hoffman experienced difficulty on the challenging course, but she played to the best of her ability.

“It went OK. I felt that I played a lot better than my score,” Hoffman said. “But it was a difficult course with really tough greens.”

Even though the final could be nerve-racking for many of the golfers, Hoffman said she had “fun.”

“I got to hang out with my friends from the Flint Metro League and got to play at a serious tournament with amazing golfers,” Hoffman said.

With this being the end of the season, Hoffman is forced to say goodbye to the KHS golf team and is thinking about her future.

“It was my last tournament,” Hoffman said. “I’m looking at some schools for (collegiate) golf, but I haven’t made any final decisions.”

Nester said he is grateful to have had the chance to coach Hoffman.

“It was an honor to walk with her while she demonstrated the skills she has acquired over the past four years of playing for Kearsley and competing during the summer.,” Nester said. “Congratulations to Grace Hoffman. She deserves it.”

This story was updated Tuesday, Oct. 24.