Black rises to playoff challenge to win Wamac title (Updated with video)

MARION - Eighteen wasn't enough.

Prep golf standouts Mackenzie Black, of Independence,  and Dyersville Beckman's Ellie Ament dueled two extra holes with the Wamac individual title at stake.

With many of the conference golfers, their teammates, coaches and parents following as they returned to the course, Black was able to card a par and watched as Ament's short putt, avoiding a third playoff hole to capture medalist honors at the Wamac Conference Super Meet on Monday at Gardner Golf Course.

Black's teammates huddled around and congratulated her on the side of the final green. She enjoyed the thrill and challenge of the playoff.

"It was good. I loved it," the Independence junior said. "I love going into stuff like that and being able to compete. I want to be able to push myself as far and as hard as I can."

The pairing impacted both players after posting 6-over 78 in regulation. Black, who tied for ninth in the 2010 Class 3A state meet, said it helped playing Ament, a two-time 2A state runner-up who hasn't placed lower than fourth.

"I always want to be able to play with the best just so I know where I can be," Black said. "It helps a lot."

The stress of Ament's first playoff was relieved by Black. Ament said Black helped her relax with conversation.

"Mackenzie is a great girl. I'm lucky to play with her," Ament said. "She really calmed me down."

Black shot her highest scores of regulation on the two holes used for the playoff. She remained unfazed as they were carted to the No. 9 tee and continued to the tenth hole.

Pressure was applied pressure when Black placed her second shot within 10 feet of the cup on No. 10. She needed two putts to get in, but it was enough as Ament three-putted after placing her approach about the same distance away. That came after each parred the par-4 ninth.

Watch the final putts

Ament drilled a drive and then was on in two. Black was short on her second shot but chipped within 18 inches of the cup. Black has focused on refining her short game and it paid dividends the entire day, especially the playoff.

"My iron play was really sharp today," Black said. "That really helped. Once you hit the greens then you know you're really putting for something."

Black was out with 39 and match that on the way in. She had her only birdie on the par-5 No. 6, and persevered a rough start on the back and a lengthy delay to be a model of consistency to end the round with five straight par scores.

"Overall I was happy with the front nine," Black said. "On the back, I struggled a little, especially with the first two holes. Then we had a delay for rules so that always puts you off.

"I grinded it out. I was happy for that."

The victory is a big boost for Black as the postseason approaches. The goal is to be one of the top players at the state meet, erasing last year's conclusion that came a meet short. After placing in the top 10 at state as a freshman, a tough regional kept her from advancing as a sophomore.

"It's a big motivator," Black said. "I want to play golf the rest of my life. It's motivated me a lot to get out there and practice, staying out until it's dark and be around the green to do things that will improve me every day."

Black wouldn't mind another playoff in a couple weeks, if a state crown was on the line.

"That would be great," Black said. "Hopefully, I'd pull it out and not need a playoff. Yeah, I'd be for it."

The conference title slipped away from Ament, whose tying putt attempt hit an aeration hole on the green and was knocked offline. It was disappointing to be so close and have to settle for another runner-up conference finish.

"That's what hurts most of all. I could have had a chance if I hit that putt," Ament said. "Golf isn't fair, and so is life. It's good motivation to keep going."

Ament posted a 38 on the front and then had a rough time on the back with a 40, including five straight bogeys.

"I was hitting everything fairly well," Ament said about the first half of her round. "The back nine was a struggle. The back nine here is a lot tougher for me. It doesn't fit my game as well."

Ament helped lead Beckman to the team title with 348. The Blazers won by 28 strokes over runner-up Western Dubuque, who was led by Rochelle Beardsley, who was third with 82. Independence was third with 384.

Stephanie Coghlan was fifth with 85 and sisters Brooke and Blair Klostermann added an 88 and 97 for the top-ranked Blazers. Beckman displayed its strength, which has been hindered by conflicts with other spring sports and school functions.

"This is only the fourth time our top six have played together," Beckman Coach Jim Sheston said. "When we're all together we're pretty good."

District play for Classes 1A, 2A and 3A begin next Monday.

WAMAC SUPER MEET

At Gardner Golf Course

(Par 72)

Teams - 1. Dyersville Beckman 348, 2. Western Dubuque 376, 3. Independence 384, 4. Waterloo Columbus 385, 5. Williamsburg 394, 6. Vinton-Shellsburg 412, 7. West Delaware 415, 8. DeWitt Central 420, 9. Clear Creek Amana 426, 10. Solon 428, 11. Maquoketa 432, 12. Marion 435, 13. Benton Community 437, 14. Center Point-Urbana 449, Anamosa NS.

Individuals - 1. Mackenzie Black (Ind), 39-39-78*, 2. Ellie Ament (DB), 38-40-78, 3.Rochelle Beardsley (WDub), 41-41-82, 4. Allison Vandemore (Maq), 41-43-84, 5. Stephanie Coghlan (DB), 41-44-85, 6. Brooke Klostermann (DB), 45-43-88, 7. Cassidy Boe (WC), 43-45-88, 8. Tessa Swacker (WC), 44-44-88, 9. Caitlyn Hlubek (WDub), 49-45-94, 10. Gabi Scarpa (CCA), 47-48-95.

Marion (435): Ashley Reed 55-49-104, Heather McGuire 52-55-107, Taylor Wade 58-53-111, Ashley Ohl 56-57-113.