MICH GIRLS’ JR. AMATEUR: Alena Li Goes Back-to-Back

Alena Li of Okemos became just the second golfer to win back-to-back Michigan Girls’ Junior Amateur Championships, and she had to beat a younger challenger from her hometown to do it.

Li, 17 and headed to the University of Michigan in the fall for academics rather than golf, turned back 14-year-old Saisha Patil, 4 and 2, in the championship match in the 47th edition of the state championship at Ferris State University’s Katke Golf Course.

“I think it was really cool that two people from Okemos were able to play in the final,” Li said. “It's just amazing that we're both from the same place and now I’m getting to know her a little bit more.”

She matched the feat of Kerrigan Parks of Flushing, who was the first to win consecutive Michigan Girls’ Junior Amateurs in 2016 and ’17.

“It is such an honor to win this championship two times in a row,” Li said. “It’s one that I have played in for a lot of years, and I think it’s always cool to come and play with all of these great players from Michigan.”