Swedick repeats win at sectionals
Albany Academy standout finishes round with flair
The wait between competing in her first Section II girls’ golf tournament and her second was two years. The result, however, proved to be the same for Albany Academy for Girls star Kennedy Swedick.
As she first accomplished in 2019, Swedick once again claimed medalist honors as the top finisher at the Section II championships as she carded a 6-under 66 on Oct. 12 at Mcgregor Links Country Club in Wilton. Swedick closed her round in spectacular fashion as she eagled No. 12 and posted birdies on the 15th, 16th and 17th holes to shoot 31 on the back side.
Not only did Swedick win, but her other four teammates all also finished among the top nine qualifiers for the state tournament to be held June 4-6 at the same venue.
“We qualified two years ago for states, but it got canceled (because of the coronavirus pandemic). We were disappointed,” Swedick said. “To have the opportunity again is something we are so looking forward to. The whole team is pumped.”
For her efforts, Swedick has been selected as the Times Union’s Female Athlete of the Week for the period Oct. 11-17.
Swedick’s ball-striking proved impeccable at Mcgregor Links Country Club. She had just one drive that did not hit the fairway, and that effort was just one foot into the short rough on the second hole. She rolled in an eagle putt of more than 30 feet on the 12th after reaching the par-5 in two shots. The sophomore also used quality irons to set up shot birdie efforts on hole Nos. 15, 16 and 17.
“I was very pleased with that,” Swedick said. “I was very grateful for the day that we had. All of the Section II girls were amazing and my team played great. We all played great. It was just an amazing day altogether.”
Swedick felt a key component to her stellar round last week was keeping her composure on the front side after failing to capitalize on some birdie opportunities.
“It is something I have been working on,” Swedick said. “If the putts don’t fall like the front nine at sectionals, I tried to stay patient. Focusing on the mental aspect is really important.”