10/20/2025
You learn a lot about people when they're dealing with adversity.
For most, "adversity" on the golf course might involve a 30-mph headwind, wet grips in a rainstorm, or a wedge shot spinning off the green into a penalty area.
For Montague sophomore Marguerite O'Connell, it meant having her clubs disappear right before tee time at the Division 4 State Finals.
"I was kinda scared," Marguerite said. "I didn't know if I'd be able to play or not."
Team Montague was staying at the hotel adjacent to Katke Golf Course in Big Rapids. While the girls were eating breakfast Saturday morning inside the hotel, their bags and push carts were parked just outside the front door. When they headed across the parking lot to the course, Marguerite's clubs, bag, and push cart were gone.
The Wildcats were in 2nd place after Friday's first round, just two shots off the lead. Montague parents and Coach Phil Kerr personally spoke to just about every coach, player, and employee at the hotel and course, hoping that someone had innocently moved the equipment. No luck.
With about an hour until tee time, Marguerite had no equipment. And then friends and strangers stepped up.
Katke staff provided a rental set of clubs and rangefinder from the lost and found. Marguerite was on the range getting acquainted with her make-shift set when the players warming up at the next bay, caught wind of the situation. Soon-to-be D4 medalist Anna McCubbins from Napoleon eagerly offered up her back-up driver, and Napoleon coach Don McCubbins provided a push cart. Marguerite's teammates contributed a 5-wood, wedge, an extra glove and golf balls.
After about 30 swings with unfamiliar clubs, Marguerite was headed onto the course - no tears, no panic attack, no temper tantrum, just a smile and willingness to roll with the punches.
"I'm so proud of Marguerite and her teammates," Coach Kerr said. "As a sophomore, she showed incredible maturity and strength. I'm thankful that she will have the opportunity to play in another state finals and have a chance for redemption."
Marguerite crushed her first drive, putting her at ease. She drove the ball well all day, and hit the 5-wood solidly, too, but the unfamiliarity with the short irons was problematic. She didn't match the 95 she shot Friday, but still scraped out a 101 which was right around her season average.
"Still, every time I hit a bad iron I thought 'If only, I had my own clubs!'
"It was really nice to see how people rallied around me to help, though."
The Wildcats finished 4th, but left Big Rapids knowing they were up to just about any challenge, and the golf community would be there providing support.
