Maybank, Schultz win titles at first Northern Michigan Women's Open in Cheboygan

CHEBOYGAN – Katie Maybank’s only been playing golf for a few years.

Theresa Schultz has been at it for about four decades.

On Sunday, the two golfers made history in a debut event they hope to see grow in the coming years.

Maybank and Schultz both became champions at the first Northern Michigan Women’s Open held at the Cheboygan Golf & Country Club.

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Maybank (159), a recent Cheboygan High School golf star who will play at Northwood University, coasted to a 17-stroke victory in the women’s open division, firing a 77 on Saturday and an 82 during Sunday’s final round, while Schultz (172), who competes in a Wednesday morning league in Cheboygan, used rounds of 88 and 84 to capture the senior division crown.

For Maybank, it was a joy to win and claim some family bragging rights in the process.

“It’s very exciting, especially because it’s the first one,” Maybank said. “My grandpa, my dad and my brother have all played in a variation of the Northern Michigan Open and had never won, so it’s cool that it’s history, and I’m the first one to do it.

“It’s something that my brother hasn’t done, that I have done.”

Living in Cheboygan for the last 24 years, Schultz is still a scrappy competitor on the course. Battling cold, wet and windy conditions on Sunday, she did more than enough to pull away for a hard-fought, seven-stroke win.

“I love to play,” Schultz said. “I like to play because I’m competitive, and you’re playing your own ball. You make or miss; it’s your fault. You had to use extra clubs, the ball had no roll, so it’s tough when it’s wet and cold like that.”

The first version of the Women’s Open received a solid turnout, as 14 golfers apiece represented themselves in the open and senior divisions.

“I was excited to play because I thought about playing in the men’s (Open) before, but it was different,” Maybank said. “I didn’t really want to, but I wanted to play in this one. This is something different for the women, and I’m excited to play next year and hopefully continue to see it grow and get more people to play it in the future.”

As for what the future holds, Schultz said this weekend’s event should provide a major boost in popularity.

“The best thing that can happen is the girls that came – especially the girls who don’t live here – will go home and say how much fun it was, and come back and bring friends,” Schultz said. “It’s a lot of fun, and I encourage everybody to come and play.”

Northern Michigan Women’s Open Results (Top Five)

Open Division

1. Katie Maybank, 77-82 – 159

2. Sheri Glas, 87-89 – 176

3. Danielle Beauregard, 84-100 – 184

4. Phyllis Schramm, 94-92 – 186

5. Dede Anderson, 91-96 – 187

Senior Division

1. Theresa Schultz, 88-84 – 172

2. Carol Nauta, 87-92 – 179

3. Sue Hall, 92-93 – 185

4. Lis Gallagher, 99-87 – 186

5. Marge Stempky, 105-93 –198

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com . Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Maybank, Schultz win titles at first Northern Michigan Women's Open in Cheboygan