Childhood Friends Win NY State Golf Championship Together

Two friends who started playing golf together as kids just realized their championship dream at one of New York's most prestigious amateur tournaments.

Dannah Smith, a golfer at Monmouth University, teamed up with her childhood friend Jane Fanning to win the New York State Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship at Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown. The pair finished with a two-round score of 149, securing a two-shot victory at the 36-hole championship.

The win became even sweeter because of how they earned it. Smith and Fanning entered the final round tied for the lead after shooting an even-par 72 on day one.

But Tuesday's final round tested everything they had. The duo found themselves four shots behind midway through, watching their championship hopes slip away.

That's when years of friendship and shared practice rounds paid off. Smith and Fanning stayed calm, focusing on one shot at a time rather than the scoreboard.

Their patience worked. The pair played their final nine holes in 1-under par, including a crucial birdie on the par-4 13th hole that moved them into the lead.

From there, they pulled away to claim the championship representing Orchard Creek Golf Club. When the final putt dropped, years of friendship and countless practice rounds together culminated in their biggest win yet.

"The feeling, it's really amazing," Smith said after the victory. "We have played together since we were young, so to have this be our first big win together is really exciting."

The Ripple Effect

This victory shows what happens when friendship meets determination. Smith and Fanning's comeback didn't just earn them a state title. It proved that staying composed under pressure and trusting your partner can overcome any deficit.

Their story resonates beyond golf courses too. In a time when youth sports often emphasize individual achievement over relationships, these two athletes demonstrate the power of long-term partnerships. They built something together over years, and that foundation held strong when the pressure peaked.

The win also adds to Smith's growing success at Monmouth University, where she continues developing as a collegiate athlete. Now she has a state championship to fuel her confidence heading into future competitions.

For Smith and Fanning, this championship marks just the beginning of what they can accomplish together.