July 12, 2021 – Jackson, WI – Living Word Lutheran High School graduate Grant McGraw (Class of 2021), lit up the record books for the Timberwolves during his final season on the school’s golf team.
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“My ultimate goal was to make it to state,” he said. “I thought I had a pretty good chance of making it junior year, but I was determined to make it my senior year, having made regionals and sectionals my first two years.”
McGraw’s hard work was rewarded by being the first golfer in Living Word Lutheran school history to make the WIAA State tournament, finishing 15th in a field of 52 in the D3 State Tournament at Trappers Turn in Wisconsin Dells. McGraw was also named a Wisconsin Academic All-State honoree by the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin.
Other major highlights of McGraw’s season included medaling in four major events, most notably a tied 1st place overall finish in Regionals at The Bog (with a score of 77) and a 1st place finish overall in the Oshkosh Lourdes Invitational at Lake Breeze Golf Course (with a score of 74), along with second team all-conference placement (Midwest Classic Conference).
McGraw has wasted little time capitalizing on his success and his future. “I will be going down to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix; it is a division 1 school. I could try walking-on to the (golf) team, I wasn’t recruited by them so I will probably be playing club golf,” he said.
In the classroom McGraw will major in advertising with a minor in finance economics.
Before golf, McGraw exclusively played baseball. “I played up to eighth grade and in my freshman year that is when I wanted to try golf.”
Academically, McGraw’s favorite school subject was science, specifically anatomy and his least favorite subject was math. Aside from academics, McGraw has spent the last two and a half years working at the River (Country) Club in Mequon. In his free time, McGraw loves to fish.
When questioned about influences in golf and life in general, McGraw spoke highly of his head coach Melissa Greener. “She encouraged me to be better,” he said.
McGraw also praised his parents, especially his dad for getting him into the game of golf. “I never thought of playing golf when I was younger and playing baseball, but I was glad I got into it,” he said.
McGraw also credits his friends for pushing him and making the sport more fun and a positive experience.
McGraw follows golf on the pro level. “I love watching it and have been a big fan of Tiger Woods, he’s a great player and influencer, but I like watching a lot of these guys just compete at a high level for championships,” McGraw said.
Despite his love for the game and his recent success, McGraw sees golf as a hobby. “I might do some competitions here and there; I definitely will play the rest of my life.”
Analyzing the different dynamics of golf, McGraw said “I just love the opportunity to go out and play and forget about things that may be bothering me. The hardest part of the game overall is staying mentally in a round, especially at a competition. It is difficult because things can go really good or bad in a manner of minutes.”
In the future McGraw hopes to secure an internship during college and explore further opportunities in work and life in general.
McGraw also gave a shoutout to his younger brother Reid McGraw, who plays football for Living Word Lutheran High School. “He’ll have a lot of success in the future, since he’s only a junior who knows, but he is a big football player,” he said.
McGraw’s best advice to young athletes pursuing golf; roll with the punches. “It is a hard game and you’ll get frustrated, but it’s just reality that (sometimes) it’s just not going to happen. Being patient and finding someone to mentor you. Someone who has the experience to teach you how to play the game, and don’t forget to find your fun, yet competitive zone,” he said.
The Living Word Lutheran boys’ golf team finished the season with a 3rd place overall conference finish, 2nd place finish in the conference major, 4th place finish at Regionals, and an 11th place finish at Sectionals.