There was a lot of pressure on Princeton High School's Fraser Graham as he tried to defend his title in the Mercer County Golf Championship on Wedensday.
However, the real pressure was on those trying to defeat the Princeton High senior.
Graham repeated his championship with a round of 72. West Windsor North's Charles Cai also had a round of 72, but Graham won in a playoff hole.
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"He was more relaxed than he has been all season," Princeton Coach Sheryl Severance said of Graham. "He told me that he was totally relaxed in the playoff home. In that position, he didn't have to worry about anything else but just beating Charles."
Playing on a par five playoff hole, Graham had the longer drive, better approach shot and superior chip.
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When he connected on his first putt, Graham had a birdie and the title.
"It feels great to be the county champion again," Graham said. "I'm happy I could win. That was a lot of fun. The playoff hole was a lot of fun."
Severance said Graham's accomplishment might be a first.
"I looked through some old records and talked to some people and no one can remember a repeat champion. He might be the first."
Graham's score helped Princeton place fourth in the event, held at the Mercer Oaks East Course.
West Windsor South won with a score of 309, followed by Hopewell (311), West Windsor North (322) and Princeton (328).
"I'm very happy with the team taking fourth place," Severance said.
Marshall Crane, Matt Lesnik and Ajay Vellore all had rounds of 85 for Princeton.
"It's odd they all had the same score," Severance said. "They weren't playing together. They all had different foursomes."
Having already defended his Mercer title, Graham will now see if he can also repeat as the state champion.
His first step goal will come on May 16 when Princeton takes part in the state sectionals at the Running Deer course in Elmer. The top two teams and top five individual finishers will advance on to the state finals the following week.
"Hopefully, I'll get through sectionals," Graham said. "That's where my mind is at right now. There are a lot of great players in the state and it is only one round."
Graham has shown the ability to step up in big spots.
"He really is playing well right now," Severance said. "There were times this year when he felt a little anxious. He had such a phenomenal season last year. He had a lot of pressure on him. People expected a lot from him and everyone was after him.
"Everywhere we go, people want to know what he shot," Severance said.
More often than not, Graham shot a very low score, a round better than anyone else on the course.
"He is very focused on his game," Severance said. "He is also a very hard worker. (In the Mercer Championships), he relaxed and did what he needed to do."
