Graham completes successful high school golf career

Princeton High School senior Fraser Graham is wrapping up his high school athletic career, one that put him among New Jersey's all-time best high school golfers.

Playing in the state championships at Neshanic Valley Golf Club on Wednesday, Graham shot a round of 78, which placed him in a tie for 33rd place.

After repeating as the Mercer County champion earlier this month, Graham had hoped to become a two-time state champ.

"It didn't end the way I wanted it to, but I progressed in my four years of high school golf," Graham said. "I became a much better player my final two years. I'm glad I was able to help the team out."

Graham's chances of a higher finish in the states vanished on one hole.

"He took a nine on one hole," Princeton Coach Sheryl Severance said. "I talked to people that saw it and they said it wasn't that bad of a shot. He was just a little unlucky. He hit it a little long, it hit a path and took a bad hop into some long grass."

Graham didn't have much success  hitting the ball out of the grass. In retrospect, he wishes he has taken a penalty and didn't try and play the ball.

"I wish I was thinking a little clearer," he said.

While it wasn't Graham's day to shine, so many in the past two years were. Graham finishes his high school career with two Mercer County titles, a New Jersey State title, a Garden State Cup title and a Sectional championship.

"I don't know if all the records have been kept, but I don't remember anyone winning this many tournaments," Severance said. "No one else has won the Mercer County Tournament twice. He won the state title last year. He won the state sectionals this year. Add in his other wins. His run surpasses anyone I can recall from New Jersey."

Graham will continue his golf career at the University of Delaware, earning scholarship money for his athletic abilty and his academics.

"His career ranks with anyone's," Severance said.