Grant looks to develop Hodgdon golf program

By Gloria Austin  
Staff Writer
    An avid golfer, David Grant of Houlton decided he wanted to give back to the game that he loved. So, this winter while he was vacationing in Florida, he was certified to teach golf through the United States Golf Teachers Federation.
    With a professional certification, Grant began his “teaching” career this summer as he aided Houlton golf coach Bruce Nason with the Junior Golf Program at Houlton Community Country Club and he instructed the Junior Golf Program at Mars Hill Country Club.
    Grant, a retired Assistant Area Port Director with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, knew there was a job opening at Hodgdon High School for a golf coach. With a bit of encouragement from family and friends, Grant applied for the position and was hired.
    “I met with the players in early June,” he said. “I have six golfers. I would like to have more.”
    The Hodgdon squad will field two seniors one junior and three freshmen.
    “It will be a building year,” Grant said. “The upcoming freshman class next year sounds promising, so I want to build a strong foundation of fundamentals.”
    Grant’s first practice was August 12, and Monday the Hawks played their first match in Fort Fairfield against Ashland.
    “I want the golfers to learn with each match,” said Grant. “We are starting fresh and hopefully, we can work toward a shot at the state title.”
    Though that may be a lofty goal, Grant has a strategy in mind to help his young golfers prosper on the course.
    “I want to approach the game with more structure,” he explained. “I want my golfers to learn the basic mechanics and then I want to develop their individual skills from that point. They will get a lot of one-on-one instruction.”
    Grant said he will essentially be giving private lessons to each golfer.
    “I will give them everything I have,” Grant said. “I want to impart my knowledge to them.”
    With 40-plus years of playing golf, Grant has learned that the short game is where each golfer plays equal.
    “Everyone from beginner to advanced can always get to within 150 to 200 yards in a couple of hits,” he explained. “After that, people struggle. From about 125 yards in, I call that the equal zone. Everyone plays equal. The goal is to hit the ball on the green and into the hole. That’s where I want to concentrate my efforts with my golfers. I want them to learn to play a good short game.”
    If anyone is interested in joining Grant and the other members of the team, contact him.
    “Come on out,” he said. “It’s not too late.”