Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Grant Drogosch

The West Orange boys golf team placed first in the Class 3A, Region 3 Tournament Oct. 17 at Cleveland Heights Golf & Country Club in Lakeland. Leading the way was sophomore Grant Drogosch, who finished in a three-way tie for first place. Drogosch, who also placed first in the district tournament the previous week, shot an even-par 72 and will lead the Warriors into the state tournament Oct. 25 to 26 at Mission Inn and Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills.

As a freshman, you made the state tournament as an individual. What’s it like to see the team make it along with you this time around?

It’s going to be a lot different. I like it. I’d prefer that because it’s more for the school, and it’s just a lot more fun I’ll be having out there because my friends are out there with me.

You’re in the most important stretch of the varsity season. Do you feel like you are playing your best golf?

I think I’ve been hitting it as well as I have been lately. I think our team has, too. I feel like we’re playing better every tournament, and hopefully, that will carry on into states.

What tours do you compete on outside of varsity golf and how did you do this past summer?

I play on tours like (American Junior Golf Association) and (Florida Junior Tour). Mostly those and then some various independent tournaments. I kind of struggled over the summer, because I made a swing change. Lately, I’ve been playing pretty well — I feel like each week I’m getting better and better.

What have you been working on as of late from a technical standpoint?

For the summer, I’ve been working on ball striking, in terms of how I hit it. Lately, my ball striking has been good, and it’s been my putting I’ve been focusing on. Now, I feel my putting is really starting to go, and that’s why I’m seeing the lower scores.

Is there a professional golfer who you like to emulate?

Probably Jordan Spieth. … He just finds a way to win with his putting and his short game and his mental game. It just kind of shows you don’t have to be a bomber to be a pro and be one of the best in the world.

Do you enjoy the team element of varsity golf?

Yeah, I like it. I was new to the school last year, so I met some friends (through the team).

If you could be any superhero, which would you be and why?

Batman, probably, because he’s the most realistic one. … It’s got a good story, where he’s got a troubled childhood, and he turned out to be something greater for the community and the world.