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In MFL MarMac first, Grau will golf at college level

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MFL MarMac senior Joe Grau last week signed a letter of intent to golf at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids. He’s the first student in school history to receive a scholarship to play golf at the next level. Grau is pictured with MFL MarMac golf coach Jake Wilke (left), parents Joshua and Annette Grau and Mount Mercy golf coach Ben Jones. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

 

MFL MarMac senior Joe Grau last week signed a letter of intent to golf at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids. He’s the first student in school history to receive a scholarship to play golf at the next level.

 

“It really hasn’t hit me yet,” said Grau. “I made this goal to play college golf back when I first started. I hit a few balls and said, ‘This is what I want to do.’ I’ve worked up to that point and never really stopped.”

 

The scholarship offer is even more monumental considering Grau’s only golfed for a few years. He started his freshman year of high school, when the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic cut short the school year and the golf season.

 

“He didn’t play very much in middle school. He built his craft starting in high school, and all of a sudden it really took off,” said MFL MarMac golf coach Jake Wilke. “COVID year was huge for him. He was playing almost every single day.”

 

Grau shot in the low 50s his sophomore season, then dropped into the 40s a year ago thanks to continued practice.

 

“This year, I’m hoping for par or even under par. I definitely want to go to state as a team this year. I want to be one of the top golfers in the state,” he said.

 

According to Grau, it helps to have a successful team around him.

 

“During the summertime, we all push each other. We all go out almost every day. Even if they’re not out there and I’m by myself, I work just as hard,” he said. “We all try to get better. It’s why we’re as good as we are.”

 

Putting is an aspect Grau will continue to work on for the remainder of high school and into college.

 

“Chipping and putting, working in anything from 100 yards, that’s really the challenge and the difference between an amateur and extremely good player,” he explained.

 

Wilke said Grau’s passion for the game and drive to improve his craft have made him such a good player. This season, Grau will also play with a set of new clubs.

 

“In the game of golf, if you have clubs that don’t really fit your swing, you’re not going to be able to hit the ball and have as much accuracy as if you have custom clubs. He and his dad went out and got clubs that fit his swing. Now, he’s really comfortable with the clubs in his bag,” Wilke shared.

 

“He’s a very coachable kid as well,” Wilke added. “He’s always asking what he can do to get better and be at that next level. Once he gets all his skills together, I have a feeling he’s going to do a really good job this year for us. I’m looking forward to Joe’s future...what kind of golfer he can be, what kind of student he can be at the next level.”

 

Mount Mercy head coach Ben Jones is equally excited. He said Grau and his dad, Joshua Grau, visited Mount Mercy last summer. Jones was immediately impressed with the family’s commitment to the game and their positivity.

 

“And he impressed me when we went out and played at our home course. Not to mention, his success in high school golf. I’m super keen to see what he can accomplish this spring,” Jones said. “To add someone like Joe, with his passion for the game, is going to be huge for our program. It’s exactly the culture I want to build. Hopefully, I can assist him and lead him to all the successes and dreams he hopes to accomplish at the college level.”

 

Grau looks forward to attending Mount Mercy, where, in addition to golfing, he’ll study in the land management program. 

 

“I went down there for a college visit this summer and the campus was really cool. I golfed with coach Ben Jones and golfed really well and felt like it was a second home,” he said.

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