WODONGA’S Liam Gransden wants to be the world’s No.1 golfer.
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While that might sound ambitious, his coach John Rogers refuses to put a ceiling on what the 17-year-old can achieve after taking out Thurgoona’s club championship with a record 10-under score.
And Rogers ought to know.
He taught Corowa’s Marcus Fraser before he shot to prominence on the European Tour and has been a key player in Wodonga prodigy Zach Murray’s rise.
Rogers has worked with thousands of talented, young golfers in his time and while their ability to drive and putt the ball is important, Rogers says there’s one key element he values above all else.
Fraser had it as a junior and Gransden’s got it in spades – work ethic.
“Liam reminds me of Marcus in a lot of ways because he has the determination,” Rogers said.
“He’s got as good a work ethic as anyone I’ve seen. He has been a player that’s had to work hard for everything that he’s got, it doesn’t necessarily come easily for him.
“If you had of asked me where Liam was going two or three years ago, I’d have said ‘he tries hard but he’s not producing the goods’.
“Now, he’s starting to shoot under-par a lot.
“He shot 10-under to win at Thurgoona and I can’t remember anyone shooting that sort of score around this district to win a club championship. If anyone can tell me I’m wrong, I’d love to know.
“When you’re capable of shooting 10-under, you’ve got that bit extra going for you. If he does go all the way and make it to the PGA Tour, he deserves it.
“It just goes to show you, hard work pays off, because you can have all the natural ability but if you don’t do the work, you don’t get anywhere.”
Gransden, who plays off +3, is a member of Melbourne’s Commonwealth Golf Club and has set his sights on turning professional once he completes year 12 at Catholic College Wodonga.
The right-hander was added to Golf Victoria’s under-18 development squad last year.
“My ultimate goal is to be No.1 in the world,” he said.
“I’ll set my sights on that and see where it takes me.
“John says set the bar high and dream big.”
Gransden, who has been seeing Rogers for five years, said he appreciated his coach’s simple approach to the game.
“He knows I’ve got some bad parts to my swing but they don’t affect my game,” he said.