5 minute read
Grow the Game: Grant Carey
By Alexandra Craft, Director of Membership & Communications
“No matter what endeavor Grant chooses in life, he is someone you can truly root for,” said BCC Assistant Director of Instruction Joanna Coe. Being part of a team and being a good teammate are part of what inspired Grant Carey to join the golf team in high school. Growing up playing a variety of sports, Grant says he always gravitated towards golf. “It’s physical, but it doesn’t involve super-athleticism,” he explained. Grant competed as a varsity golfer at Gilman School where he was regarded as a top competitor in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), and finished top 10 in the league championships in 2019.
In the MIAA, competitors play in foursomes and work closely with their teammate to read the greens and give advice about each hole. “When you have a teammate there, and you’re both working towards a common goal, it’s nice to have the camaraderie where you want to succeed with one another. It’s something you don’t get in golf too often,” said Grant. The feeling of playing for more than just himself really drove Grant to be successful on his varsity team. He believes a lot of the good that comes from playing sports is focused around teamwork and working towards team success rather than simply winning as an individual. The long bus rides to and from matches, talking about the course before a match, comparing notes about specific holes at the end of the day, and remembering specific shots that he and his teammates hit are among his favorite memories playing for Gilman. The camaraderie of sharing a singular purpose with a small group of players was an incredible bonding experience; “...these memories [will] stick with me...” The principles of golf also ring true to Grant’s character. His coach at Gilman always emphasized to “win with class, lose with class,” and that’s the motto Grant has applied throughout his high school golf career, and carried over into his life philosophy.
A recent Gilman graduate, Grant remembers how his early successes with the golf team inspired him and sparked his passion for the game. Grant’s sophomore year he was teamed up with a senior in a match against Mt. Saint Joe High School. In a Better Ball format the pair made eight birdies through 12 holes together. “He was playing really well, I was playing really well, so we fed off each other. When you’re watching someone else having one of their best days it makes you feel like you want to have your best day,” said Grant.
When asked about his most successful round of golf, Grant proudly shares “I shot four under [par] a couple of weeks ago...”. There aren’t many golfers that have even shot par on a golf course yet Grant, who was born with physical challenges that have amounted to several surgeries on his hip and a permanent physical disability, does not let anything slow him down. “I don’t know anything different, I’ve had this my whole life. I can’t balance on my left leg, so it’s been a difference in my golf game,” explained Grant. In a sport where so much of your power comes from the shifting of weight from the back to front foot as you follow through, Grant has worked to adapt his game to gain control and channel his power. Grant hasn’t allowed his physical challenges to hold him back from achieving athletic success and is known for his determination, grace under pressure, and unparalleled sportsmanship.
Grant and his Gilman teammates.
It’s clear that Grant’s team at Gilman regarded him as an incredible asset as well. In his senior year, his coaches and teammates made him the male nominee for the Gilman Unsung Hero Award, and from there he was selected as the male winner of the McCormick Unsung Hero Award. This honor is given to recognize athletes for unselfish team play and to highlight the efforts of those who contribute to the success of their teams without acclaim. Out of 114 athletes from a variety of sports nominated from Baltimore Area Schools, Grant was selected to receive the Grand Prize scholarship.
“The good thing about golf is that it’s a sport where even if you’re not competing against people, you’re still always trying to get better and you can play for your entire life” said Grant. Golf has taught Grant patience and positivity. “You’re always going to have bad holes and you’re always going to play [poorly] sometimes,” said Grant. But he cites the importance of not letting one bad hole or one bad game keep you down. “One of the keys is just trying to move on and focus on the positives and focus on the future;” a mentality that Grant says has helped him not only with his golf game, but with life. Consistency on the course has been key for Grant, who emphasizes how well you play on your bad days is what will define you on the course.
Today, Grant can be seen around BCC practicing for countless hours, honing his skills individually, and playing friendly matches with fellow members. He also works closely with his Swing Coach, “Grant is explosive off the tee and has incredible touch around the greens. He creates his power from his strong arms, core, and shoulders. It’s absolutely amazing to watch him hit a golf ball,” said Coe enthusiastically. He has worked tirelessly to connect his mind with his body to get to a point where he is now able to perform at the highest level.
When discussing the future and opportunities for individuals with physical challenges Grant is hopeful for the moments golf will create for people like him. “I know the paralympics are becoming bigger and bigger, and they’re adding more sports. I definitely think that will help golfers like me compete at a really high level.” shared Grant.
He will be attending Villanova in the fall with plans to play on the club team as a freshman and hopes his play will earn him a spot on varsity team as a sophomore. With a bright future ahead, Grant’s fans and supporters have no doubt he’ll achieve great things. In the words of Joanna Coe: “Grant is a fine young man who embodies all the important qualities you learn on the golf course.” ◆
