Leah Gram
Nacka
,
Sweden
Age: 12 - 13
Gender: Girls
Region: Southeast
The Path to the National Finals
Qualifying Path
Should a player advance through local qualifying, the subregional and regional qualifying sites are pre-determined based upon the local qualifying site. The player is not guaranteed participation in the subregional qualifier unless he/she advances through local qualifying. The player is not guaranteed participation in the regional qualifier unless he/she advances through local and subregional qualifying.
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Local QualifierEvent CompletedLake Worth, FL 33467Jun 10, 2022
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Sub-Regional QualifierEvent CompletedPalm Beach Gardens, FL 33418Aug 27, 2022
PLAYER BIRTHPLACE:
New York, NY
NAME AND LOCATION OF SCHOOL:
Independence Middle School, Jupiter FL
GRADE IN SCHOOL:
7th grade
HOME GOLF COURSE AND LOCATION:
Eastpointe Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
PLAY GOLF RIGHT OR LEFT HANDED:
Right handed
AGE STARTED PLAYING GOLF:
6 years old
LOWEST SCORE SHOT (9 AND/OR 18 HOLES):
31 (holes), 67 (18 holes)
HANDICAP INDEX:
+1.2
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN GOLF?
I started participating at Junior Clinics at Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter with current coach Adam Foegen. 1.5h of golf and then 1h of running around with my friends.
WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF?
My dad
WHO DO YOU NORMALLY PLAY GOLF WITH?
My dad and my friends in my hometown. I play with both older, younger members and friends. Golf is amazing as you can play with any age/skill level and still compete.
WHO IS YOUR GOLF INSTRUCTOR?
Adam Foegen (PGA) Abacoa Golf Club, Jupiter
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PLAYING GOLF?
Playing with friends and family. I like the feeling when I make putts and shoot low scores. I also like to spend time outside and appreciating the nature & wildlife that surrounds a golf course.
WHAT PART OF GOLF DO YOU LIKE TO PRACTICE THE MOST?
Up and down game with my dad or my friends
WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT THING ABOUT GOLF?
Buried bunker lies (fried egg)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLUB?
Driver because I hit it far
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE IN THE WORLD?
Frenchman's Reserve Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens FL
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN GOLF SO FAR?
3 consecutive top-10s in US Kids World Championship at Pinehurst and qualifying to Augusta National Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals. Setting a Florida Junior Tour (Girls 11-12) 36 hole all-time scoring record of (67-71=138), also tying 18 hole scoring record and winning with the most margin (11 strokes).
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER JUNIORS PARTICIPATING IN DCP WHO ARE TRYING TO REACH THE NATIONAL FINALS
Take one shot at a time and never give up. Even if you aren't satisfied with a shot just calm down and focus on the next shot.
DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE?
No but I used to a while ago
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT?
Being able to qualify to go to compete at the DCP finals at Augusta National.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM YOUR LOCAL, SUBREGIONAL OR REGIONAL QUALIFIERS:
Having my clubs arrive at the local qualifier just 1h before teeing off this year. My golf bag was delayed due to a flight cancellation. Reese McMillan (former DCP finalist) and I had to drive back to Jupiter FL from Dallas TX with our dads due to a cancelled flight coming back from California. 18h drive of sleep, laughter and goofing around we got to Jupiter the night before my local qualifier. We brought my old junior clubs just in case my bag wouldn't arrive in time. It worked out and I won. On the regional qualifier at Bears club we saw Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, Cameron Young and Matt Kuchar which was cool. The feeling when everyones scores were in and when I knew I made it was very amazing and I am happy I got to share it with my family.
HAVE YOU TRIED TO QUALIFY FOR DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT IN THE PAST? IF SO, PLEASE LIST EACH YEAR AND YOUR PREVIOUS RESULTS:
2021 - 2nd place in Regional Final at Bears Club, 2019 Sub regional, 2018 local, 2017 local
DID YOU WATCH LAST YEAR’S DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT NATIONAL FINALS ON TELEVISION? IF SO, WHAT IMPACT DID THAT HAVE ON YOUR PARTICIPATION THIS YEAR?
Yes, it really motivated me to go there as i finished 2nd in regionals in 2021.
LIST FROM STRONGEST TO WEAKEST – DRIVING, CHIPPING, PUTTING:
Driving, Putting then Chipping
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO THE MASTERS BEFORE? IF SO, WHEN?
No
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF ACCESSORY (HAT, HEADCOVER, BALL MARKER, ETC.)
I really like Lululemon skirts and shirts but also like Hats. I like different ball markers as well.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MASTERS MEMORY? U.S. OPEN OR U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN MEMORY? PGA CHAMPIONSHIP OR WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP MEMORY?
Dad getting teary eyed watching Tiger win the masters at Augusta in 2019.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WATCHING GOLF ON TV?
Anytime there is a playoff in a LPGA or PGA tournament I like to watch. It is so exciting to watch it hole by hole. One of my favorite playoffs was the 2022 PGA Championships that Justin Thomas won.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Justin Thomas, because he seems really nice and is a great golfer. I always cheer for my Swedish friend Alex Noren as well.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam since she is a goat. I am also Swedish which makes me proud of Annika.
WHO IS THE COOLEST PLAYER IN GOLF, AND WHY?
Tony Finau with his "teach me how to Dougie" dance.....
HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED WITH SOMEONE FAMOUS? IF SO, WHO? PLEASE DESCRIBE THE CIRCUMSTANCES:
Leta Lindley, former LPGA tour player and winner. We work on short game together and one time when her course was closed I invited her to our club and she accepted. We played 18 holes, had lunch and then went back to work on our chipping and putting.. Also played the up and down game with her which I like. Leta ended up finishing 2nd in the US Senior Women's Open shortly after.
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO PLAY GOLF WITH A DREAM FOURSOME, WHO WOULD THE OTHER THREE PEOPLE BE?
Justin Thomas, Annika Sorenstam and Tiger Woods
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS AS IT RELATES TO GOLF? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE:
I like to play the same order in matchplay and scrambles. Otherwise no real superstitions.
DO YOU PLAY ANY GOLF VIDEO GAMES? IF SO, WHICH ONE(S)?
Golf battle
WHAT FOOD WOULD YOU SERVE AT YOUR CHAMPIONS DINNER AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL?
Caesar Salad, followed by Sushi, Filet Mignon and sweet potato fries with mushroom sauce and roasted broccoli. Dessert, Key lime pie and moose tracks ice cream.
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT:
Math
FAVORITE SCHOOL TEACHER:
Ms Fredricks (Math) and Ms Gore (Science), I cannot chose between the two.
FAVORITE SPORT (OTHER THAN GOLF):
Volleyball
FAVORITE MOVIE:
The Short Game, Hamilton, Old School... Depends which category...
FAVORITE SINGER / MUSIC GROUP:
Doja Cat
FAVORITE TV SHOW:
Cobra Kai
DESCRIBE ANY TALENTS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF GOLF:
I speak Swedish fluently. I also really like Volleyball. I love listening to music.
DESCRIBE ANY OBSTACLES YOU’VE OVERCOME IN YOUR LIFE:
I broke my foot a few years ago and I was really sad that I couldn't play the tournaments I had signed up for.
HERO / ROLE MODEL(S):
Mom, and my grandmothers. They are always very supportive and nice.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Keep calm and hit one shot at a time.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
LPGA Tour Player
DESCRIBE YOURSELF:
I am very outgoing, friendly and fun. I love my school and all my friends there. We have so much fun and we learn a lot. I also like to be where the action is and rarely go home from any event first. I have a lot of energy which helps me as I’m very active. I’m also very humble and respectful. My goal at the moment is to give at least 5 compliments to people each day in school.
