By Tim Martinez, Columbian
Assistant Sports Editor
Published: June 7, 2018, 8:53pm
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Graham Moody of Mountain View High School is the All-Region boys golfer of the year, as seen at The Columbian on Friday morning, June 1, 2018. (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian)
Graham Moody has been golfing in tournaments for years.
But at the Class 3A state high school tournament, the Mountain View freshman experience something new — playing in front of a gallery of supporters.
“All of the guys (on the Mountain View team) came out to watch me, there were a lot of parents, and the girls team was out there too,” Moody said. “The whole team was out there supporting me on the back nine. Which really help especially after I slipped up on No. 12, and they showed up on 12 and 13 and followed the rest of the round. That was really helpful to have some support there.”
A four-putt on the No. 12 hole at The Creek at Qualchan in Spokane put Moody’s state-title hopes in jeopardy. But with the support of his teammates, Moody regrouped for back-to-back birdies on Nos. 14 and 15 to regain the lead. He would edge Ryan Feyrer of Capital by one shot to win the 3A state title.
That victory also propelled Moody into being selected as The Columbian’s All-Region boys golfer of the year.
“It’s a lot different playing for your school because it’s a lot cooler to win for your school than for yourself,” Moody said. “There was a lot of support from people at school throughout the year. … (After state) everyone was super supportive and congratulating me.”
The solid freshman season started last fall when Moody earned a fifth-place finish in the Jeff Hudson Invitational with a 1-over 72.
Moody had a birdie putt lip out on No. 18 at the district tournament, which could have given him the 3A district title. He ended up finishing second in a three-player playoff with his teammate Willie Yeh taking the title.
That motivated Moody to spend the winter getting stronger and better, both physically and mentally.
“At state, my coach (Jim Peterson) really had me focusing on staying in the moment,” Moody said. “I think he used the quote ‘Staying where your feet are.’ So you can only control where you are at that moment. And I think that’s what really helped me come back after the four putt on 12. It helped me to forget about it, move forward and make a couple of birdies.”
While Moody has a very busy summer of tournament play scheduled, he’s looking forward to returning to high school golf with the Thunder.
Mountain View won the district title last fall and placed fourth at state last month.
Next year, entire teams will be able to qualify for state. This year, Mountain View sent three golfers to state — Moody, Yeh and Mason White.
“That will be really fun to go up there (to state) with all five guys,” Moody said. “It will be fun to travel together as a team … High school golf is all about having fun and hanging out with the team.”
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