Grand Rapids , MI — Drew Swihart competed in the State Golf Tournament on Friday and Saturday. I would like to rename it the “should have been played a week earlier” tournament!!!! The Grand Rapids area received 1.5 inches of rain Thursday night and Friday night was another 1 inch of rain. She would have been better served using scuba gear!!! The temperature both days were below 50 degrees with Saturday feeling more like 40 with the 20 mph winds all day. They played pick, clean, and place both days which means exactly as it sounds. They could pick the ball up and clean it and place it back on the ground before they hit. It was so wet that in some instances she had to go 20 yards to find an area that is deemed playable. The course did a phenomenal job to get the course somewhat playable. Drew must have found every puddle on the course. Wasn’t hard to do since I think I saw a dolphin 🐬 swimming in the fairway!!! It is very difficult to play golf with all the extra distractions like cold feet, wet shoes, extra eyes watching and the added pressure that inevitably she puts on herself. I believe she gained invaluable experience not only on the golf course but in life dealing with stressful situations with lots of outside variables. In order to make it to the state meet, you need to be one of the 106 best players in Division 4 which includes upwards of 400+ ladies. Regardless of how she finished, I watched and helped her the last 2 days and gained much respect for her toughness and determination. Those conditions would get to anyone. As a matter of fact….10 ladies decided they had enough after the 1st day and didn’t return. Words can’t begin to express how proud of Drew Swihart I am!!!!! Until next time…………. JUST DO BETTER!!!!!!!! Coach Dekker