ON COURSE: Fraser Graham displays his form in action for the University of Delaware men’s golf team. Former Princeton High standout Graham enjoyed a solid junior campaign this year for the Blue Hens, competing in 25 rounds and compiling a 78.28 average, fourth best on the squad. He will be serving as a team co-captain in his final college campaign. (Photo Courtesy of University of Delaware Sports Information)

Fraser Graham enjoyed a smooth ride during his career with the Princeton High golf team.

As a junior for the Little Tigers, the 2011 PHS grad won the state Tournament of Champions, the Garden State Cup, and the Mercer County Tournament individual title. In his senior season, Graham repeated as county champion and won the South Central Group III sectional title.

But when Graham joined the University of Delaware men’s golf team in the fall of 2011, he hit some bumps in the road.

“It got a lot more difficult for me personally; it was a big transition,” said the multi-talented Graham, who also starred for the PHS boys’ hockey team.

“You are on your own, you are not playing on the same course. You are always trying to make the team for the next tournament. I wasn’t happy with the way I played freshman year. I went from winning Tournament of Champions to competing to make the team. You learn from every tough experience.”

In his freshman year with the Blue Hens, Graham posted an average of 78.39 in 18 rounds. As a sophomore, he played 11 rounds with an average of 82.91.

Learning from those seasons, Graham assumed a greater role as a junior, competing in 25 rounds and compiling a 78.28 average, fourth best on the squad.

“This fall, I had some great rounds and I had some great rounds this spring,” said Graham, who placed T-33rd in the Navy Fall Classic last September before  taking T-20 in the Binghamton Fall Invitational in October, T-14 in the Wildcat Invitational in April, and ending the season with a finish of 36th in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championships.

“I think my putting has gotten a lot better over the last season. There are a lot of good players in college; I have learned a lot.”

As a result of his greater consistency and maturity, Graham has been named as a team co-captain for his senior season.

“I am making the transition to leading by example; I went through it the first three years,” said Graham.

“Being captain is a big responsibility; we need to all push each other hard. We also need work on developing camaraderie; that is a big responsibility for the captain.”

In order to have a big senior year, Graham is pushing himself hard on the course this summer.

“I am trying to get my putting better,” said Graham. “I am also working on my short game. I hit it long so I have a lot of wedge shots from 100 yards and in.”

Graham is also putting in work this summer on some long-range plans outside of golf.

“I am a finance major; I am doing an internship right now at Equinox Financial,” said Graham. “I work three days a week so that works well for me. When I am not there, I am practicing.”

As he looks ahead to his final college campaign, Graham would like to see his practice pay off in a breakthrough.

“I would like to win a tournament,” said Graham. “I won a few tournaments in high school. It is tougher in college. All the guys were high school stars.”

Whether or not he wins a tournament, Graham believes the Blue Hens will be tough to beat.

“This coming year looks good; we have four good freshmen coming in,” said Graham.

“I am looking forward to it, we are going to have a good team. The goal for the team is always to win the conference title and go on to the NCAA regional. It takes three good days to do that.”