GRANVILLE, Ohio – Head men's and women's golf coach Lauren Grogan joined the Denison athletics family during the 2019-20 season and enjoyed immediate success with both programs for the Big Red. We recently caught up with Coach Grogan and asked her some hard-hitting questions in our latest edition of 'Get To Know The Coach'.
 

Q: When do you first remember falling in love with the game of golf?
A: When I was about 4 or 5, my dad would take my brother and I out to the golf course on Saturdays while he played. He cut down golf clubs so that we could knock the ball around if we wanted to, or we could sit and ride in the cart. This was great because we got to spend time with our dad, but it was our choice if we wanted to play or not. I loved the game then, but that was with all sports. It wasn't until high school that I started thinking about golf at the next level and how much of a lifelong sport it was.


Q: What do you enjoy most about being a college golf coach?
A: One of my favorite things about being a college golf coach is the relationships that are built during their time at school. We often talk about how there will be a life after golf and the things we do every day are helping prepare us for that. Getting a call or note from a former player helps remind me why I do this, the people. I love seeing the growth throughout their time in our program, not only as a player, but as a person and student as well!


Q: Tell us about your family and how they influence you on and off the greens?
A: My family is a huge part of my life, both on and off the course. Growing up, my dad and I traveled to golf tournaments together and, to this day, he is still my caddy for when I play in events in the summer. My mom has been the glue that holds us together, always making sure that we were set to go on the road and has been my biggest cheerleader. I am lucky to have such a strong support system.
 
Now as a coach, they are the first to ask how we played, and my mom, dad, and aunt even come out to watch and help run our home tournaments. Being closer to family was one of the many reasons I was excited about coming to Denison.


Q: Any pre-round superstitions?
A: As a player, prior to every round my dad and I had a handshake we did that helped me relax and laugh right before I teed off. I also use a large Navy challenge coin that an admiral gave to my grandfather at my uncle's retirement as a ball marker during my competitive rounds. As a coach, not really any superstitions, although I do wake up much earlier than when I was a player to make sure that I can grab my coffee and check the weather before the day gets going.


Q: Do you have a favorite golfer or golfing mentor that you follow or look up to?
A: Matt Kuchar used to be my favorite because he was one of the biggest trash talkers on tour, but also a big family guy. Currently Matthew Wolff is one of my favorites because he is unconventional but extremely athletic and owns his swing.


Q: If you were to choose only one food (or meal) to eat the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: I would choose breakfast; it is definitely my favorite meal of the day!


Q: What is your favorite song(s)/music of all-time?
A: This is a tough question. I like a lot of different music, but a few of my favorites would be Hootie and The Blowfish, Queen, and currently anything country.


Q: Better feeling on the course, sticking the green on a tee shot or chipping a shot in from the bunker?
A: Holing it out from a bunker, that means I can leave the putter in the bag. :) 


Q: You enjoyed many successes during your first season as the head men's and women's golf coach at Denison. What do you credit those successes to and what are your expectations for the program moving forward?
A: Prior to arriving at Denison, I knew of the competitive excellence within the academic and athletic programs. When I started at Denison, a goal of mine was to come in and set the expectations early and focus on our culture. I am a firm believer if you establish that trust and those relationships off the golf course, it will pour over onto the course.
 
To the athletes' credit, they stepped up and bought in. We pay attention to the details and know that if we want to win at the highest level, we need to do something to get better every single day. They just scratched the surface of their potential and I think that has provided added motivation to get back to competing. Moving forward we are going to focus on moving the needle every day and be grateful and ready whenever the next chance to compete is.