Golfer signs with Mercer

With friends and family surrounding her, plus a freshly-cut cake and a sweet offer from Mercer University on the table in front of her, what more could Carrie Crawford need?

How about a top-of-the-line tool for the Greenbrier High School golfer.

"That's a brand new Scotty Cameron Studio Platinum. I saw one at Bonaventure the other day and was drooling over it," Crawford said of the putter presented to her after she'd signed a letter of intent to attend Mercer on a dual-scholarship for golf and academics.

The pricey putter was merely a bonus for the Lady Wolfpack senior.

"Mercer offered a $10,100 academic scholarship and $10,000 for golf, so it's almost a a full ride," Crawford said after Wednesday's signing ceremony at the Brierpatch. "College is never an easy choice, but in the end this was financially the best bet."

The Macon school was also a sure thing for Crawford academically.

"They have a really good international relations program, and that's what I want to concentrate in," she said. "I want to work as a diplomat for the government. I hope I can work for the state department; I love to travel."

Crawford has a shot at earning a spot on the traveling team for the Bears next season. Mercer, a Division I program which competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference, finished last in the recent conference tournament, so Crawford could be ready to crack the starting lineup as a freshman.

"My game is improving. I take lessons from Tommy Brannen at Augusta Country Club. He and I are getting my swing in shape for college golf," she said. "College girls hit the ball a long way, so hitting the ball further is something I need to work on, but it's getting there. The older I get, the stronger I get."

Crawford is now focused on a strong finish to her high school career. She underwent knee surgery last year and did not compete in the Region 3-AAAA tournament, but she's ready to tee it up in region play Tuesday at Waynesboro Country Club.

"When I walk 18 holes my knee gets sore - that's to be expected. A little bit of ice and a couple of aspirin and I'm ready to go," she said. "I'm not going to say I'll win region, but I'm counting on it. I've worked really hard."