When Crown Point coach Del Kutemeier tries to explain how Bulldogs standout Nick Grubnich was able to become one of the state's top golfers as a freshman last season, a specific moment comes to mind.

"Nothing shakes him," Kutemeier said of Grubnich. "A good example was we have a 27-hole invitational (the Crown Point Invitational), so last year, the first hole he tees off and hits a tree.

"Most kids after that say, 'Oh man, my round is shot.' He comes back and pars the hole and ends up shooting under par for the round."

There's no doubt Grubnich has all the talent needed to do well, but his composure allows him to dominate. And Kutemeier isn't the only local coach who has noticed.

"For a young kid to just go out and hit the ball like he does with no fear is pretty exciting," Hanover Central coach Jerry Kienzle said. "I've been watching golf for a long time, and he seems to have all the tools."

"Nick is the premier golfer in the area," Bishop Noll coach Dennis Koliboski said. "Nick can put some weight on his shoulders and carry some people."

Grubnich earned the accolades after finishing in a tie for third at last year's state finals with a 36-hole total of 1-under-par 139.

It seems Grubnich is the only one not giving any praise because he knows he must improve. He shot a 3-under 67 in the first round of the state finals but didn't finish as strong as he would have liked with a 2-over 72 in round two.

"I'm trying to work on staying in the moment," Grubnich said. "I got a little ahead of myself last year at the state finals, and it kind of closed the door."

This season won't be any easier now that Grubnich is a sophomore with a target on his back. But if anyone was raised to handle that type of pressure, it certainly was Grubnich.

Grubnich has been playing golf since he began walking, and he's been competing nationally since he was 8. In a typical offseason, Grubnich plays in about 15 to 20 tournaments throughout the country. He finished fifth at a USGA Amateur qualifying tournament this past July at Briar Ridge. The top two placers advanced to the USGA Amateur Championship.

"I haven't really won anything huge, but I've had a lot of high finishes in a lot of national tournaments," Grubnich said. "I'm just waiting to bust out and have a big win in one of these tournaments."

Before any of those goals are met, Grubnich is aiming to live up to the hype during his second prep season. He's hoping to help the Bulldogs improve upon last season's record of 19-8 and qualify for a regional for the ninth consecutive year under Kutemeier.

"I'm going to try to win every match I can," Grubnich said. "I don't want to lose to anyone. It's a lofty goal, but if I bring my mental game to every match, I can do it."