Niceville's Grant, Moye win Daily News GOY

Gracie Grant is chasing immortality in her swan song.

2022 was defined by greatness for the Niceville junior, who set the school record for 9 holes with a 6-under 30, won districts, carded a 2-under 70 at regionals and finished runner-up at the truncated state tournament with an even-par 72.

Naturally, she's our Golfer of our Year for the second straight season.

But 2023 promises to be even better -- Grant eyeing a state title and a sub-30 in a 9-hole tourney.

The goals take on added weight considering how 2022 ended.

First off, Grant lipped out a 10-foot putt for 29 at Emerald Bay. Later in the year, she had the flu and strep throat entering the 3A state tourney.

"I didn't play a practice round," Grant said. "I drove 9 holes with the team and then went back to the room and took a nap."

Somehow someway, sickness consuming her and all, the next day she gritted out a 72 to sit second headed into the second and final round. But because of Tropical Storm Nicole, an issue long anticipated in Central Florida but not planned for by the FHSAA, the tournament was canceled after Day 1.

Grant and Niceville finished runner-up individually and as a team.

"It was just terrible the way it finished," Grant said.

But from the loss a fire was lit. Now Grant is the clear favorite to take home a third straight GOY honor next season, compete for an individual state title and lead the Eagles to a team state title.

So what's her offseason look like? She just got new clubs and is settling into her practice routine -- after school she "hits a bazillion range balls" to targets and works on chipping and putting drills. Rinse, repeat.

Moye, meanwhile, was the clear choice for Male Golfer of the Year after an inspiring Swan Song. He carded a 1-under-par 71 to win districts and bowed at with a 75 at regionals.

Girls All-Area

Gracie Grant, Niceville

Mariane Johnson, Niceville

Peyton Maraman, Niceville

Juliana Hock, FWB

Cloe Rich, Niceville

Boys All-Area

Braydon Moye, Niceville

Alexander Fagan, Crestivew

Andrew Ottley, Navarre

Maris Rudzki, South Walton

Ashton Brennan, South Walton

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Niceville's Grant, Moye win Daily News GOY