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Sports

Alfvin Drove Greyhounds Golf Program

Graduating senior was "cornerstone" of the team for two years, says coach.

Shorewood's Erik Alfvin won't play in Tuesday's WIAA boys golf sectional; he shot 88 in last week's regional and did not advance.

But the senior's story remains worth telling for the positive impact he had on the Shorewood golf program throughout his four years as a Greyhound.

Greyhound coach Chris Feuerherd called Alfvin “the cornerstone of the Shorewood High School golf team in my two years as coach.

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“Erik is a truly fantastic kid,” Feuerherd said. “He is not the rah-rah type leader, yet both the way he carries himself, and the way he produces on the course made him the team’s silent leader.”

Alfvin was named to the all-conference second team this year, after earning first-team honors as a junior. In early May, Alfvin placed second at the Badger Creek Invitational, and he enjoyed a number of good results throughout the season. Feuerherd entered the team in tougher tournaments on more challenging courses this season, due in part to Alfvin's presence. 

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“He really helped the team and me,” Alfvin said.

Alfvin began golfing with his father in grade school. He participated in cross-country and tennis early in high school, but dedicated himself to golf after his sophomore year.

His choice has paid off.

Last August, he won a junior PGA tournament at Oakwood Golf Course. On that day, like many others, Alfvin’s deadly short game and cool composure allowed him to succeed.

“I just felt so confident around the greens,” he said. “I stay pretty focused throughout the game. I’m pretty consistent on the good days.”

Feuerherd agreed with Alfvin’s self-assessment.

“Erik’s short game is undoubtedly what allows him to compete at a higher level,” he said. “He doesn’t hit it as far or as straight as some of the upper echelon competition that he faces, but around the green, he is as good or better than them all.”

With graduation approaching, Alfvin is looking forward to the future. He and a group of friends will soon embark on a 10-day hiking trip through the Appalachians. Upon returning, Alfvin said he’ll be looking for extra tournaments and other ways to stay competitive ahead of his first collegiate season at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn.

“I’ll definitely be playing as much as I can,” he said.

Alfvin decided on Macalester after an overnight stay during which he met coaches and teammates.

“They’re a great group of guys,” he said. “They had the feel of the team here at Shorewood.”

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