Rob Grube claims to have a “superstition against superstitions.” So, heading into the crucial weeks before the NCAA Regionals and Finals for men’s golf, the junior seemed unaffected by the tough competitions to come.

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Alvin Chow

“You’re always nervous," said Rob Grube, shown here at the US Intercollegiate Tournament 2007. "People who say they aren’t are lying.”

“You won’t see me wearing dirty socks,” he said. “But you’re always nervous. People who say they aren’t are lying.

“The most difficult part of golf is dealing with the pressure,” Grube continued. “I try to rationalize it. I try to remember that it’s just one putt and that I’ve practiced and sank that shot a million times before. I just try to detach the NCAAs from the task at hand.”

Grube’s mental approach has been working. He seized top individual honors at the CordeValle Classic in November and the U.S. Intercollegiate in mid-April. Recently, he putted his way into one of the best stroke averages in the nation, with a 71.4 per round.

“I expected to play better, but I did struggle at the beginning of the year,” Grube said. “I have been working really hard to get back on track. I’m glad that I am playing well when it’s beginning to matter.”

Grube’s intended major is American Studies, but he plans to pursue a professional golf career immediately following his graduation from Stanford.

“It has been my dream to go pro ever since I was little.” Grube said. “As I’ve gotten older, it has become more of a reality. It was a difficult decision to make because only a small percentage of golfers actually make it. My parents have been really supportive because they know how much I love golf and how dedicated I am to the sport.”

Having arrived at Stanford the same year as Grube, head coach Conrad Ray has seen him develop into a potent force on the green.

“The future is bright for Rob in professional golf,” Ray said. “He has the mindset of a pro in that during his college career he has been identifying his weaknesses and making them his strengths. He really has a great work ethic, which is what it takes to be successful. I like to joke that he would better as the commissioner because of his interest in politics, but I believe that Rob will be a golfer to look for in the professional world.”

Grube started out playing little-league baseball and basketball, like countless other kids across greater Chicago during the Michael Jordan era. But after run-ins with an overbearing little-league coach, an eight-year-old Grube made the switch to golf.

“I’ve been on a golf course ever since.” he said. “Most of my family members attended East-Coast prep schools, but I didn’t want to spend six months attempting to play golf in ice, so I chose Robert Luis Stevenson School in California. We were lucky because we got to play for free at many of California’s top courses that surround the school.”

The practice paid off. Today, Grube is perhaps Stanford’s top golfer, and a strong contender to take NCAA West Regional honors two weeks from now in Tempe, Ariz.

“Rob’s golf game is peaking at the perfect time.” Ray said. “He is confident with his swing and he has a steady short game, which all makes for a great all-around player. I have some great things to look forward to from Rob in the next couple of weeks.”

Grube, while excited for his individual prospects, is also confident that the No. 2 Cardinal can bring together its efforts for an excellent finish.

“The tournament is so close,” he said. “We have a tough work schedule this week, but I liken this practice right now to cramming for an exam. A student is not going to get it the night before, just like the team won’t become legendary golfers the week before a tournament. Even though our season’s results aren’t factored into who will be the NCAA champion, we will carry a lot of confidence going into the tournament because it will be a culmination of a year’s worth of work.”