Jack Hughes '19 Recruiting Profile

What sets me apart from other successful high school golfers?  I can adapt and succeed in any environment.  

I have 8 years of competitive experience playing in many areas of the country—including more extensive experience on the Colorado mountain courses, the Arizona desert courses, the Hilton Head Island courses, and a wide range of Florida courses.  I am not only a strong student academically, but a committed student of the game.  I believe that practice and preparation make all the difference.  My coaches would tell you I am genuinely self-motivated, a leader by example, and always working to be the best player I can be.  Players respect my dedication, work ethic, and integrity. 

I was born in Colorado and started playing golf through my local course and the Aspen Junior Golf program, in preschool. My family moved to Arizona where I began competing in tournaments at age 9. I played golf competitively in Arizona until I was 13 and then we moved back to Colorado. I was Player of the Year in the Junior circuits I played in Colorado at ages 13 and 14. 

I played my Freshman and Sophomore year at Aspen High School (3A) earning All-Conference and qualifying for Regionals and States both years. After the first semester of my sophomore year, I decided that if I was going to be serious about playing golf, I would need to be in a climate that allowed me to play year-round.  I was fortunate enough to transfer to the International Junior Golf Academy and Heritage Academy in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where I was able to keep practicing and learning.

While at the IJGA, I competed in the east coast junior circuits.  I focused on training physically in the gym, mentally on the course, and daily on the details of my golf game. In just 4 short months, I increased my swing speed 11 MPH, grew 5 inches, and gained 15 pounds.  I returned to Colorado with a successful summer finishing T3 at the Junior PGA Championship Section Qualifier, 6th at the Colorado Junior Amateur Championship, 10th at AJGA Junior All-Star at Hunter Ranch, a win at RMJGT - Summer Open at Hyland Hills and 2nd at JGAC - Western Junior Championship.

My junior year, I returned to the east coast to a rigorous academic year at Monteverde Academy and Bishop's Gate Golf Academy.  An academy day started with a 5:30 AM wake up call, rigorous academics at a private boarding school from 8:00-1:00, Performance Training three times per week, and of course practice, practice, practice 5 hours a day.  I was surrounded by students and players from all over the world and was named "Ambassador", a student leadership role, to represent my house for the academy. It was not the "typical" life of a high schooler, but I thrived in this environment and enjoyed the rigor, challenge, and commitment it took to succeed.

We made some substantial changes to my swing that took me from the "little guy" coming out of my shoes to hit it far enough to a more steady, consistent swing as I have come in to my new-found height!  While in Florida, I finished 2nd at IJGT - Faldo Series Florida Championship (69-71), 3rd at IJGT - Orange Lake Open (76-76), and 13th in a tough field at IJGT - Bridgestone Golf Tournament of Champions (74-77-75).

I finished 10th at  AJGA Hale Irwin Colorado Junior and came back with an even final round to finish 14 at 2018 Junior PGA Championship Section Qualifier - Colorado.

As much as I have enjoyed the 24/7 golf experience at the golf academy, with only one year left to before college, I decided to return home to Colorado and Aspen High School to spend my last year at home with my twin brother and parents.

With my  successful junior career, I am confident that I will be a strong asset to a college team as I know my work ethic makes me stronger, smarter, and more successful every day.  I love to play, compete, and all of the camaraderie that goes along with it.  

I am excited about what lies ahead!