North Rock Creek’s Jake Hacker
North Rock Creek sophomore golfer Jake Hacker has already developed a mature perspective on the game he loves, shaped by family, faith and a growing confidence in his skills.
Hacker traces his passion for golf back to his grandfather, Bob Peters, who first put a club in his hands and remains his biggest inspiration. “My inspiration to play golf is my Grandpa Bob Peters, he’s who got me started and my goal is for him to see me succeed at the sport he taught me,” Hacker said. That bond carries onto the course, where his best round, a 73, came while playing with his grandfather. “Golf’s a really up and down game and that day I was on the upside,” he said.
Now in his sophomore year at North Rock Creek High School, Hacker has become a reliable 70s scorer thanks to improved iron play. “The most improved area of my game has been my iron play which has helped propel me to be a more consistent 70s golfer,” he said. His favorite club, though, is the putter, a choice he credits to some veteran advice. “All these old guys I play with say drive for show, putt for dough and it’s something I feel confident in,” Hacker said.
Hacker’s competitive mindset is grounded in his Christian faith. He leans on Psalms 23:4 during tough rounds, reminding himself that even in the hardest moments on the course, God is with him and gives him courage. “That’s something that I think of when I’m struggling in a round,” he said. He also looks up to PGA Tour star Scottie Scheffler for the way he lives out his beliefs. “I love the way he glorifies the Lord after every win and he’s a humble human being, a good role model for all,” Hacker said. “Scottie is the symbol of how I wanna be as a man when I’m older.”
Away from golf, Hacker enjoys hunting, fishing, football and basketball, where his favorite teacher and coach, Austin Guinn, has made an impact. On the course, he loves the challenge of Shawnee Country Club, a layout he says forces players to think and “play smart golf,” preparing him for big tournament moments.
Most of all, Hacker values the bond he shares with his North Rock Creek teammates. “We’re really close as a team and I don’t have any brothers and my team makes me feel like I have a big family of brothers,” he said.
