By William Stanton
As the golf season is nearing its end, so is Jacob Hanchett’s (’23) time here at Southern Virginia University. As one of his last tournaments, Hanchett will be participating in the USA South Conference Tournament in Spartanburg, South Carolina on April 24. I sat down with Hanchett to discuss his time at Southern Virginia and on the golf team, below are his answers.
How do you feel this season has gone for you?
This season has been a huge blessing for me. It’s bittersweet because it’s my last season as a college golfer. I crave competitive golf and the atmosphere that surrounds it. I’ve been the most determined this season to play my best and give it my all in practice every day. I want to leave my mark at SVU on a high note and I feel like I’m accomplishing that. All my years of practice and playing the game I love [that it] is really starting to pay off. I started playing when I was 4 and I’ve been playing competitively since I was 8. Thousands of hours of practice, sweat, and tears for sure but it’s all worth it. 3 top 5’s in a row is a huge accomplishment for me and I’m super proud of that!
Do you feel you played to the best of your abilities?
So far this season, I do feel [like] I’ve been playing to the best I can each tournament. Of course there will be bad shots [but] that’s a part of golf. I pride myself on my effort and grit. When I hit a bad shot, I found [it] even harder to make my next one the best. Golfers always feel like they can get more out of a round because of an imperfect game. I know I’m continuing to get better each day. I know that I am capable of shooting under par on 18 holes.
What have you been doing to prepare for the championship?
I’ve been practicing every day and trying to work on my craft and get better. I usually practice for about 3–4 hours a day, roughly. I work really hard on my short game trying to get the feel of my wedges and be extremely comfortable as well as my putting. When those two parts of my game are on, it’s really fun to watch.
How are you feeling about the competition in your conference?
The competition in our conference is great! There are a few teams in the top 10 in the country which is perfect. I love to test my abilities against the best in DIII. I know I belong with the best in the country and I believe that!
Are you the first golfer at Southern Virginia to finish top 5 in 3 of 3 events?
I don’t know if I’m the first to ever do that, but it is a rarity to play that consistently. Golf is extremely difficult to play solid and consistent every round and I’m very proud of that accomplishment. I’ll have to talk with my coach to confirm if I’m the first though.
What was your favorite thing about Southern Virginia?
My favorite thing about SVU has been my finance classes with Professor Brotherson. He’s one of only three of my Professors in my total school experience to take a serious interest in life as a student, golf, and outside of it all. I came to SVU to meet him. He’s been a great mentor for me and someone who I respect deeply. He makes class interesting, challenging, but most importantly, applicable to everyday life. I haven’t felt that way with my SVU experience overall. I also feel the golf team doesn’t get as much respect from the school and media. I get we are a lower generating revenue sport, but we have serious talent on the team and when my teammates or I play well, I firmly believe we deserve to be celebrated for our achievements because of the dedication we put into the sport.
Most memorable golf moment?
I’d say shooting 68 (-4) at my home course The 500 Club back in Arizona over winter break. I got to play with my uncle and dad! It was bittersweet to have a breakthrough like that. I shot 68 (-2) at Silverado CC the week prior and that was my first time ever shooting under par for 18. It helped me to believe more in my own abilities to go out and play really good golf.
What are you most excited about after graduation?
I have a job lined up as a financial advisor for a company called Equitable Advisors in Scottsdale, Arizona! I will be living at home for a few months back in Peoria, Arizona to save up some money to get my own place. I’m excited to show the world who I am and what I’m capable of. I’m going to take my lessons on the course to help propel me into the real world. I’m also looking forward to keeping golf a focus in my life. I’m hoping to find clients who are golfers to where I can go play golf and make business deals on the course. I know this next stage in my life will be the most difficult thing I’ve ever faced but I’m more motivated and driven than I’ve ever been in my life. I crave success and achievement! I can’t wait to chase my dreams!
Are there any big stories to keep a close eye on?
I would just say there are three of us graduating seniors this semester. Me, Cam, and Jarrett. Seeing what we can do in conference will be huge. If we play our very best and win this tournament, we have a potential to get a chance to play in the National Championship as a team. Me, Brogan, and Michael, if we play well in the next tournament and conference, we also could have a chance to get a National bid as individuals as well.
Make sure to pay attention to the men’s golf team as they compete for a conference championship!
Senior Student-Athlete Highlight: Jacob Hanchett was originally published in The Herald on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.