Golfweek

By ASHER WILDMAN
Golfweek Staff

College golf’s spring season began this week with the news that Jhared Hack’s collegiate career already was over.

Hack, winner of last summer’s prestigious Western Amateur, has decided to turn professional midway through his freshman year at Central Florida.

“Everyone told me that you have to go to college. I tried it, but it was just not the best place for me to groom my game,” Hack said.

Hack, a former AJGA first-team All-American, was No. 34 in the Golfweek/Sagarin College rankings after the fall season. His best finish was a tie for sixth at the Prestige at PGA West.

He has signed with Vantage Sports Management.

Hack, of Sanford, Fla., won an event Jan. 20 on the Florida-based Moonlight Tour.

He said he hopes to play events on the European Challenge Tour this summer, and earn exemptions into PGA Tour and Nationwide events.

“I took it as a couple year plan,” said Hack, who plans to pursue a business-management degree online with Valencia Community College. “This will put me in a better position for my game. I didn’t do it to play PGA Tour events now but to get my feet wet for later on.”

Central Florida coach Nick Clinard said Hack broke the news to him last week.

“Obviously Jhared needs to do what’s best for him,” Clinard said. “I’m a little disappointed that he’s going to miss out on a college education, but he thinks he’s ready for the next level, and I wish him the best of luck.”


Posted: 1/29/2008

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