All-Region Golfer of the Year: Jade Haylock, Leavitt

Leavitt junior Jade Haylock made quite a splash this high school golf season, dominating the course with an impressive nine-hole average score of 37 and securing her third consecutive Class B individual girls state championship. Unsurprisingly, she’s been named the Sun Journal All-Region Golfer of the Year for the second year in a row.

In her own words, Haylock described her game coming together as the season progressed, attributing her success to her newfound joy for the sport and a dedicated practice routine with her friends. Her contagious positivity and eagerness to improve were reflected in her consistent low scores throughout the season, bolstering her confidence with each successive tournament.

Haylock’s impressive performance included securing the low medal in nine out of the Hornets’ 11 regular season matches, marking a remarkable two-stroke improvement from her previous season’s scoring average. Speaking of her transformation, Haylock highlighted her increased driving distance and time spent strengthening in the gym, which enabled her to add more shot types to her repertoire, such as the knockdown shot, offering greater control over the ball’s flight.

Crediting her father and coach, Harry Haylock, for guiding her to think strategically on the course, Jade reflected on the significant strides she made in understanding and engaging with the game at a higher level, both during tournaments and in practice.

Though confronting the departure of key team members from the previous year’s state championship team, Jade took on the responsibility of cultivating the newcomers’ interest and passion for the sport, relishing the opportunity to share her knowledge and skills with her teammates.

Despite acknowledging the challenges her team faced, Haylock maintained a level-headed approach, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the game and focusing on her personal performance without succumbing to undue pressure.

Her pursuit of excellence was on full display during the KVAC qualifier, with an astounding 5-under-par 67 that showcased her unwavering resolve and composure, despite a rocky start. Although her team narrowly missed securing a spot in the state championship, Haylock rebounded with a commendable 1-over 73 to clinch her third consecutive individual state title.

While navigating the pressures of the New England Interscholastic Boys and Girls Golf Championships, Haylock embraced the valuable lessons learned from the experience, recognizing the importance of refining her skills in high-stakes competitions and adapting to the unpredictable nature of the game.

This seasoned golfer’s impressive journey and unwavering dedication have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the golfing landscape, solidifying her status as a true standout in the sport.

Keywords: high school golf, individual state championship, golf season, low scores, driving distance, strategic thinking, perseverance, unwavering dedication