Student-athlete of the Week: Jack Hoover

Niwot golfer Jack Hoover is the Left Hand Valley Courier Student-Athlete of the Week.

Hoover, the Cougars’ number-one player this season, led Niwot to a top-ten finish at the Greeley West Spartan Invitational on Aug. 14. With an eagle on the par-5 fourth hole, the junior carded a 78 (+7), and ended the day tied for sixth place overall. In Niwot’s season-opening tournament in Loveland Aug. 10, he was +4 through eight holes when play was stopped due to severe weather.

Niwot head coach Ed Weaver said Hoover brings much-needed “consistency” to the roster, and expects him to qualify for the Class 4A state tournament in October.

Hoover has been playing golf competitively only since 2015, when he and brother Sam (who currently plays in the #3 spot for the Cougars) joined the Estes Park junior golf program at the urging of a friend. They’ve been hooked on the sport ever since.

“Estes has a great program,” he said. “It’s affordable, it teaches etiquette. It’s a great way to start learning.”

Hoover joined the Niwot golf team as a sophomore last year, playing mostly in the #4 and #5 spots. His best round last season was at the Grizzly Invitational in Greeley, where his 78 (+8) was good for ninth place overall. He finished 59th in last year’s state tournament in Carbondale

In the off-season, Hoover tries to get onto the course “as much as I can.” Over the summer, he played or practiced three to four times per week, mostly at Fox Hill Country Club, where he works part-time. He also competed in a few local junior golf tournaments.

When he’s not chasing a little white ball around, Hoover enjoys playing ultimate Frisbee and teasing his brother about their rivalry. He attends homeschool classes, and his favorite subject is math. After graduation, Hoover would like to both play and study golf in college, with hopes of a future career in the golf industry.

For now, however, Hoover is content to keep his focus on golf, golf and more golf.

“I’m blessed by a great family, and the ability to get out and play every day,” he said in conclusion. “I thank God for that.”