Hakala Claims New Hampshire State Amateur Title, Eyes Future PGA Tour Bid
A confident performance and a crucial exemption into next month’s U.S. Amateur highlight the weekend victory for Josiah Hakala, solidifying his ambitions for a professional golf career. The 18-year-old defeated Ryan Scollins 2-and-1 in the finals of the 122nd New Hampshire State Amateur Golf Championship on Saturday at Rochester Country Club, marking a significant step toward his ultimate goal.
Hakala’s long-term aspirations are clear. “My ultimate goal is to play on the PGA Tour and play for majors,” he stated. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do, but you’ve got to work your way up in little steps. It’s another step today.” The victory at Rochester Country Club not only brings prestige but also an exemption into the prestigious U.S. Amateur, where he will compete against the nation’s top amateur golfers at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.
Dominating Performance and a History of Success
This win is the latest in a string of impressive achievements for the young golfer. Earlier this year, Hakala secured his fourth consecutive high school individual title in Division IV – a feat unprecedented in New Hampshire golf history, regardless of class. He previously reached the semifinals of last year’s State Amateur, a learning experience he readily acknowledged. “I learned a lot from that and used a lot of that experience from last year today,” Hakala explained. He also contributed to two Division IV state golf titles for Mascenic Regional High School.
The final match against Scollins was a testament to Hakala’s resilience. Despite a challenging start, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround during the opening 18 holes. Trailing by two holes, Hakala won four holes in a span of five, fueled by three birdies and a par, seizing a 2-up lead. “I played some nice golf on that stretch,” he said. “To have any kind of cushion going into the second 18 was awesome.”
A Decisive Swing and a Respectful Rivalry
Hakala effectively closed out the match by parring the next-to-last hole of the 36-hole event. “Any time you can end before 18 is great,” he noted, adding that securing a 2-up advantage with two holes remaining was “ideal.” The turning point, he emphasized, was the momentum shift late in the first round.
The match was characterized by a high level of play and mutual respect between the two competitors. Scollins, a rising junior at Holy Cross, acknowledged Hakala’s skill. “He doesn’t miss shots. You can’t expect him to miss anything,” Scollins said of his friend and opponent. While Scollins mounted a challenge during the afternoon 18, briefly pulling within one hole, a bogey on the 34th ultimately sealed his fate.
Maintaining Focus Under Pressure
Hakala’s ability to maintain composure and execute under pressure proved crucial. “You can’t back off,” he asserted. “You can’t let up anything. You’ve got to keep your foot on the throttle, and I felt like I did that really well. … I really felt like I didn’t miss a shot with my irons coming down the stretch and really liked the way I was hitting them under the pressure.” This unwavering focus, combined with his exceptional talent, positions Hakala for continued success as he pursues his dream of a career on the PGA Tour.
