As the final strokes get tallied at the 2023 NCHSAA 4A Men’s Golf State Championship, Green Hope Golf lost to Pinecrest by two strokes, giving them second place in the state for the second straight year. Jake Lewis (‘24), who finished fifth individually among golfers who are returning this year, committed to the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) over the summer. He sat down with the GH Falcon to discuss his journey to being a D1 commit.
When did you begin playing golf competitively?
I began playing competitively in March of 2020, but because of COVID, I was only able to play one tournament before the pandemic shut down. Luckily I was still able to practice outside because golf is an outside sport.
What did your golf schedule look like over the summer?
Usually, I would go to the driving range and then work on my putting after. I would train at Prestonwood and normally play nine or 18 holes two times a week. In total, I was typically training 20-25 hours a week.
How did your recruiting process go?
I emailed a lot of different coaches from different schools, and that helped me to figure out what schools would be best for me. After that, coaches would come and watch me at tournaments outside of high school competitions.
What made you choose UNCG?
I liked that they had a really good golf program and also liked the way their program is set up. The coaches have been there for a while, and they recruit mostly out of North Carolina. I also know the other three recruits in my class and think it will be a great experience. Also, before my commitment, I was able to play at their course.
What are you looking forward to for the rest of the high school season?
I’m excited to give it one more shot at winning a state championship. I think we have the ability to win it as a team, and I also think that I have a chance to win the individual championship.
Following Green Hope’s runner-up finish at the state championship last spring, Lewis is confident in the Falcon’s ability to win the championship. After Lewis’ high school career, he will continue his excellence for the UNCG Spartans golf team.
