Hacker set to lead Huskies as an eighth grader
Owatonna’s Jaxn-Hacker smiles for a photo with his junior tour medal. Hacker took over as the Huskies’ boys team’s No. 1 golfer as a seventh grader last year in his first varsity season. Photo courtesy Chad Hacker
Owatonna eighth grader Jaxn Hacker got the call up to play varsity golf as a seventh grader in 2025 and he wasted no time turning heads with his play.
Hacker parlayed his big opportunity into a team MVP caliber season and took over as the team’s No. 1 golfer, with his best round being a 74 (three over par) at Owatonna Country Club.
“I knew on the first hole. I played it pretty well. I hit my drive down the middle, hit it to 10 feet and then two-putted. Everything felt good that hole,” said Hacker on the start of his varsity career-best round.
Despite his initial success, he did not step into his role as the team’s No. 1 option right away – that had to be earned.
“My first meet was in Decorah, Iowa and I remember it being really cold,” he said with a laugh. “It was different with all the older kids… I started as the No. 4. I had to work my way up.”
However, after stacking multiple exceptional rounds, it was apparent that the team’s newest member was already ready for the biggest challenge.
“He worked his way up to consistently being our number 1 golfer last season as a 7th grader… We are expecting Jaxn to continue improving and push for a state tournament berth this year,” said Owatonna head coach Josh Woodrich.
According to Hacker, proper preparation was the key to his immediate success.
The avid golfer credited his time spent at the range as a difference maker in developing his game so quickly.
His rise to the Huskies’ No. 1 role has been rapid, but his love for the game has been apparent for a long time now.
“I’ve been golfing pretty much since I started walking. My dad, [Chad], got me into it… I started at Owatonna County Club. There’s been so many ups and downs over the years, but I just eventually got better and better,” said Hacker.
According to him, his short game – specifically his chipping and putting – are his two biggest weapons on the course.
However, when asked about his favorite club, he said his low irons and driver are the ones he enjoys most.
“I just love practicing and the feeling of hitting a perfect shot. You just keep wanting to do it,” said Hacker.