Interview
CGN+ Player Highlight and Interview: Michael Hake’s Breakthrough Victory at James Madison
James Madison University senior Michael Hake earned his first collegiate individual championship at the 2026 ODU/OBX Intercollegiate, helping the Dukes secure their first team tournament victory since September 2023.
A native of Brentwood, Tennessee, Hake transferred to James Madison after two seasons at Kentucky. His development with the Dukes has included a significant improvement in scoring average, a program record for eagles and academic recognition.
In this interview, Hake discusses his junior golf career, transfer experience, improvements in his short game and the importance of staying composed under pressure.
Career Highlights
- 2026 ODU/OBX Intercollegiate individual champion
- Helped James Madison win the 2026 ODU/OBX Intercollegiate team championship
- Recorded a five under par 66 in the second round of the ODU/OBX Intercollegiate
- Tied James Madison’s single season record with six eagles in 2025 to 2026
- Posted a 72.42 stroke average during his first season at JMU
- Recorded 100 birdies and six eagles in 33 rounds during the 2025 to 2026 season
- Earned two top 10 finishes and six top 25 finishes in 2025 to 2026
- Named a 2026 GCAA All America Scholar
- Earned College Sports Communicators Academic All District honors
- Tied for third at the 2024 Cullan Brown Collegiate while competing for Kentucky
- Qualified for the 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship
- Won four Sneds Tour events in 2022
Collegiate Results Snapshot
2026 to 2027 Senior Season | James Madison
ODU/OBX Intercollegiate
- Won his first collegiate individual title at four under par, 209
- Recorded rounds of 71, 66 and 72
- Finished tied with Georgetown’s George McGlinn after 54 holes before securing the individual championship in a playoff
- Helped James Madison defeat Georgetown in a team playoff
- Led the Dukes to their first tournament championship since September 2023
2025 to 2026 | James Madison
- Competed in all 11 tournaments and 33 rounds
- Recorded a 72.42 stroke average, second best on the team
- Made 100 birdies, second most on the team
- Tied the program’s single season record with six eagles
- Posted a 4.6063 par 5 scoring average, fourth lowest in program history
- Recorded 17 rounds of par or better
- Earned two top 10 finishes and six top 25 finishes
Notable Tournament Results
- Whirlwind Invitational: Recorded a career best 54 hole score of eight under par, 208
- Donald Ross Collegiate: Tied for sixth
- Nemacolin Invitational: Tied for ninth at five under par, 211
2023 to 2025 | Kentucky
- Competed in 38 rounds over two seasons
- Recorded a 75.24 stroke average
- Tied for third at the 2024 Cullan Brown Collegiate
- Recorded a three under par 69 at the Steelwood Collegiate
- Transferred to James Madison following his sophomore season
Hake improved his stroke average by 2.82 strokes per round during his first season at James Madison compared with his two season average at Kentucky.
Interview Highlights with CGN+
Growing up in Tennessee
Hake began playing golf at a young age with encouragement from his father. Junior programs and camps at his home club helped him develop an early interest in the sport.
He also played soccer and basketball growing up before focusing on golf during high school.
Junior golf breakthrough
Hake explained that his tournament success developed later in high school. Qualifying for the 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur and winning four Sneds Tour events helped attract college recruiting interest.
He encouraged younger golfers to remain patient, noting that strong tournament performances can quickly create opportunities.
Experience at Kentucky
Hake spent his first two collegiate seasons at Kentucky, where he worked with coach Gator Todd on developing his fundamentals and learning to compete at the collegiate level.
Although he struggled with consistency and securing a regular lineup position, he credited his time at Kentucky with establishing a foundation for his later improvement.
Transferring to James Madison
Hake entered the transfer portal seeking an opportunity to compete more regularly. He already knew several James Madison players and believed the program offered a supportive environment.
He earned playing opportunities early in his first season with the Dukes and developed greater confidence through consistent tournament experience.
Improving his short game
Hake identified wedge play and his short game as major areas of improvement.
After struggling with costly mistakes during his first two collegiate seasons, he worked with coaches to improve his execution and decision making around the greens.
He credited those improvements with helping lower his scoring average at James Madison.
Developing mental composure
Hake discussed learning to manage frustration and focus on the next shot rather than dwelling on mistakes.
He credited the James Madison coaching staff with challenging him to remain composed, particularly as a senior setting an example for younger teammates.
Family support
Hake expressed appreciation for his parents and sister, Holly, who have supported him throughout his golf career.
He emphasized the importance of having family support through both successful and difficult periods of competition.
Winning the ODU/OBX Intercollegiate
Hake entered the tournament after missing James Madison’s previous two events.
He explained that improved approach play complemented his driving and putting during the tournament, particularly in the second round when he recorded a five under par 66 in windy conditions.
Hake finished tied with Georgetown’s George McGlinn at four under par, sending both the individual and team championships into a playoff.
He emphasized that winning the team title was his primary focus. James Madison secured both championships, giving Hake his first collegiate individual victory.
Building confidence for the spring
Hake believes the tournament victory gives James Madison confidence heading into the spring season.
After experiencing a disappointing finish at the previous conference championship, he hopes the Dukes can build on their fall success and contend for a conference title.
Looking ahead to a potential fifth year
Hake discussed the possibility of continuing his collegiate golf career for a fifth year.
Because of graduate school requirements, he does not expect to remain at James Madison for another season. He plans to explore opportunities through the transfer portal and evaluate his options in May 2027.
