The world of golf is currently witnessing an incredible tale of determination and strength, with India playing a significant role in this unfolding narrative.
Event Context
After nearly seven years away from high-level golf, Las Vegas native Jhared Hack sought to revive his career. However, failing to progress past the second stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying School last year left him feeling that opportunities were slipping away once more.
On a chilly December night in Las Vegas, Hack devised his plan for redemption, sharing his ambitions with his wife, Tara Hack, in what must have sounded like a scene from ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’
At the beginning of 2023, Hack landed in New Delhi ranked World No. 3435, a reflection of minimal points accumulated in the Official World Golf Ranking’s two-year cycle. Yet, an impressive performance followed; he secured victory at the second stage of the PGTI Q School in Ahmedabad and finished as runner-up in the final stage, ensuring his full membership.
But Hack’s journey was just beginning. Following his success in Ahmedabad, he made his way to New Raipur and recorded a remarkable 59 in the final round of the SECL Chhattisgarh Open, granting him his first professional victory in an OWGR-approved tournament.
As a young golfer, Hack had already made waves by defeating then-World No. 1 amateur Rickie Fowler in the quarter-finals and Dustin Johnson in the semi-finals during the 2007 Western Amateur, a prestigious amateur tournament, joining the ranks of golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson on the trophy.
He is no stranger to breaking records; in August 2021, he achieved a stunning 15-under par 57, setting the course record at Las Vegas Golf Club despite having one bogey on the 17th hole.
Looking ahead, Hack is excited to compete in the $4 million DP World India Championship in New Delhi this October, with plans to participate in additional PGTI events depending on his schedule.
Reflecting on the significance of India and Indian golf in his journey, Hack stated, “Just before COVID, I missed qualifying for the Canadian Tour by a shot, which reignited my passion. Meeting coach Chris Trunzer in Vancouver led me to sports psychologist Dr. Nick Molinaro, and that experience in the summer of 2021 fundamentally changed my life. It involved developing life skills that extended beyond golf, making daily life more manageable. Following that, I finished second in the Wyoming Open and won the Arizona Open by focusing on my mental approach and technique, like nurturing a growing tree.”
To aspiring Indian golfers, Hack advises, “I encourage those playing in the PGTI or elsewhere to remember that the golf ball and your clubs are indifferent to your location. Your experience, be it comfortable or uncomfortable, is entirely in your hands. Enjoy the game, embrace the opportunity to travel the world, and maintain your commitment to the sport.”
Player Focus
“I shared with her my intention to travel to India and seek qualification for the PGTI. If I performed well in the initial half of the season, I’d have the opportunity to advance to the HotelPlanner Tour, which could eventually lead to the DP World Tour. That was my vision—my dream,” recalled Hack, a former competitor on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Hack’s journey in 2026 serves as powerful testament to the effectiveness of manifesting one’s goals.
“After not qualifying for Q School, Dom encouraged me to head to India, assuring me, ‘It’s not as daunting as people claim. You’re an experienced traveler… we’ll ensure you stay healthy. The players are friendly, the courses are excellent, and there’s a clear path to the DP World Tour.’
“I often thought of success stories like Brooks (Koepka) and Peter (Uihlein), who garnered impressive achievements through the HotelPlanner Tour.
“Reflecting on a particular conversation with my wife about my aspirations makes all this even more remarkable. Typically, plans don’t always unfold as envisioned, so it’s truly special that we discussed our goals, made plans, and found ourselves with these opportunities to seize.”
“What struck me most during my time in India is the overwhelming kindness and selflessness of everyone—from fellow players to pro-am partners. Many times when we struggled to get an Uber, people would kindly summon their chauffeurs and offer us rides. I’ve definitely forged friendships that will last a lifetime.
“It’s a significant opportunity, and sadly, many players from the U.S. hesitate to venture out and take the chance. However, those who do will gain new perspectives. Stepping outside their comfort zone will prove beneficial.”
Team Analysis
Hack secured a top-10 finish in all five events he participated in on the PGTI, notably achieving a tied second place at the DP World-PGTI Open, which was co-sanctioned with the HotelPlanner Tour. This impressive performance earned him a spot in the Italian Challenge Open, where he finished tied for ninth. Following this event, he continued his success in Catalunya, collecting another top-10 finish that led him to qualify for the Danish Golf Challenge.
Currently, Hack ranks second in the DP World-PGTI Order of Merit, and importantly, he is positioned 10th on the HotelPlanner Tour’s Road to Mallorca. With sufficient points accumulated, he has already secured his HotelPlanner Tour card for 2027. If he maintains a spot within the top-15 on the Road to Mallorca, he stands a strong chance of advancing to the DP World Tour.
In a remarkable ascent, Hack has climbed to No. 585 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) — an astounding increase of 2,850 spots in just six months!
Much of this success can be attributed to the ‘India idea’ introduced by his close friend, Dominic Piccirillo, another American who earned a card on the PGTI in 2024. They forged a friendship while competing in mini-tour events across various lesser-known American venues.
Prior to his breakthrough, Hack was earning a decent living caddying at the prestigious Shadow Creek course, one of the world’s most exclusive golf venues, where green fees exceed $1,000 (INR 95,725). His expertise on the course was utilized by members of the Backstreet Boys and other renowned personalities from the sports and entertainment industry.
However, both Hack and Dom recognized that he was not fully realizing his potential by working there.
Match Outlook
Hack expressed his initial anxiety boarding the flight, with concerns about the long journey and the potential outcome of the Q school. However, upon arriving in India, he found solace on the golf course. “Everything in India moves at such a fast pace. I wouldn’t be comfortable driving there, but once I stepped onto the course, I felt a peacefulness wash over me. This is where I belong; I can relax and perform,” he shared.
Hack praised the PGTI, noting the outstanding management, quality courses, and the enthusiastic atmosphere. He specifically highlighted the new team format ’72 The League’, stating that it pushed him out of his comfort zone and made him feel more nervous than he had on previous outings, but he thoroughly enjoyed the experience over the 15 days he participated.
Regarding Indian golfers, Hack remarked on the distinct and diverse swings he observed, many of which are locally developed. Despite the variation in technique, he noted that every player he encountered had their own method of getting the ball in the hole. “That’s what really matters in golf. Some of my friends from the United States could learn that it doesn’t always have to look perfect; it just needs to be effective. There’s a rich sense of ‘feel’ among Indian golfers,” he stated.
Reflecting on his journey, Hack admitted that after playing 21 consecutive weeks on the Korn Ferry and Canadian Tour in 2018, he began to resent the sport. “I lost my passion; it felt more like a survival game than a pursuit of enjoyment.”
