Jason Hak: The Next Tiger Woods?

On Friday, 14-year-old Jason Hak became the youngest player ever to make the cut in a European Tour event. 

Hak, who was born in Hong Kong but now makes his home in Lake Mary, Florida, shot an even par 70 in each of his first two rounds to make the 36-hole cut which was set at 140. 

Prior to Hak making the cut at the Hong Kong Open, Sergio Garcia was the youngest player to have ever made the cut at a European Tour event when he made the 36-hole cut at the Turespana Open Mediterrania in Valencia, Spain, back in 1995. 

Hak, who stands a slim 6 feet tall, birdied the 17th and 18th holes on Friday to move within the cut line.

After sinking a ten-foot birdie putt on the 18^thhole, Hak began pumping his first in an act clearly reminiscent of his idol, Tiger Woods.

Hak has won several junior events but making the cut in a professional event is without question his biggest accomplishment to date.

However, making the cut at the Hong Kong Open could prove to be either a positive or negative event for the youngster.

By making the cut Hak will no longer be able to fly under the radar.  The press is onto him and is already touting him as golf’s next phenom.  Similar to what Tiger Woods faced as a junior golfer, Hak is now likely be trailed by the press at every big junior golf tournament he attends.

But Hak’s performance at the Hong Kong Open could also provide him with a confidence from which to build upon in the coming years.

Jason Hak obviously has a long winding road ahead of him on his way to becoming golf’s next big thing.

Hak clearly has an abundance of talent which at least sets him down right path.  But, as we all know, pure talent is just one of many attributes that make up a great golfer.  Confidence, mental strength, and intelligent course management also play major roles.

Hak has many years ahead of him to continue developing his game both physically and mentally. 

Who knows, maybe one day we will say Jason Hak walking the PGA Tour fairways with his idol, Tiger Woods.