18 Holes 18 Questions: Matthew Hackett

September 7, 2023

GOLF NL

18 Holes! 18 QUESTIONS!

Name: Matthew Hackett

Grande Meadows Golf Course BIO:   Matthew Hackett is a 37 year old technology teacher at Marystown Central High School in Marystown. He and wife Kayla have two lovely girls, Brielle aged 7 and Taylor aged 4. Matthew enjoys spending time with his family as well as watching and playing most sports. His favourite sports teams include the Montreal Canadiens, New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Lakers while his favorite athletes of all time are Wayne Gretzky and Derek Jeter.

1.         What is your full name?

Matthew Michael William Hackett

2.         Where were you born?

Gander, NL

3.         Where do you live today?

Burin Bay Arm, NL

4.         What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A lot of people are surprised to know that I didn’t really start playing golf until I was in University. I used to play occasionally with friends in high school, however I didn’t really develop a passion for the game until my University years. I did not play any junior golf growing up, as I was involved in other activities such as soccer.

5.         Are you a member of a golf club and what club?

 Yes! I have been a member of Grande Meadows Golf Club since 2011. Although it is a 9 hole course, it can be quite challenging especially when the wind is up! Prior to that I had a student membership for 3 years at Pippy Park during my last few years in University.

6.         Who do you regularly play golf with?

            I enjoy playing golf with everybody. One of my favorite things about Grande Meadows is the Men’s Night golf on Thursdays, when you get an opportunity to play with other fellow members. It is a lot of fun! However on the weekends our regular group has myself, Paul Hartson, Perry Stone, and Sam Warren!

7.         What’s the favorite course you ever played?

On the island, it has to be Humber Valley. Out of the province, the Barrie Country Club in Ontario!

8.         What course would you like to play anywhere in the world?

 Augusta National!

9.         Where and when did you start golfing?

In high school(2000-2003) with some of my close friends at Grande Meadows.

10.       Can you (briefly) tell us your most memorable golf experience.

Winning my first Grande Meadows Club Championship in 2013.

11.       Can you (briefly) tell us your funniest golf experience.

There aren’t many times when we don’t have a few laughs on the golf course. The one that comes to mind was in the Invitational a few years ago. A good friend of mine and one I normally golf with, who knows his way around Grande Meadows better than anyone I should add, had a 4-putt on #3 during the tournament round. When he got into the clubhouse, he

was telling us about his adventure on #3 green. He said ‘Hackett, did you ever see me 4 putt on this course?” I replied with “No buddy, you always pick it up after 3!”

12.       What is your greatest golf accomplishment?

Being named Golf NL golfer of the year in 2014. That year I was part of the provincial team that attended the Men’s Mid-Amateur national championship in Barrie, ON.

13.       How do you like to relax?

Enjoying time with my wife and 2 kids. Going for a walk or just playing with them around the house.

14.       What is your favorite movie and/or book?

The Shawshank Redemption is definitely my favorite movie! I am not much into reading.

15.       What is your most treasured golf possession?

The ball I used during round 1 of the 2016 Grande Meadows Invitational where I tied the course record of 2 under, 70.

16.       What is your best/worst quality on the golf course?

I would like to think it’s my positive personality. No matter how the game is going, I want to have fun and enjoy the game with my fellow players and hope that they are enjoying it as well. My demeanor isn’t going to ruin someone else’s round. My worst quality if I had to say something then I’ll go with getting greedy sometimes, especially on the new #17(Back 9) tee at Grande Meadows. I’ve had some great rounds go south on that tee box.

17.       What three professional golfers would you like to join you at a dream dinner party?

 My 3 favorites of all time. Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas

18.       What is your best score ever?

In a tournament round, it’s 2 under 70. In a non-tournament round it is 5under 67.