Catching Up With USNJT Member Chase Hughes

Chase Hughes, of Oklahoma City, Okla., is in his first year as a member of the U.S. National Junior Team. A sophomore at Epic Charter School, Hughes is one of two 16-year-olds on the USNJT roster this year. He went 2-1 in the USNJT vs. Sweden match at The Vaquero Club outside of Dallas in April. He also was a 2025 second-team Rolex Junior All-American. On the course, he claimed the 2025 K.J. Choi Foundation Texas Junior Championship and reached the Round of 32 at the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur.

What was the reaction when you got selected for the U.S. National Junior Team? Who was the first person you told?

Hughes: “I told one of my friends at my local golf course where I was. It was insane, I was so happy. I’d been wanting to be on this team for a long time, so to get that call [from Coach Zambri] was special.”

As one of the youngest player on the team, what have you learned from the more senior players on the team?

Hughes: “Watching the rest of the team practice on the range is insane. It was incredible to watch how straight and solid everyone hits it, It is really impressive and something I’m trying to learn from.”

What would you say is the strongest part of your game, and what is the biggest thing you’re trying to work on this summer?

Hughes: “I would say my long irons are the biggest strength of my game right now. One area that could use work is putting. I’m not a very good putter, so that would be the thing I’m trying to work on this summer the most as I practice.”

How has competing with the other top-level juniors on the USNJT improved your game?

Hughes: “It’s changed a lot with how I approach my practice. Simply watching them play changes the way I view the game. Seeing how everyone picks their targets and how they hit their shots just influences the way I think about golf.”

What is it like representing the USA and having a national development program in this country?

Hughes: “It feels amazing to represent the USA. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of -- playing in [future] Ryder Cups and playing in other international events -- this just feels unreal.”

What are your golf goals for this summer?

Hughes: “I’d like to win an AJGA Invitational or some other notable tournament of that nature.”

Who is your favorite golfer and how have they influenced your game?

Hughes: “I’d say Rory McIlroy. We both hit a slight draw, and I really admire the way he plays the game.”