Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Reid Hall earns shot at Class 4A state golf repeat

Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Reid Hall relies on his irons for a strong short game.

His driver provided distance with improved accuracy off the tee this season. The putter made him effective on the green. Add in passion and work ethic and it is no surprise he’s one of the state’s best golfers.

Hall acknowledged all the tools wouldn’t be the same without the assistance of his family. Parents Jaclyn and Rowdy, and his older brother, Gannon, have been a special part of his experience.

“I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at right now, if they weren’t always there to support me,” Hall said. “I, for sure, couldn’t do it without them.”

Hall’s effort afforded him a shot to defend his title at the Class 4A boys’ state golf tournament Friday and Saturday at Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny. Hall qualified as an individual and expected his parents to be right there with him every step of the way.

“It means a lot to have them always there to support me for my whole career,” said Hall, who is making his fourth state appearance, winning last season at Elmcrest Country Club and tying for 11th as a sophomore.

Golf has been a family affair for the Hall family. Hall has shared the sport with them. They loaded in the car to travel to tournaments near and far. You can find them at the course, following him during a round. Hall was teammates with his brother and grew up playing the game with him and family friend, Carter Vander Zee.

“They (my parents) pay for all tournaments that I’m in,” Hall said. “They help out with whatever they can to support my golf game, and they try to come to every tournament they can.

“We all have been golfing together for basically our whole careers since we were kids. We would be at the golf course practicing or playing every day, which is a really good thing just having someone to play with for fun in the summer. I wouldn’t be at the skill level I am now without them always being there to play or practice with.”

Hall will have a similar approach to a year ago, but the scenario is a little different. He isn’t lurking under the radar this time, but the stress of chasing a title doesn’t exist.

“I’ve already won one so I don’t really have pressure of winning another,” Hall said. “It’s just have fun, play my game and see what happens.

“Honestly, last year I came in as almost an underdog. I didn’t have a great season and there were a bunch of other great players in the field. I was just playing my game and had fun.”

Hall is one of Iowa’s top current golfers, playing in national and international events during the summer. Those competitions confirmed the level he can play and provide assurance in his ability.

“That is definitely a big help because I know I can play against some of the best in the country,” Hall said. “Going into the state tournament, I know I can compete with everybody. I know I’m one of the top guys in the state. It’s kind of a confidence boost, knowing I can compete.”

Kennedy Coach Mike Green said Hall has cleared the more stressful hurdle. More pressure can accompany qualifying at the district meet. Hall showed he can handle it, knocking down some key putts. He can play loose and relaxed with a spot in the field.

“He’s been anxious all year,” Green said. “He has just wanted to get there. It’s finally here and now he gets a chance to see if he can win another one.”

Hall claimed his third Mississippi Valley Conference divisional Player of the Year honor this season. He ranks third in 4A with a 36.13 combined adjusted average and 70.78 18-hole average.

“He’s been so consistent all year,” Green said. “He’s really not had a lot of bad rounds. He works so hard at it.”

Hall has focused on his technique to improve his long game to complement his iron play. He worked to improve the frequency of hitting fairways with his drives that routinely measure 280 to 290 yards. Hall can reach the 300-yard mark with a full swing and the wind at his back.

“I really focused on hitting the ball straight,” Hall said. “Accuracy off the tee with my driver. You have to be in the fairway for a chance to score. I’d say I have pretty good distance off the tee with the driver. I just need to control it. That has definitely helped me throughout the season.”

Hall will play his last two rounds as a Kennedy golfer during a bittersweet weekend. He has a chance to put a bow on a successful career and move on to college. Hall enjoyed his time, but this moment was inevitable.

“It’s starting to kick in a little bit,” Hall said. “Only two more rounds left. Thinking of going out there to have fun. It’s the last meet. Have no regrets and see what happens. Nothing much more I can do than that. It’s a sad thing but the time has come, I guess.”

Iowa high school Class 4A boys’ state golf

Where: Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny

When: First round on Friday, 10:30 a.m.; Second round on Saturday, 10 a.m.

Tickets: $10 per person each day

2022 team champion: Johnston

Team qualifiers: Ankeny, Ankeny Centennial, Cedar Rapids Xavier, Dubuque Wahlert, Iowa City High, Iowa City West, Johnston, Pleasant Valley, Southeast Polk, Waukee Northwest, West Des Moines Dowling, West Des Moines Valley

2022 individual medalist: Reid Hall, Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Other area individual qualifiers: Christian Cloyd, Linn-Mar, soph.; Reid Hall, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, sr.; Henry Sobaski, Cedar Rapids Prairie, fr.