This week, we turn our spotlight to Noah Naugle, a talented 17-year-old golfer from Nixa, Missouri. Noah calls Hickory Hills Country Club his home course and is set to begin his senior year at Nixa High School this fall.
Noah’s journey with the MGA has been filled with memorable moments and significant achievements. His favorite event is the Missouri Amateur Championship. In 2024, he competed in his second Missouri Amateur Championship, with his first being the 2023 championship at Payne’s Valley.
Noah Naugle prepares to tee off during the second round of the Missouri Amateur Championship on June 26, 2024.
“I love it because of all the different ages and people from around Missouri,” Noah said. “The MGA brings people together around the state, so I’ve definitely made a lot of friends and connections through Missouri golf.”
In 2024, Noah’s accomplishments have been impressive. He won the Missouri Amateur Qualifier at Twin Oaks Country Club with a score of 5-under, 66, and claimed the Kansas City Classic Champion title after a playoff at Paradise Pointe Golf Club. During the 2024 Missouri Amateur Championship at St. Joseph Country Club, Noah made the cut for match play and advanced to the round of 16, ultimately losing to the eventual runner-up. Additionally, he finished tied for fourth at the 2024 Junior Amateur Championship at Crown Pointe Golf Club with a gross score of 7-under, 137.
Noah Naugle tees off during the Round of 16 at the Missouri Amateur Championship on June 28, 2024.
“Golf has definitely been a huge part of my life. I started playing when I was four or five. It teaches you a lot, and it’s been a lot of growing, but it’s also just been fun,” Noah shared.
His biggest life lesson learned through golf? Perseverance.
“Golf is hard a lot of the time, and you just have to keep going and keep playing,” he added.
Noah’s high school golf coach, Jeff Lotz, has seen Noah’s growth firsthand.
“I have a vivid memory of Noah’s first tee shot on his first day of tryouts. We knew Noah was a good player, and his teammates and I were watching with anticipation. He didn’t disappoint,” Lotz recalled. “He elevated his teammates’ game and they knew he would have an immediate impact on our team score. Our team instantly became more competitive.”
Lotz also highlights Noah’s character and camaraderie with his teammates, noting how his positive attitude and sense of humor have fostered a strong sense of unity and friendship within the team.
Noah Naugle reacts to his tee shot during the final round of the Junior Amateur Championship on July 10, 2024.
“Noah is a good teammate. He has adjusted very well to the team aspect of golf. He and his teammates are constantly digging at each other and having fun,” Lotz said. “He is obviously very focused while on the course but still enjoyable to play with.”
Reflecting on a memorable experience, Lotz shared his experience to caddying for Noah during the 2024 Missouri Amateur Championship.
“It was a great experience. It’s always fun to watch good golf. I was very proud of the way Noah handled adversity on several occasions,” Lotz said. “It took the second-place finisher to knock Noah out of the tournament, and I’m very proud of Noah for battling with the best in Missouri and finishing strong.”
When Noah isn’t on the golf course, he enjoys playing guitar and practicing yoga. His dream golf course to play is Cypress Point because “it’s super exclusive and right on the ocean.”
Noah Naugle tees off at the Junior Match Play Championship on June 11, 2024.
Looking ahead, Noah plans to continue playing in MGA events and hopes to play golf in college, preferably somewhere in the South. With his dedication and talent, there’s no doubt that Noah will continue to make waves in the golfing world.
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Ella Fixsen
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