Hestwood earns City Golf Championship in marathon match

In a case of father knows best, Jackson golfer Riley Hestwood may have his father to partly thank for winning the Jackson City Golf Championship Saturday at the Country Club of Jackson.

After playing six match-play matches in the last week, Hestwood was finding the second 18 a grind in the 36-hole championship.

With seven holes remaining in a tight match, Hestwood’s father took over caddying duties for the lefty and Riley responded with a 1 up win over Bret Valkuchak.

It is the third major championship for Hestwood in Jackson County having won the Spring Thaw in 2020, the Jackson Masters in 2024, and the City Championship in 2026.

Hestwood was getting a little slow physically and maybe mentally heading into the back nine.

“The second 18 (of a 36-hole championship match) is a grind,” Hestwood said. “It was nice to have a familiar face watching me play.”

Hestwood and Valkuchak started hot on the front nine of the opening round as Hestwood shot a 33 and Valkuchak carded a 35.

Hestwood had a 3 up lead with two holes remaining in the morning 18 before Valkuchak won 17 and 18. Hestwood was 1 up after 18 holes.

“My speed on the greens was off a bit at the end of the first round,” Hestwood said. “I had to remind myself I play out here quite a bit.”

Valkuchak won hole Nos. 1 and 3 to go up in the match. Hestwood won No. 6 with a birdie and eight with a par.

Valkuchak made a bomb on No. 9 to tie the match with nine holes remaining. Both players struggled on the final nine as Hestwood scored a 38 and Valkuchak a 39.

Hestwood took the lead for good with a par on 17.

His 30-foot putt for an eagle on 18 ended up inches short for a tap-in birdie and the win.

Hestwood expects to play in a number of major tournament around the area and in the Michigan Amateur at the end of the month.