By Jeff Steers

For Jackson Golf Committee

Watching Jackson area golfer Riley Hestwood stroll down the fairway is like watching someone on a slow, summer walk.

Hestwood approaches the game of golf like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

That relaxed attitude may have helped Hestwood this season as he won the Tournament of Champions Tournament Sunday and the yearlong Honor Roll Player of the Year championship as part of the Jackson Amateur Golf Tour.

Hestwood shot a 3-under-par 69 at Arbor Hills Golf Club Sunday to win the tournament by one stroke. The invitational-only tournament included 23 of the top 30 players in the field.

Zach DeFrain and Brandon Kulka tied for second with 70s in the tournament, and Brian Coon, Greg Zeller, Steve Maddalena, and Mike Raymond tied for fourth shoots 1-under-par 71s.

Hestwood was leading the points standings heading into the final tournament of the season.

“There is more in life that just golf,” Hestwood said about his attitude on the course. “I am blessed to be able to play golf on the weekends.”

After shooting a 1-under-par 35 on the front side, Hestwood birdied three-of-five holes down the stretch. It was highlighted by hitting his tee shot within 2 feet on the 217-yard par 3 17th hole.

Hestwood got his season going into full motion by winning the Jackson City Championship at the Country Club of Jackson in June.

“That is my favorite tournament of the year,” Hestwood said. “It was nice to play well at CC of J.”

Hestwood won $150 for winning the tournament and earned his second Player of the Year title.

Go to https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12532576361908297886 for complete results of the tournament.

Hestwood finished the 2026 season with 837.5 points on the Honor Roll listing. Zach DeFrain was second (685), Brian Coon finished third (672.92), Bret Valkuchak placed fourth (559.17), and Nick Reynolds was fifth (556.67).

A complete list of the Honor Roll are available at https://jacksongolf.net/.

Riley Hestwood won the Jackson Golf Committee’s Tournament of Champions Sunday at Arbor Hills Golf Club. He earned the Player of the Year honors for 2026.