Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jacob Menard

Sarasota High boys golf was one of the state's top teams in 2025, ultimately tying for sixth place in FHSAA Class 3A. That was last year. Five players have since graduated, leaving rising senior Jacob Menard as a key returning talent. He carded Sarasota's third-best individual score (154) at the 3A state championship behind Jake MacDonald (152) and Evan Booth (153). Menard is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week. 

How does it feel to be back on the links with your teammates?

It's been great. (July 27-31 was) our first week of practice. We haven't fully got our team together yet, but most of the guys that were on the team last year have come back together now. It's good to be back with them.

What were you up to in the offseason to prepare for this fall?

Right at the end of last season, through the start of summer, I had a stress fracture in my back. I was out for a couple months actually. It's been a lot of strength and conditioning training — learning how to work and swing in a way that's good for my body. It's been beneficial for my game in the long run.

What goals do you have for your senior season?

It's a little bit of a different dynamic than it has been in the past couple years. We had a core group of guys who were really good players, and we finished fifth and sixth in the state the last couple years. We lost five seniors from last year, so we have some new faces... team-wise, the goal is to get to states. If we get there, anything can happen. Individual-wise, I want to compete and win as many tournaments as I can.

When and why did you start golfing?

Growing up, I played just about every sport. Randomly, one year for Christmas, I got plastic clubs. Me and my brother (rising sophomore Jude Menard) would go in the backyard and hit around with them a little bit. I just fell in love with golf.

What do you feel are the strengths of your game?

I'd say two things. Short game — chipping and putting — I've become really strong at. Especially with my back injury, I did a lot of work on my short game. Mentally, I'm really strong in the way I can go and figure out how I want to attack the course — course management-wise.

Why have you stuck with this sport over the years?

The reason I like it so much is because it's so difficult. It's a different sport, for sure, than most other sports, and it's individual. You see how much you can get out of yourself on the day. It's like testing yourself each day, and I like that.

Which quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

I'll quote my dad (AJ Menard). He has a quote that he likes to say, "If you don't like it, learn to love it." Sometimes you've got to do tough things and find a way to enjoy it.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I love pickleball. I play a little bit of tennis, but I'll play pickleball with friends and that's fun.

Who's your favorite professional athlete and why?

I know he's world No. 1, but I like Scottie Scheffler a lot. Obviously, he's very talented in his game, but I like the way he goes about things — just the things he says and the way he acts.

Finish this sentence. Jacob Menard is...

Disciplined. I'm trying to be smart in my approach and carrying through on things.