It’s entirely possible that when Jake Nutter graduates from Bedford High School in 2011, he’ll have had a hand in leading his golf squad to both a Class I and a Class L state title.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

So far, Nutter has guided McKelvie Middle School to its first-ever Tri-County Championship as a seventh-grader in 2007, and he’s won the state’s individual championship as a high school sophomore.

He accomplished the latter on Saturday, Oct. 4, when he overtook Coe-Brown’s Codi Daudelin on the 36th and final hole. Daudelin led almost the entire two-day Class I tournament, but Nutter finished with a four-over-par 146 at the event, which took place at White Mountains Country Club in Ashland.

Bedford head coach Joel St. Laurent said he’s known Nutter for several years and noted the 15-year-old has always maintained a quiet, unassuming demeanor.

But with club in hand, Nutter is a focused machine.

“The thing that separates him from his peers is his mindset. He’s very calculating,” said St. Laurent. “He has such control over the ball. He really pilots his way around the golf course, and he doesn’t get too many surprises. He’s got a great short game, and he knows how to turn in a good score even when he doesn’t have his best stuff.”

Nutter lowered his average nine-hole score to a little more than 37 this season, roughly one stroke less than 2007. In fact, he carded somewhere between an even-par 36 and a two-over 38 during just about every match he played this season, even outside of his home course at Manchester Country Club.

That consistency helped Nutter lead the Bulldogs to a second-place finish among Class I teams. That, coupled with his title-winning personal performance, earned him Indian Head Athletics Athlete of the Month honors.

While appreciative of the recognition and accolades, Nutter credits his teammates for bringing BHS to the Granite State forefront in the program’s second year.

While a second individual crown would be nice, Nutter said the goal next season is nothing short of a Class I team championship.

The following year, when he becomes a senior, Bedford moves up to Class L. He knows the challenge for both him and his teammates will be that much greater, especially minus a handful of current junior standouts. But with Nutter around, St. Laurent knows his squad has a shot to contend.

As long as Nutter continues to play, further improvement is a sure thing.

“I would guess he’s been playing tournament golf for five years. That’s a third of his life, but he loves it,” said St. Laurent. “A lot can change with a young man that’s not 16 yet, but I think if he keeps going in this direction … the sky is the limit.

“It’s just a matter of where Jake focuses and sets his priorities,” added St. Laurent. “Right now, it’s all golf.”

(Editor’s note: The Athlete of the Month receives a $50 gift certificate courtesy of Indian Head Athletics.)