Hole in One Golf Podcast - Mike Hearne - Amateur Golfer, Realtor & Podcaster @thisisoklahoma #golfingtales #3 - a podcast by Jack Bull

Podcast #lockdown2020 #golfingtales #3  Mike Hearne

It was a pleasure chatting with Mike Hearne, an amateur Golfer who represented Wales at the home Internationals and went on to play in the 2014 Eisenhower Trophy in Japan. Mike moved across the pond on a prized golf scholarship to attend Southern Nazarene University at Oklahoma City, USA. Mike had a big shock on arrival. In 2014, he won  6 out of the 9 tournaments he entered. Mike was then selected to play for Wales in the Home Internationals, European men’s  event and World Amateur team championship – “The Eisenhower Trophy” in Japan. Competing against the very best players in the World was a jump in standard, playing against the likes of John Rham and Bryson De Chambeau. Mike talks openly about the huge shift in mindset required to compete against the best players in the World. He was then invited to play in his first Professional event at the Wales Open around The Celtic Manor Resort (Wales, UK), with well know tour pro caddy Lee Griffiths on the bag and home fans in the crowd! Mike is open about needing to really capitalise as much as possible on these opportunities at the time. Back in the USA, Mike was playing and winning some money but faced with the mini tours, Mike decided to remain a top amateur, taking the opportunity to remain stateside and build a career in real estate. In 2017, Mike showcased his talent near his new home when he reached the semi finals of the Oklahoma Amateur, beating the holder. Mike went on to qualify for the American Mid Amateur Championship, which only the top 500 amateur players in the World are eligible for without grabbing one of the few spots available through regional qualifying.

Mike talks about the benefits of hosting the Podcast he has set up “This is Oklahoma”, to meet new people and pique their brains, interviewing NBA players, cross fit athletes, the producer of the “The Godfather” and hundreds of other interesting people. Mike goes on to talk about some of the opportunities compared to the UK, the huge differences in the American Golf mindset, attacking golf and going “low”. He talks about Public golf courses in America, and the benefits of playing US golf courses. He talks me through one particular podcast meeting down at the infamous “Tiger King” empire. Mike shares some amazing golf stories, including one with top amateurs Ben Westgate and Walker Cup winner Jimmy Mullen, while Mike and Ben were playing for Glamorgan. Thanks for your time Mike, I really enjoyed catching up and best of luck for your return to competitive golf! I’m also excited to follow your “This is Oklahoma” podcast: https://thisisoklahoma.podbean.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisoklahoma/?hl=en

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/hearne-chases-his-dream-1821350

https://echo.snu.edu/international-athlete-feature-mike-hearne/

#golf

#amateurgolf

#oklahoma

#tigerking

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