Mr Tee interviews Micheal Hoey

Q&A with European Tour Pro Michael Hoey

This week I caught up with Northern Ireland professional golfer and multiple European Tour event winner Michael Hoey.  Michael was generous enough to take time out of his busy schedule to do a Q&A session with me and provided me with excellent feedback.

With four victories alone on the European Tour, Michael is no stranger to success.  He has continued to build on an excellent 2011 where he had two victories, one of which was at the Alfred Dunhill Links, where he had a two shot victory holding off final day playing partners Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen not to mention current world no.1 and fellow Northern Irishman Rory McElroy.  He has continued the winning habit already in 2012, coming out triumphant at the Trophee Hassan event in Morocco and is considered by many to be one to watch out for in the race for one of the much sought after Ryder Cup places.  Being from N.Ireland he is especially excited and looking forward to playing in this years Irish Open, of course being staged not far from his hometown of Ballymoney, in Portrush.  Given his links experience and local knowledge, I predict Michael Hoey could have a big say in this years event and with other big events coming thick and fast, the next few months will go a long way towards shaping Michaels 2012 season and his Ryder Cup dream.

Here is what he had to say:

1.  What age did you turn professional?
I turned professional in 2002 just after the Masters. I missed the cut by 1 shot. My handicap was +3.

2. What was your first club handicap?
I can’t remember my first club handicap, but I think it was about 24 when I was 7 or 8.

3. What is the best / favourite course you have ever played?
My favourite course is Carnoustie or the Old Course St Andrews

4. Best player you have ever played with?
The best player I’ve played with is Rory McIlroy. Louis is also pretty awesome! Final day at the Dunhill was great Louis, GMac, me and my amateur partner in the final group with Rory and my friend Harry (Rory’s Dad’s caddy) in the group up ahead!

 5. If you could pick a famous / celebrity fourball who would you pick?
Tiger Woods, Stephen Hendry, Brian Cox 

 6. Highlight of your career to date?
Highlight is winning the Dunhill and playing the Masters and The Open as an Amateur.

 7. Golfing / Sporting idol?
Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi, Stephen Hendry

 8. Course you haven’t played but would love to?
TPC Sawgrass, at the Players Championship

 9. What major would you most like to win?
The Open Championship, especially at St Andrews

 10. If you had to pick this year between winning the Irish Open or making the Ryder Cup team?
Win the Irish Open cause that should get me the Ryder Cup!

 11. What are your targets for the rest of 2012?
Be more consistent and get into the World top 50.

 12. If you had one bit of advice for any budding golfers trying to make their way, what would it be?
Find a good coach and understand your swing early on. I’m just getting there now.

And finally………

Tiger or Rory?
Both are awesome. Hard to choose. Tiger 10 years ago but Rory by far now.

I would like to again give a special thanks to Michael, a true gentleman for giving up his time to help myself and the Bunker Mentality team in providing our followers and the golfing world with an insight into his career and aspirations, it is very much appreciated.

We wish you every success for the rest of the season and for years to come; we look forward to seeing you in the winners circle many more times!

Until next time, thanks for listening.

Mr.Tee

The post Mr Tee interviews Micheal Hoey appeared first on Bunker Mentality Magazine.