The People of Bobby Jones Links

Meet Mike O'Malley | Head Golf Professional, The Georgia Club

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1.      You are a cancer survivor. How has that changed your outlook on life?

It makes me appreciate everyday and makes me not take anything for granted. I have started to enjoy the simpler things in life.

2.      Where did you grow up? Where did you go to college?

I was born in Decatur and moved to Conyers, Georgia at age eight. I began playing golf at Honey Creek Country Club at age 16. I went to college at Georgia Southern University and then transferred to North Alabama to walk on the golf team.

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3.       When did you join Bobby Jones Links and why?
I came on board in 2011. I liked their comprehensive business model and their vision both in business and in life, as well as the emphasis on continuing education for the associates.

4.      What are your passions in life outside of work?
I enjoy most any sporting event and most any type of music. I’ve been to over 100 different concerts over the last 30 years!

5.      What do you enjoy most about the club business?

I enjoy meeting diverse groups of people of all ages from all over the world. It seems like every day on the job is slightly different based on the relationships you develop.

What made you want to get into this business?

I took a summer job at Honey Creek Country Club while I was in college and I became intrigued by the club business. After finishing school, I was offered a full-time position as an assistant golf professional and the rest is history.

6.      Who inspires you in your life and why?

My father grew up in a poor environment in upstate Pennsylvania and was one of the first in his family to attend and finish college. He always emphasized us to do our best and to take pride in our work.I also was fortunate to have worked for the late Ed Hoard at Athens Country for close to nine years. He was the consummate PGA professional and was later inducted in the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. 

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7.      What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?

I went skydiving about 20 years ago and I can’t think of anything else that compares to that.

8.      What is your favorite movie?

Caddy shack. It puts a fun spin on life at a Country Club. For someone in the club business, it is even funnier.

9.      If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?

I’d love to be able to fly. It would be a great way to monitor pace of play on the golf course!

10.  What’s on your bucket list?

I would love to travel across the United States in an RV for an entire year.