Falcon Flashback | Michael McGowan '09

 

I started at O’Neal in 6th grade and was there through my Senior year. So if I’m not mistaken, that would be the Fall of 2002 through the Spring of 2009.

 

 

My U.S. Open journey really started back in December of last year, when I wrote out my goals for the upcoming year. I recall meeting with my performance coach and writing down ‘Qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Open in Pinehurst’ as my number one. So it was on my mind basically all year.  I was feeling pretty good going into my qualifier this past May. 

 

I had my first qualifier on May 14th in Maryland, and then my following one (if I qualified) was in Texas just six days later. Thankfully, I was playing some nice golf at the time, and in the rainy conditions I shot a bogey-free 68 in Maryland for a second-place finish. Then I went back home to NC for a couple days before I flew to Dallas for the next qualifier. There I shot 68-71 at the two courses and was in a seven-man playoff for the last six spots. With a par on the first playoff hole, I got through to the U.S. Open. Surprisingly, the one guy eliminated was Sergio Garcia, who won the Masters back in 2017. 

 

(Editor’s Note: Out of 9,552 local participants, only 530 moved on to the final qualifying round.  And then of the 937 who were eligible for the final qualifier, only 73 advanced to the U.S. Open.)   

 

The weeks leading up to the U.S. Open were really something. I can’t recall how many phone calls, texts, podcasts, television interviews, etc. I ended up doing or responding to, but there were quite a few.  Then while at the tournament, I was mic’d up with the Golf Channel during practice rounds and did a live on-course interview with Johnson Wagner, which was pretty neat. Honestly, it’s hard to put into words what that week meant to me. I had an incredible amount of support from friends and family that whole week. It was especially cool being the first golfer to tee off at the 1,000th USGA Championship.  Having hundreds of people out there to watch me on the first tee at 6:45AM is something I’ll forever remember. Honestly, I think I had louder cheers than Tiger that week, which is certainly saying something for all those out there showing support.

 

 

If I’m being honest, I believe my greatest golf achievement is yet to come. I’ve played some great golf over the years, but with becoming stronger both physically and mentally, I know I’m one step closer to something truly special on the course. 

 

That said, since turning pro in 2015 I’ve had status on numerous Tours. Particularly, those located in both North and South America, ranging from northern Canada down to the southern parts of Argentina. Needless to say, I’ve been to a lot of phenomenal places I would’ve never seen otherwise! 

 

 

During my time at O’Neal, we always had a strong golf team. It was also rather nice being able to play as a 7th grader and playing on some great courses during my time on the team. Between Talamore, Mid South, and Pinehurst #8 we were pretty blessed. We went to States each of my six years on the O’Neal golf team. If I’m not mistaken, we won in 2005 and again in 2008. Individually, I’m fairly certain I finished third in both 7th and 8th grade. I then finished second at States in 2007 and 2008. And I was the medalist in 2006 and 2009. 

 

 

Apart from golf, I played both soccer and basketball throughout high school. Those are some of my fondest memories I have too, from the bus rides to actual games. A lot of good times had. 

 

 

Like I just mentioned, I had so many lasting memories from O’Neal thanks to sports. Now that many years have passed it’s hard to put one story or memory above the other. But when it came to growing up in the area and going to a smaller private school, I’ll always remember how great the teachers were and all the friendships and good times we had throughout. I still speak with most of the guys I connected with throughout high school and get together with everyone on certain holidays when everyone is back home. 

 

 

After graduating from O’Neal, I went to UNC where I played on the golf team for four years. I was All-Conference a couple years, and the team won one or two tournaments each year I was there. Since turning pro in 2015, I have played events on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica, PGA Tour Canada, and the Korn Ferry Tour, totaling around 100 tournaments and thousands of flier miles. Also, I have bounced around the various mini-tours throughout the US, which helps keep my game sharp when I’m not traveling out of the country. At the moment, I’m just focused on my goal of playing full-time on the PGA Tour. 

 

We’re all so proud of you, Michael.  We wish you nothing but the best.  Thank you so much for doing this. 

About the author: 
Jared Lina ‘97 is presently an O’Neal Trustee, who was a member of 4 consecutive state championship golf teams from 1994 to 1997. 

Want to nominate someone for Falcon Flashback? Email alumni@onealschool.org.