June 20, 2010
SEASIDE, Calif. – A Cal State Monterey Bay men's golf alum,
Grant Haney is now the first assistant golf professional at Santa Lucia Preserve.
In December of 2007, Haney received his CSUMB degree in Human Communications with an emphasis in Journalism. He graduated from St. Francis High School in La Canada, Calif.
With the US Open coming to the Monterey Bay area, Haney recently sat down with Otteratheltics.com to talk golf.
1. When did you start playing golf? Who took you on the golf course for the first time?
I have played golf as long as I can remember. I believe I was four years old at the time. My father took me on the golf course for the first time. My father was an All American golfer that attended the University of Southern California. Golf was introduced to me because of my father's love for the game.
2. In high school, did you know that you wanted to play college golf or did you play other sports as well?
When I entered high school I played multiple sports from baseball to basketball to golf. When I realized to succeed in school and sports I would be better off concentrating on one sport, I chose golf. I had to make a decision because baseball and golf were held during the same season. I was disappointed to give up baseball but I am thankful that I concentrated on golf which enabled me to continue to the college level.
3. What drew you to CSUMB?
After I made the decision to pursue golf in college is when I really became interested in CSUMB. Monterey is the golf Mecca of the world. Knowing that I had the opportunity to network and play some of the most prestigious courses in the world made it an easy decision.
4. What is your favorite memory while playing on the CSUMB golf team?
My favorite memory while playing on the CSUMB golf team came in 2006 when we won our home tournament at Bayonet. During the last round of the tournament we were called off the course because of rain. After quite some time in the clubhouse we were able to continue play while the greens crew swept the water from the greens. I was able to hold on to an even par round, one of the best rounds that day and help our team to a victory. This was also a big accomplishment because we had multiple top-ranked teams in the tournament.
5. What exactly does a golf pro do on a normal day?
On a normal day my main objective is to make sure that all our members and guests are happy. I will tend to quarterback the outside service staff and make sure everyone is in the right position. This includes greeting people when they arrive, taking care of them while they warm up, sending golfers to the course, checking up on them and greeting them after their round. I also give lessons to the membership, coordinate the entire woman's events, set up and run tournaments and socialize with the members and their guests.
6. What is your dream job?
My dream job would be to set up golf rounds all over the world for wealthy individuals. Not only would I set up the rounds, I would travel with the group and play with them as well. Basically I would become the ultimate golf planner and I would enhance the experience by partaking with the groups in everything from dinners to golf to the night life.
7. What advice would you give to someone that wants to be a golf pro someday?
The biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone striving to become a golf pro someday is to exercise and use personality. When it comes down to it, personality is the most important. Anyone can learn how to close up at the end of the night, re-grip clubs, swipe credit cards and set up tournaments. Personality is the key to establishing relationships and earning respect from the membership.
8. Who is your role model?
My role model is definitely my father. I look up to my father because he has taught me all the things that I hope to pass on to my children. He has emphasized the importance of being a well rounded individual. He has taught me that you can achieve that by personality, a strong work ethic and desire. He also taught me that throughout life, there will be many obstacles to overcome and there will always be ups and downs.
9. One of your former teammates, Erik Justesen, made the cut in his first US Open this week.
Yes it is outstanding!! We had dinner the night he made the cut. All his belief, dedication and work ethic is the reason he is in the tournament. It's good to see how grateful and appreciative he is to be playing in a major.
10. Who do you predict to win the 2010 US Open?
Before the cut, I was going for a dark horse on this one. Tim Clark. I believed this because I watched his practice session on Monday and I don't think he missed a shot! Going into the last round, I predict Dustin Johnson will hold on to the lead.
