Michael J. Mally

Michael Mally HBJ

A lifelong resident of the Midwest who has extensive experience in all facets of business administration, Michael John Mally is currently responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of The Carriage Club as its general manager and CAO. Since graduating from the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, Michael has spent well over 20 years serving in a number of leadership roles for some of the finest country clubs in the area and has developed a reputation for instilling a sense of camaraderie among members. Michael has also been on the cutting edge of data analytics and has used statistical analyses as a critical component in making important business decisions.

What is your hobby?

Golf has been an important part of my life for over 30 years.

How did you get started with this hobby? What inspired you?

Several members of my family played golf, so they let me tag along at an early age. After that, I started looking for jobs that would let me play with greater frequency.

Tell us what you love about it.

It requires so much patience and commitment to play well, and there are few things equaling the experience of watching the first rays of the sun reveal the dew-covered blades of grass while teeing off as the first group of the day.

Are there any groups you’re a part of or events that you attend related to your hobby?

There are a few groups I play with on a regular basis, including one that plays by a different set of rules each week.

Have you had to invest in equipment and if so, please share some of the things you’ve bought.

I have a set of custom-fit clubs that I just had re-gripped, but my biggest ongoing equipment expense is easily the golf balls. I just prefer to use a fresh Titleist for each round.

Where do you buy most of your supplies?

I have a local pro who works on my clubs, but everything else can be found at the pro shop of whatever course I happen to be playing that day.

Are there any good books for beginners?

“The Little Red Book” is an essential book for any beginner to own.

How has this changed your life?

It’s been a calming influence on me for as long as I have been playing, and there are few better ways to quickly get to know someone than by playing 18 holes together.

What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?

You have to learn how to be patient and how to keep your emotions in check. Golf is very much a mental game.

Are there any other hobbies you have?

I love a glass of fine wine, so I have been working on sharpening my winetasting skills and aspire to eventually be on the level of a master sommelier.