In the summer months, Mike Haberl literally spends every day at the Hyannisport Club. No time to play in any NEPGA events. Not much time to play golf with colleagues or friends at other posh Cape Cod golf courses. The bottom line is that the 43-year-old Haberl, a Dennis native, feels fortunate to have been able to return to Cape Cod six years ago for a high-profile position and he’s thriving in his element. He’s happy giving lessons to the membership (among them LPGA Hall of Famer Pat Bradley) and maintaining a strong caddie program. ”It is a busy time here at the Hyannisport Club,” said Haberl. “It’s no surprise. You know it and you accept it.” Haberl played golf at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High and Temple University, where he was part of a contingent of Bay State stalwarts to have played there such as Geoff Sisk, Brian and Kevin Quinn, Brian Stewart, and earlier Steve Tasho.
Haberl started as an assistant pro at Dennis Pines Golf Course, where his father, Jay, was the head professional for 40 years. He became head pro at Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds, and then moved on to MGA Links at Mamantapett in Norton, where he was instrumental in growing The First Tee of Massachusetts, a program renown for enriching the lives of junior golfers. He also helped coordinate a very popular annual clinic for students from the Perkins School for the Blind. ”It was a pleasure to help build the junior program for the MGA (Mass. Golf Association),” said Haberl. “Whatstarted out as a thought became a reality. We went from zero, to 60, to 300, to 600 in the first three years. We started with the Norton facility, and now there’s five satellite programs in the state.”
When Haberl had the chance to become head pro at the Hyannisport Club, he jumped at it, but it was really more for personal reasons than professional. ”I wanted to get back on Cape Cod,” said Haberl. “I grew up on the Cape and love it here. I’m a Cape Cod guy.” Haberl also relishes the club’s relationship with the Cape Cod Amateur tournament and the Seagulls Invitational in April, which kicks off the local golf season. Haberl has known Kevin Carey and Joe Walker, winners of the tournament numerous times, from his days at Dennis Pines.
“All those guys are diehards,” said Haberl. “The weather conditions in early spring help make that tournament unique.” Haberl recently enjoyed the club’s atmosphere following PGA Tour rookie Keegan Bradley’s stunning victory at the PGA Championship, especially with his aunt, Pat, at the club. Pat Bradley was planning to be present at the Deutsche Bank Championship this month, rooting on Keegan in his quest for the FedEx Cup title and a wishful berth on the U.S. Presidents Cup team. ”There’s been a lot of good vibes here following Keegan’s victory,” said Haberl, “and Pat (Bradley) is certainly great to have around the club.”
(Bob DiCesare is the golf writer for The Enterprise in Brockton, MA, and he is also a member of the International Network of Golf)
About Bob Dicesare
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