A championship workday.
Mike O’Reilly, General Manager, Whistling Straits & Blackwolf Run, Kohler, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
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Go ahead, ask our general manager Mike O’Reilly how he likes his job. Here’s what he’ll tell you: “I have the greatest job in the world. Literally. I get to work at beautiful facilities with great people. Come on, does it get any better?”
Mike began his career as a caddie at age 12. He has since played an integral role in the planning and operation of three PGA Championships, the 2007 U.S. Senior Open, as well as serving on the Executive Committee for the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits®. If golf’s a metaphor for life, we’d say he’s crushing it on both fronts.
Mike recalls the following advice from his father, “Figure out what you want to do for a living, then find the company that is the best at it. Once you find them, get a job as a janitor and work your way up.” And that’s pretty close to what he did; “I got a job as a caddie at Blackwolf Run® in 1996, and began working my way up to the position I am in now. It’s been an amazing journey.”
And his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Mike was named the Wisconsin PGA’s 2017 Golf Professional of the Year, which recognizes a golf pro’s accomplishments on and off the course.
Unlike many pros who specialize in one area, he helps run the business operations, teaches golf lessons, competes on golf courses throughout the state and manages his team through major industry events.
“I try to work hard, and I'm hopeful that what I do at work, at home and in the community will have a positive impact on the people around me and on the game of golf,” Mike explained.
We’d say, mission accomplished.