Name:  Madison Haley

Age (optional): 36

I first learned to play golf with my family. My dad and older brother both played, and I was always eager to tag along. Growing up just down the road from the golf course in El Reno, golf quickly became more than a hobby—it became a part of my life.

The people I met at El Reno Golf Course had a huge impact on me. I was fortunate to build lifelong friendships and learn from incredible mentors who helped shape both my game and my character. Their encouragement and the friendly competition they created fueled my passion for the sport. I began competing in golf tournaments when I was 11 years old, and that competitive drive has stayed with me ever since.

What I love most about golf is that it's a game you can enjoy at any stage of life. It's one of the few sports where people of all ages can compete together, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships. Some of my closest friendships and most valuable professional connections have been made on the golf course. To me, golf is much more than a game—it's a lifelong passion built on competition, camaraderie, and the relationships it creates.

Some of my most treasured memories in golf come from competing as part of a team. While I've been fortunate to have some great individual accomplishments, there is nothing quite like winning alongside teammates who have worked just as hard toward a common goal.

Two moments that will always stand out are finishing as the High School State Runner-Up and winning the NAIA National Championship. Those achievements were special not just because of the trophies, but because of the friendships, teamwork, and countless hours of practice that made them possible.

Playing for the Oklahoma City University Stars created memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. We pushed each other to be better every day, celebrated each other's successes, and learned how to overcome adversity together. The bonds we built through golf extended far beyond the course and became lifelong friendships.

Looking back, I don't remember every score I shot or every tournament I played. What I remember most are the people—the teammates, coaches, competitors, and friends who made every round meaningful. Those shared experiences are what I treasure most, and they are a big part of why golf will always hold such a special place in my life. 

The golfers I admire most are Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler because they represent two different qualities that I strive to emulate.

Tiger Woods completely changed the game of golf. His competitiveness, mental toughness, and relentless work ethic are unmatched. He showed what is possible when someone is willing to outwork everyone else, and he inspired an entire generation of golfers—including me—to dream bigger and push ourselves to be better.

I also admire Scottie Scheffler for the way he carries himself on and off the golf course. While he's one of the best players in the world, he remains humble, grounded, and focused on what truly matters. His character, sportsmanship, and consistency are just as impressive as his talent.

More than anything, I admire golfers who compete with integrity, respect the game, and use golf as a way to positively influence others. Those are the qualities I hope to carry with me both on the golf course and in everyday life.

My favorite course to play is The Hideaway in La Quinta, California. I have been fortunate enough to play there several times, and every round has been an incredible experience.

Golf in La Quinta is truly special. The breathtaking mountain views, perfectly manicured fairways, and pristine greens create an atmosphere that's hard to match. The course conditions are always exceptional, making every shot enjoyable and rewarding.

5.6 

I've been fortunate enough to have two hole-in-ones in my life, and they're memories I'll never forget.

My first came when I was 15 years old at Texoma Country Club. As a young golfer, making a hole-in-one felt almost unreal. 

My second hole-in-one happened just about a month ago at Elk City Country Club. After playing golf for many years, it was a reminder that no matter how much experience you have, the game can still surprise you with unforgettable moments.

As for my strategy? I wish I had some secret to share, but the truth is there's a lot of luck involved. My advice is simple: hit it and hope! Every golfer can spend a lifetime chasing a hole-in-one, which is part of what makes those moments so special. When it finally happens, it's a memory you'll carry with you forever.

Golf has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. It has taught me lessons that extend far beyond the golf course—patience, humility, perseverance, discipline, and how to handle both success and failure with grace. It's a game that constantly challenges you, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally.

What I appreciate most is that golf has connected me with incredible people throughout every stage of my life. From the mentors at El Reno Golf Course and the coaches who helped shape me, to my teammates at Oklahoma City University and the friends and business relationships I've built over the years, golf has introduced me to people who have made a lasting impact on my life.

One of the things I love most about golf is that it's a lifelong game. Whether you're 10 years old or 80 years old, you can always improve, compete, and enjoy the time spent with others. It's a sport that brings generations together and creates friendships that last a lifetime.

If there's one thing I hope people remember about me, it's not the scores I shot or the tournaments I won. I hope they remember that I loved the game, respected it, and tried to leave it better than I found it by encouraging others the same way so many people encouraged me. Golf has given me far more than trophies—it has given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and values that continue to guide me every day.

Golf has taught me some of the most important lessons I've learned in life. More than anything, it has taught me that success doesn't come from one great shot—it comes from consistency, hard work, and the ability to keep moving forward after setbacks.

The game has taught me patience and humility. No matter how well you're playing, golf has a way of reminding you that there's always room to improve. It has shown me how to handle both success and failure with the same level of respect and perspective.

Golf has also taught me the importance of integrity. It's one of the few sports where you're expected to hold yourself accountable, even when no one else is watching. Calling penalties on yourself, respecting your competitors, and honoring the traditions of the game are lessons that carry far beyond the golf course.

Perhaps the greatest lesson golf has taught me is the value of relationships. Some of my closest friendships, mentors, teammates, and even professional opportunities have come through the game. Golf has a unique way of bringing people together, and those relationships have been far more meaningful than any scorecard or trophy.

I'd make music on the golf course a requirement—but with one important rule: if you're going to bring a speaker, you have to have a good playlist!

I love having some music playing in the background during a casual round with friends. It keeps the atmosphere relaxed, makes the round more enjoyable, and usually leads to a lot of laughs. Golf is supposed to be fun, and good music can make a great day on the course even better.

My biggest piece of advice is simple: don't worry about being good—just go have fun.

Golf can be intimidating when you're first starting because it seems like everyone else knows what they're doing. The truth is, every golfer has been there. We all started by topping shots, hitting balls into the woods, and wondering if we'd ever figure it out.

Find someone who enjoys the game and is willing to teach you the basics, take a few lessons if you can, and don't be afraid to spend time on the driving range. Most importantly, get out on the course. You'll learn more by playing than you ever will by trying to hit the "perfect" shot on the range.

No, I just play for fun these days.