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Mike Steele Named 2017 Volunteer of the Year

 

By Megan Huntsman, Programs Administrator

 

The Utah Golf Association would not be able to provide its members and member clubs with the quality and quantity of services without the tireless efforts of volunteers. It is our pleasure to announce Mike Steele as its fourth annual Volunteer of the Year.

Mike was born on September 1, 1948 in Provo, Utah, to Ralph and Beth Steele and moved to Orem at age 11. Growing up, he was an avid sports fan and played baseball and basketball competitively. According to his wife, Mike often threw no-hitters and was an excellent point guard before injuring his shoulder, ending his potential career with the Cubs or Giants.

After graduating from Orem High School, Mike was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and spent a year and a half in South Korea. After returning home, Mike enrolled in classes at Utah Valley Technical College, now Utah Valley University, where he graduated in 1971 with an AAS in Machine Tool Technology.

He spent three years as a machining apprentice for Clark Engineering before moving on as a journeyman. After earning his machinist certification, Mike worked five years for Geneva Steel before its closure and Hercules Aerospace. Twenty-eight years of Mike’s career was spent with Orbital Alliant Techsystems (Orbital ATK), a global leader in American aerospace and defense technologies, as a space systems machinist before retiring in 2010.

In 1987, Mike married his sweetheart, Gloria Wall of Wallsburg, Utah. Mike and Gloria met at the wedding of Mike’s sister, Valerie, and Gloria’s son, Brian. Mike was supposed to be videotaping the bride and groom, but he could not keep the camcorder off Gloria. The two reside near Alpine Country Club in Highland, Utah.

Mike picked up golf at the age of 58 to spend time with his son, Will. He later joined the Orbital ATK Golf League and currently plays in the Fox Hollow and Sky Mountain men’s leagues with his buddies.

The 2011 Amateur Public Links at Soldier Hollow Golf Course was Mike’s first experience as a UGA volunteer. He ended up making so many new friends and having so much fun that he began attending the UGA Rules of Golf Workshop and the USGA Rules of Golf classes in Utah, providing him with the rules knowledge necessary for on-course officiating.

Six seasons and nearly 100 championships later, Mike is one of the UGA’s most talented and reliable rules officials. His dedication to learning and practicing the rules has made him a tremendous asset to the UGA. He is a pleasure to work with, and the UGA could not be more grateful to have him on our team. Thank you for all you do, Mike!