Mike Franko

Shot 66 and was the co-medalist at the Glendale, Ariz., sectional to qualify for the 2011 U.S. Senior Open
Is playing in his first USGA championship. Won a 2011 South West Senior Golf Association event and finished 12th at the 2011 Arizona Senior Open. Won 1993 Southwest Section PGA Championship. Once led the Metropolitan Open, but stumbled down the stretch, making a 12 on a par 3, landing him in the New York Times. As the club professional at Phoenix Country Club, was given an exemption for eight Phoenix Opens. Also given exemption to the Tucson Open, where he made the cut. While at Phoenix County Club, Fuzzy Zoeller told him he had too much talent to be behind a desk at a country club, which inspired him to pursue his playing career. Advanced to the final round of PGA Tour Qualifying School in 1987. Was also a club professional at Green Acres Country Club in Lawrenceville, N.J., Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Southern Dunes in Phoenix, Ariz. Was the director of golf at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., for several years beginning in 1998.
Designed La Penina Golf Course in Western Samoa, which hosts the Samoa Masters, a sanctioned event on the Australian PGA Tour. Father, Mike Sr., was a PGA professional for 50 years and once won the New Jersey State Open. Most memorable golf experience is beating his father for the first time when he was 20. Because of his father's career, has done every job possible at a golf club, from flipping burgers in the kitchen to parking cars. Elected to the Notre Dame High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Married to wife, Brenda, for 34 years and has two sons, Michael, 31, and Paul, 27. Wife was born in Toledo. Enjoys restoring classic old cars when he is not golfing.