Back in May 2019, at the Rochester Inn just north of Pittsburgh, I had the privilege of conducting Michael Quallich’s first “real” interview, live on air while I was covering golf for ESPN Pittsburgh. I called him “little Mikey” then, and he humored me with a shy smile. Even at 9 years old, his poise, focus, and love for the game were unmistakable. Well, he’s not so little anymore.
That live interview, broadcast across Pittsburgh, offered an early glimpse of what was coming. Watching “little Mikey” swing with confidence and composure in real time, I knew we were witnessing the start of something special. I even joked that when he turns pro, I get the first interview. He smiled, nodded, and promised he’d honor that.
By that point, Michael had already qualified for the National Finals of the Drive, Chip & Putt competition at Augusta National, putting him among the nation’s top youth golfers. Media noted the power and precision in his swing, some even comparing him to a young John Daly. But what truly sets Michael apart isn’t just talent, it’s perspective.
While many golfers his age idolize current stars, Michael gravitates toward voices from the past. He studies Lee Trevino and not just for technique, but for the humor, humility, and wisdom that made him legendary. Trevino famously said, “Golf is a game you play against yourself. The course doesn’t care who you are.” That philosophy resonates deeply with Michael, who approaches the game as part of life. The fact that a golfer his age not only knows Trevino but draws inspiration from him is telling: Michael possesses a rare maturity and an old soul that guides both his game and his life.
This perspective extends naturally to his family. His parents, Melissa and Justin, nurtured his love for golf without pressure, allowing the passion to come from him. His sisters also shape his character: Demi, 12, a talented singer and dancer, follows her own passions, while Bea, his older sister, has made it clear that golf talk is off-limits during family dinners. Michael respects both, finding joy in their interests without trying to convert them. This balance of love, discipline, and respect mirrors the wisdom Trevino often spoke of, as success in golf is important, but family comes first.
Michael also finds ways to balance his competitive drive with other interests. During the off-season, he enjoys bowling for the high school team, a release that keeps him active, allows him to have fun, and gives him a break from golf while still staying engaged in sport. It’s another reflection of how he approaches life: fully committed, yet grounded.
Michael’s growth, both as a golfer and as a person, was further recognized in 2025 when he earned a spot in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach through the First Tee Program. Only 80 juniors nationwide are selected each year, based on character, leadership, academic standing, community impact, and golf ability.
A longtime participant in the First Tee of Pittsburgh, Michael has stood out not only for his tournament resume, including his win at the 105th WPGA Junior Championship, but also for his integrity, maturity, and dedication to the values taught through First Tee. Competing at Pebble Beach wasn’t just another tournament; it was a national acknowledgment of who he is on and off the course.
That early foundation helped shape a remarkable junior career. By high school, Michael was a core member of the Baldwin Highlanders’ varsity team, competing in WPIAL championships and consistently performing in regional and national events, all while maintaining strong academic standing, a true student-athlete in every sense.
His 2025 season was a breakout year:
In November 2025, Michael committed to play Division I golf at Notre Dame, citing team chemistry, a family atmosphere, and world-class facilities as deciding factors. For a young man with AJGA Rolex Junior All-American honors, multiple first-place finishes, and a string of Tri-State PGA Junior Tour victories, Notre Dame is the natural next step.
Michael’s story reflects a steady, disciplined climb: from the smooth swings as a child, to a 9-year-old holding his own on the airwaves, to a Drive, Chip & Putt finalist at Augusta, to a high school standout dominating regional tournaments, and now a Division I recruit preparing for collegiate golf. At every stage, he has combined talent, work ethic, humility, and an uncommon calm under pressure.
What makes Michael truly remarkable is how he plays the game: with joy, curiosity, and a relentless desire to improve. Scores matter, yes – but growth, balance, and relationships matter just as much. From those unique swings as a child to national finals and high school dominance, Michael’s journey has always been steady, disciplined, and grounded.
For those of us who have followed him from the beginning, it’s fun to watch this incredible student athlete shine with patience, humility, and a spark that keeps burning. As he heads to Notre Dame, all signs point to him shining on the NCAA stage.
And when the day comes that Michael Quallich turns professional, I fully expect him to honor the promise he made as a 9-year-old. I’ll be ready for that first interview.
