April 29, 2021 • 38 mins
In this Episode we meet a new professional player where we discuss her journey to professional golf. There are many different paths that players take in becoming professional golfers and working towards their goal of making it to the "big tour" -- whether it be the PGA or in this case, the LPGA. Often times it can be a lonely journey, sacrificing a robust social life in exchange for hitting golf balls, working on the swing, wedge game or putting. The stress from the long hours of practice, training and preparation can often take a toll on a player's mental health too.
Hannah Leiner is a native Floridian who recently graduated from Florida International University (FIU) after a career in NCAA Division 1 golf. She shares her struggles and joys of playing golf from junior golf to college and then making the decision of becoming a professional. We learn how she combats the low points and enjoys the high points.
Along the way, we also chat about social media and how Hannah became a Social Media personality, developing a following of over 100, 000 (100K) on Instagram. Of course, being a prominent social media personality can take on a life of its own and the perceptions that some have about "Instagram golfers". Like Paige Spiranac, Hannah tackles the topic head-on, sharing how she gains strength and support from her "social media family" and how she uses social media to promote the sport of golf and for her sponsors like PXG.
Join us for this short episode or pass it on to the young person in your life who often dreams of becoming a professional player.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Douglas Maida (00:13):
Good afternoon and welcome to our show. We're
talking golf. My name is DouglasMaiden, I'm your host for our
show. On today's episode, we'regoing to be joined by a young
lady from Florida, who has justgraduated from university and
has decided to turnprofessional. Now, it's a little
bit of a departure from ournormal show and format. But from
(00:35):
time to time, we'd like to talkwith aspiring professionals
about their journey. It's awonderful opportunity for our
listeners to learn more aboutprofessional golf, and the
effort and work that it takes tobecome a professional player.
Now, before I introduce ourguest, I would like to welcome
you, our listeners and followersfrom around the world. Because
without you listening andsubscribing to our podcast, we
(00:58):
would not be able to bring youthis show. So thank you for
listening to us. Now, before weget into today's show, we're
going to take a short break forthis message from our sponsor.
Amy (Studio) (01:09):
Thank you for joining us. You are listening to
we're talking golf, a podcastbrought to you by the world of
golf. Our show has been named asone of the top 40 Golf podcasts
to follow in 2021. We could notachieve that without you, our
listeners. Thank you for yoursupport. Now back to the show.
Douglas Maida (01:31):
And a big welcome to our guests Hannah Leiner
who's joining us from her homein Florida. Hello, Hannah, how
are you? And welcome to theshow.
Hannah Leiner (01:40):
Good. How are you? Thanks for having me.
Douglas Maida (01:43):
Our pleasure. Our pleasure. We're a little envious
because you're in Florida andbeautiful golf weather almost 12
months of the year. And we're uphere just waiting for the rain
to go away so that we can startto play a little more actively
as well.
Hannah Leiner (01:57):
it's just so great. Being in Florida. I love
it. Yeah,
Douglas Maida (02:02):
Is Florida, your hometown or your home state?
Hannah Leiner (02:06):
Yes. So I was born and raised in South Florida
and then went to college inSouth Florida. And now I'm
living in Tampa, but I am halfthe year in Tampa half a year in
Jersey, actually. So
Douglas Maida (02:20):
Jersey is in New Jersey or?
Hannah Leiner (02:22):
Yep, New Jersey.
Douglas Maida (02:24):
And what brought you up that way?
Hannah Leiner (02:26):
So my boyfriend, he actually plays for the Jets.
And he was just drafted lastyear. So last year was our first
year in Jersey. And then sowe're there six months of the
year, we only get like two coldmonths. So it's not that bad.
But then we get down. We comedown to Florida for offseason
training.
Douglas Maida (02:46):
Terrific. So you attended and graduated in
Florida -- High School? Youdid all of that routine play
Junior golf there and all ofthat.
Hannah Leiner (02:57):
Yes
Douglas Maida (02:58):
And then you decided to go to university?
Hannah Leiner (03:00):
Right. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (03:01):
Which University was that?
Hannah Leiner (03:03):
Florida International University in
Miami.
Douglas Maida (03:07):
So why don't why don't you tell us a little bit
about yourself. We'll use thisas an opportunity for you to
introduce yourself to thelisteners and to the larger
audience out there. How was itthat you came to play golf who
introduced you to it? Things ofthat nature? Any early
recollections?
Hannah Leiner (03:22):
Yes. So my dad actually got me into playing
golf. I started when golfingwhen I was five years old. But
at the time, I was actuallycompetitively dancing. So I was
a dancer from the ages of like 2to like 12 years old. And then I
took golf more seriously,because I started winning
(03:43):
tournaments. And I startedplaying tournament at 12 years
old as well. So I startedplaying and winning, and I loved
winning, I didn't win as much indance. So I'm like, I don't
know, I should probably takethis direction a little bit.
So I started competing, and itjust took off from there. And I
loved it. And it really drove mebut my dad was the one who got
(04:05):
me into golf taught me; I hadtwo coaches my whole life; one
that kind of taught me when Iwas like 5 to 10 to 12. And then
I got my new coach at the time,and I still use them to this
day. And his name is BarryGoldstein. So just a little
shout out to him.
Douglas Maida (04:26):
Did you have a favorite experience when you're
a junior golfer or anything ofthat nature, a particular
tournament where you played wellor meeting any sort of
professional player that kind oflike got you excited and pumped
up for golf?
Hannah Leiner (04:41):
Yes. So I was fortunate to live in Miami and
that's when I think the Cadillacchampionship downin Doral and I
got to go every single year meetall the pros on the PGA Tour
like Rickie Fowler was my numberone favorite -- Everyone's
favorite when they were ateenage girl. Um, I got to meet
(05:06):
all of them and they were all sonice signing autographs, he
would stay there for hours justsigning everyone's autograph.
But my favorite tournament Iplayed in when I was younger has
to be the US Women's Amateur.
It's the most professionally runevent for amateur golfers and I
was 16 years old when Iqualified. And it was crazy
because I was going into thelast hole at four under in the
(05:29):
qualifier, and I double bogiedfor 71. And, um, and then I got
to play off with like nine othergirls, and they were all they
were all older. They were incollege, and I was just like 16.
And I was like, Oh my gosh, thisis my first like big playoff
(05:49):
event and my life and I was likeshaking. And I remember getting
on the green on three and I hada 30 foot putt for par. And I
sunk it and I remember my dadwas caddying for me, and he just
stood behind me. He just stoodbehind me and was like, just
roll it in. And that's what Idid. And I made it and I got to
(06:12):
move on and qualify. And it wasjust an incredible experience.
And that was in Portland,Oregon. So I got to go out
there. And it was just itchanged my life. I was like I
want to be playing in eventslike this all the time.
Douglas Maida (06:28):
So it was safe to say you kind of enjoyed the
adrenaline rush from it all.
Hannah Leiner (06:33):
Yes, that's like the best part.
Douglas Maida (06:37):
Just as an aside, you grew up in Florida. So
primarily the grasses therewould be things like Bermuda, I
presume that you played on, andthen going all the way out to
Portland, Oregon, where Bermudais not exactly a common
occurrence to find on a golfcourse. How did you have any
thoughts? Or do you remembermuch of a recollection of all of
that experience?
Hannah Leiner (06:57):
So it was definitely I played in a couple
of courses. It like at the time,I played in a lot of courses in
Pinehurst. So I was used to likedifferent types of grasses. So
it wasn't a big shock to me whenI went up there. But it was
definitely different. And I kindof liked it a little bit more
(07:17):
than Bermuda because it was justnice. It was like just so
beautiful. Everything was justso green and like, right I feel
like sometimes in Florida, itcould be well dead. grassy. But
it was just it was cool to justchange it up and switch it up.
That's why I like to travel nowto play different courses
(07:37):
because you know, I never knowwhere I'm gonna end up playing.
So just to get used to differenttypes of grasses and things like
that is really important.
Douglas Maida (07:47):
And the Bermuda is a little bit more on the
wirey side and right places likePortland and whatnot, you're
gonna have anything from say Poato bentgrass greens, so,
Unknown (07:56):
right.
Douglas Maida (07:58):
Um, so how was it that you came from junior golf
into university golf and inparticular, Florida
International University.
Hannah Leiner (08:08):
So my senior year of high school, I actually
committed to FIU and I was inbetween FIU and USF. And I
picked fit because I reallywanted to stay in South Florida
with my family in Miami. Thatwas the majority of the reason
why I really picked FIU. Andwhen I visited the campus, it
(08:31):
was just it was beautiful. Thecampus was like all modern, and
I've never really seen a campuslike this. I was like, This is
huge. I didn't even know reallymuch about it before I visited.
And I was like, I just know thisis going to be the place for me.
So I then chose FIU, I signedwith FIU. And I was there in the
(08:52):
fall of 2017.
Douglas Maida (08:54):
And if you could take a few sentences, how did
you enjoy your college golf,your university golf. I mean,
obviously University is a bigtime of change in transition
going from high school into moreof adulthood and whatnot. So I'm
sure you're probably weren'timmune to all of those
experiences, as we all all haveshared in them. Anything about
(09:17):
that transition that stood outor any wonderful experiences
that you'd like to share?
Hannah Leiner (09:22):
So when I first went to FIU, of course, it was a
big change in my mindset, mybody, my routine, everything you
can possibly think of it wascompletely different than what
it was in high school. And sowhen I went, um, I I enjoyed it
for the most part, I had suchgreat experiences I met so many
(09:45):
people that really like justchanged my life. And I I would
say that, I guess the best partof going to FIU is learning just
to put myself in a differentenvironment in different
environments can be good evenchallenging ones like it not
everything is going to beperfect all the time. And
there's of course going to beconflicts and obstacles that you
(10:07):
have to, you know, that come inyour life, but just how I
learned to deal with thoseconflicts, I'm very proud of
myself. So I'd say the best partof FIU, you would be having to
meet my boyfriend because I gota chance to meet him. And he has
brought a lot of amazingexperiences and positivity to my
(10:28):
life that I wouldn't have if Ididn't meet him. So.
Douglas Maida (10:32):
Well, that's fantastic, wonderful experience.
I need to take a short littlebreak right now for a commercial
message. And then when we comeback, I'd like to spend some
time chatting with you aboutyour journey and turning
professional, what yourexperiences have been. And what
some of your goals andaccomplishments that you have
lined up for yourself.
Hannah Leiner (10:53):
Of course,
Amy (Studio) (10:54):
today's show is brought to you by HONMA golf
experienced distance beyondimagination, shop, the all new
T//World GS. Now back to ourshow, here is your host, Douglas
Maida.
Douglas Maida (11:08):
Alright, we're back. Thank you for staying with
us. And we're meeting with orsitting down with Hannah Leiner
who is joining us on zoom fromher home in Florida. And we're
talking golf. So, Hannah, atwhat point? Did you know that
you wanted to pursue aprofessional career in golf? Was
there a particular aha moment?
Or was it something that yougradually grew into and said,
this is something I'd like topursue.
Hannah Leiner (11:33):
So in junior golf, I had a very fortunate
career. And I always knew I wantto become Pro. Then when I got
to college, and I startedcompeting against a higher
level, I was kind of likedoubting myself. And I was
unsure if I wanted to do that,especially with, you know,
studying, I was really into mymajor, and I still am into my
(11:56):
major, which is communications.
And I, I didn't really know. Soafter kind of COVID hit, I took
some time off from golf, I wasstill like a golfer I played in
practice whenever I had time andwas active on social media with
my golfing, but I wasn't takingit very seriously.
(12:16):
And then one day, I just kind oflike, woke up, and I was like, I
miss, there's like somethingmissing. Yeah, I felt like kind
of empty inside from notcompeting. And I was like, You
know what, I'm gonna puteverything I have into this
because I am young I, I alwaysgo by the saying like,
(12:38):
especially in your 20s, do asmuch as you possibly can.
Because this is your time to beselfish with your career. And I
was like, you know what I'mgoing to indulge into every
single single thing I canpossibly think of. So I'm going
to put all my efforts intobecoming professional. I'm going
to put all my efforts intofinishing up college. And that's
(12:58):
basically where I'm on trackright now.
Douglas Maida (13:01):
You mentioned about going online and doing
things on social media andwhatnot. I have noticed in
preparing for our interviewtoday in or having you on as a
guest, of course, we do a littlebit of homework, you seem to
have built up a pretty sizablefollowing on social media,
whether it be on Instagram, orsome of the other social media
(13:22):
channels. How did that comeabout? And was that just
something that kind of happened?
And and what did you thinkabout; what was your thought
process about wanting to goonline?
Hannah Leiner (13:31):
So in high school, actually, I never posted
about golf, like I would getmade fun of for playing golf,
people would be like golf isn'ta real sport, golf is this,
whatever. And I never reallyposted about it. And then my
senior year, I was I took aprofessional photo shoot with
(13:53):
"Eye on You" photography down inSouth Florida. And I was like, I
love the picture. So I decidedto post them. And one of the
pictures went viral. And I atthe time I had like 1000
followers. And that picture got1000 likes, and I was like, how
is this possible? I'm like, notlike what and then it just blew
(14:14):
up from there. I was like I keptposting more golf content. And I
kept developing I got keptgetting reposted and all those
things and my followers justblew up. And it kind of just
happened. I never really had aplan for it. But it's very
fortunate that it did happenbecause it brought me so many
opportunities like playing atprestige golf courses around
(14:39):
America, playing in events, nowturning professional I have a
great support, like supportsystem and very encouraging
followers. But yeah, I also gotto be on Holey Moley season two,
the TV show on ABC. So that wasall because of my social media,
Douglas Maida (15:03):
Fantastic. So you have this strong social media
presence, and a really good oneon Instagram. So as you start to
move into professional golf, doyou have some concerns about
being seen now, as only a socialmedia golfer,
Hannah Leiner (15:21):
I'm ... not really, I'm not really the kind
of person who would say, I knowpeople are going to talk, I
know, people are going to havethings to say about me, I don't
really pay attention to them.
Because at the end of the day,they're not living my life. And
they're not going to be the oneswho are going to make me feel
(15:45):
happy, I kind of have to juststay on track. And of course,
there'll be some comments I'verun into that are not the
nicest. But overall, myexperience on social media has
been pretty pleasant. Like, Ihaven't gotten a lot of hate or
things like that, or namecalling, or, you know,
stereotype and stuff like that.
(16:09):
I I've been really getting a lotof encouraging messages and
everything. So I'm not tooworried about it.
Douglas Maida (16:15):
Yeah, that's good to hear. I know, you know, Paige
is probably one of the morefamous people in the, in the
social media world with regardsto her presence on social media,
and having been an alumni of SanDiego State University golf. And
there have been some peoplecritical about her and her role
in golf and whatnot. How are youdealing with that transition?
(16:38):
Like, what are you going to do?
Or do you have a plan in placeto gradually make that evolution
from social media focused togolf focused? Or do you see that
as a process going hand in hand,and a way of documenting your
journey?
Hannah Leiner (16:52):
I definitely think it's a process going hand
in hand, I think that the golfworld now more than ever before,
has been really developing intosocial media. And it's been
using social media to createcontent, like to push out
content, and especially withCOVID. And everything, it's hard
(17:13):
to, you know, film things asmuch as before. So everything,
everyone's looking at socialmedia nowadays, and it's been
more useful than ever before.
Douglas Maida (17:24):
Yeah that's true.
Very true, especially with theCOVID situation, it's really,
really magnified the importanceof social media and as a way of
staying in contact, especiallyseeing as we can't do it in
person anymore, or shouldn't bedoing it in person so much.
Hannah Leiner (17:40):
Right.
Douglas Maida (17:42):
I guess in Florida, you've been kind of at
the epicenter of a big part ofit. So
Hannah Leiner (17:45):
Yeah. Honestly, it's been amazing to be down
here in Florida, becauseeverything's open. There's,
it's, of course, I take myprotocols, and I do what, you
know, wear masks keep mydistance. But other than that,
like, it's just nice to kind oflive as normal as we possibly
could in a situation like this.
Douglas Maida (18:06):
I think any sort of sense of normalcy is, is a
big help as we go through thisperiod of time, especially the
longer it's gone on. So
Hannah Leiner (18:14):
Right, especially for your mental health, too.
It's very important. Like Iknow, living in Jersey in New
York for six months, it was hardbecause everything was closed,
basically. And especially whenthe holidays rolled around. It
was very it would they wouldhave curfews at like 10pm. And
it was just, you couldn'texperience New York like you
(18:36):
would usually, and I know, it'sall because of protocols. And
it's important, but it's justdifferent ways of doing things.
Douglas Maida (18:44):
Yeah. You mentioned the importance of
mental health. That's somethingthat I think a lot of golfers go
through as well. I mean, it maynot seem like it on the surface,
because everybody sees the nicephoto shoots or in your case,
you know, sees some of yourphoto shoots that you have
posted and whatnot. But thereis, um, I think behind the
(19:04):
scenes, there is some concernabout the effects of maintaining
good mental health so that -- Imean, because golf is really one
of the few sports in the worldwhere it's so individualistic. I
mean, you have your caddy tohelp you out on the course. But
other than that, it's you as theplayer that has to make the
final decision; you have topull the club; you have to hit
(19:25):
the shot. And golf is probablyone of the most punishing sports
in in the entire sporting worldin the sense that it's a dog eat
dog world. I mean, you don'tthere's no such thing as a team
bonus. There's none of that.
Hannah Leiner (19:38):
It's all on you.
Douglas Maida (19:39):
Exactly.
Precisely. So have you given anythought to that as to, you know,
building a team and how youwould do that in terms of going
forward? Because it seems thatyou need a team nowadays to be
so successful in professionalgolf.
Hannah Leiner (19:55):
Right? Of course, yeah. I have my parents who have
been in my corner ever since Istarted playing ... my coach who
has known me since I was 12years old, he's such a positive
person. And the best part ofthe team that like really, you
know, puts us all together. Mydad obviously has been really
(20:18):
hard on me throughout my golfcareer, but in a positive way,
he just wants the best for me,he want, he knows what I'm
capable of, and I get that. Butsometimes, you know, we're the
same person. So we go head tohead, we're very stubborn. And
he kind of like, is the mediatorand kind of settles those both
both down. And my boyfriend towho's very positive, who
(20:44):
understands what it takes to bea professional athlete, he gives
me the best support andencourages me to do things and
that other people aren't doing.
It gives me great advice on thatas well. So it's great to have
him there, too. And my friends,and my followers, they're all at
my team, too. So
Douglas Maida (21:06):
I know, we just touched on social media a little
bit. And we all know thatthere's a bit of a dark side to
the social media, but you'vejust raised perhaps one of the
more beneficial sides. And oneof the best parts about social
media is having those people outthere that helping you to feel
that maybe perhaps not alone.
Did you want to maybe share thatexperience a little more.
Hannah Leiner (21:27):
So yeah, I having a big social media platform, a
lot of people, like even myfamily members have when I had
probably like 24,000 25,000followers, they laughed at me.
And they were like, why are youdoing this? Like they didn't
understand, like, they werelike, this is like you expect to
make a job out of this or youknow, I mean, like just stuff
(21:49):
like that. And I always like waslike, just watch, just wait one
day, like you'll see, you'llsee. And now they're like, oh,
congratulations, you did this,you did this? And it's like,
Yes, because it takes like, youknow, it takes time to develop
it just, it's not gonna happenovernight. It's definitely a
long term goal to have. And youmake like little short term, you
(22:13):
reach short term goals, and youeventually reach those big
followers and those bigopportunities. But I've
definitely had some doubtersthat kind of have motivated me
in a way to prove them wrong.
Douglas Maida (22:28):
Also, you also find it as a good source of
motivation.
Unknown (22:31):
Yes, for sure.
Douglas Maida (22:33):
Now, that's a way of channeling any potential
negativity into a more positivedirection, isn't it? We
talked about team. So you have aSwing Coach, you have the
somebody caddy for you. Have youthought about that? Or are you
kind of taking it on a case bycase basis?
Hannah Leiner (22:51):
Right now it's a case by case basis, because
especially I just started to myboyfriend, just caddied, for me,
his name's James. James justcaddied for me in this event,
and honestly, of all the caddiesI've ever had in my life, which
were like my dad, and he waskind of the most positive. And
(23:13):
just, he, like I said before, heunderstands the perfect what
professional athletes Go in, gothrough in very, like serious
environments, and you know,having to be dialed in and in
the zone. So he understands thatand that made it so much better.
And I listened to him, like mydad wasn't a professional golfer
(23:38):
or he, he did play basketball.
He wasn't a professionalbasketball player, either. So he
isn't in the same kind ofenvironment or like it doesn't
have to go through the kinds ofexperiences that a professional
athlete has to go through whenplaying in an event. So I really
listened to him. I tried to notthe second day that much because
I got a little frustrated. Butit happens. It's golf. And the
(24:00):
next day, I really tried tochannel that positivity in me so
it really helps them again,
Douglas Maida (24:09):
You just mentioned your boyfriend, Jake.
I'm sure it was his name again,Jason.
Hannah Leiner (24:14):
James.
Douglas Maida (24:14):
James. Sorry.
Yeah. So you had James caddyingfor you? What event was this?
And can you maybe tell us alittle bit about
Hannah Leiner (24:22):
so it's the National Women's Golf
Association. It was hosted inStone Gate Golf & Country Club
in Kissimmee, Florida. And theybasically are like the cactus
store in Arizona, but inFlorida, so it's kind of like a
tour that develops professionalgolfers and kind of gets them
ready for the Symetra or LPGA orcue school stuff like that. So
(24:46):
it was a great event. They puton a great event. Thank you so
much, the NWGA for doing that.
But it was it was great. I was agreat first event for me,
especially because I got to meetsome other There are
professionals in my area that Ican now go and golf with. I
learned more about my gameplaying and what I need to work
(25:06):
on. And yeah, it was it was justoverall an awesome experience,
Douglas Maida (25:13):
A two day event?
Hannah Leiner (25:15):
Three day
Douglas Maida (25:16):
Three day event.
And how did you do? Did you meetyour expectations? Did you find
some areas? I mean, obviously,it was probably a little bit eye
opening for you as well.
Hannah Leiner (25:24):
Right. So the last competitive event that I
played in was actually a yearand a half ago. And I kind of
had that pressure where like,Okay, well, I haven't played in
a long time, let's kind of seewhere my foundation is, like,
let's start like, this is mystarting event. So let's see
what I'm working with. That'skind of how I went into it, like
(25:48):
looking at it. And I wassatisfied with the way I played.
There's, of course, areas that Ineed to develop. And I think
everyone in golf can say thatabout their game. But I just
learned a lot about my game andwhat I need to work on. And then
moving forward. I'm just goingto keep working on my mental
(26:13):
aspect that's got to do a lot ofwhat kind of broke me in some
areas. And yeah, so
Douglas Maida (26:22):
Do you have a mental coach to work with?
Hannah Leiner (26:26):
So I used to, and I haven't worked with him and
probably a couple years, but Iworked with him for probably
like three years. So I kind ofremember some of the things he
taught me and the notes I tookfrom our video chats and
whatnot. But I kind of beentaking that into play as well.
Douglas Maida (26:49):
Oh Great, great.
That's often an area that'soverlooked, I think, with
professional sports and whatnot.
So mental performance is such abig part of it, regardless of
which sport.
Hannah Leiner (27:00):
Exactly. And for golf, it's a big portion of it,
because one bad shot can lead tomore bad shots. And I always
tell myself one shot at a time.
And when I start thinking ofscore, that's when I kind of get
a little ahead of myself. And Isee a lot of players do that as
well. So I tried. And it's veryhard to train your mind to do
(27:20):
that. Because it's like verypresent thinking. And a lot of
people like to think of thefuture. It's like, oh, one bad
shot, but we don't thinkpositively like we don't think,
oh, but we can make that shotup. You know, it's just it
starts kind of snowballing. Andthat's what is the hardest part
to just kind of channel yourselfinto the present and keep
(27:43):
yourself there.
Douglas Maida (27:45):
You're playing on the NWGA Tour, you're getting
yourself prepared and ready.
What are going to be your goalswith regards to professional
golf? Is it your goal to lookat q school right away? Or the Q
series? Or are you going to takeanother year of preparatory work
on one of the smaller tours? OrWhere do you see yourself going
from here,
Hannah Leiner (28:08):
So definitely looking into playing Q-school
and going through that wholeexperience. I don't, I'm unsure
of if it's going to be thisyear, or if it's going to be
next year. That's definitelysomething that's definitely a
goal of mine that I want toexperience. But I will be
(28:29):
qualifying for the US Open ortrying to qualify for the US
Open in May. So I have that onmy schedule. And right now I'm
just going to be trying totravel and play events around
the country as well on differenttours, just to kind of like what
I said before, like earlier, isto get used to the different
(28:51):
conditions to get used todifferent life experiences,
because a lot in college was wewould travel to different
courses. And I think that's veryimportant to kind of get a look
at different experiences.
Because on the LPGA you're goingto be traveling all the time
playing different places all thetime. So I think that's one of
the most important things to do.
Douglas Maida (29:15):
Right. So you want to develop a game that can
travel.
Hannah Leiner (29:19):
Right,
Douglas Maida (29:20):
And they do that best by the approach of taking
it. Yep, I agree completely.
What do you find some of thechallenges in terms of being in
in professional golf? I mean,it's not exactly. I mean, what
we see on television, what wesee when we turn on the
television on Sunday afternoon,you see, you see the purse
distribution, you seeprofessional players, you hear
(29:40):
about private jets and things ofthat nature. But it's a very
stark reality when you'restarting out as a professional
player. What do you find some ofthe challenges of becoming a
professional player? I mean,what what are some of the
obstacles like and how do youovercome them?
Hannah Leiner (29:59):
I'm very fortunate to have a support
system like my parents, andJames that helped me out with my
professional career. Um, but Ido see challenges I can't play,
you know, in every single event.
And it's kind of hard to get ona rhythm if you don't play a
lot. So that is definitely oneof the challenges and obstacles
(30:22):
that I'm facing. But at the sametime, I've been so far enjoying
the experience and everythinglike that. I love the grind, and
I love to go out and perform mybest. So I'm just excited to
keep doing that.
Douglas Maida (30:40):
Where's your regional qualifier for the US
Women's Open?
Hannah Leiner (30:43):
So it's actually going to be in New Jersey in
Brunswick, I believe? I'm notsure of the course yet. I have
to check my emails. But yeah,it's gonna be in Jersey.
Douglas Maida (30:56):
Okay. So are you going to be heading back up that
way, gradually, so you can getused to playing those types of
conditions again?
Hannah Leiner (31:05):
Um, yeah, I'll be there, like couple weekends out
of the year before I go back inSeptember. But yeah, I'm just
trying to get used to that playand used to this, like if I'm
used to Florida already, ofcourse, but I haven't really
played a lot of golf last year,because of COVID. And I was kind
of taking a break from golf,which is probably the best thing
(31:29):
that happened to my career,because I got that hunger again.
And I got that drive to, youknow, go back and go hard.
Douglas Maida (31:39):
I could see that.
You know, just as an aside,Shanshan Feng who's playing in
the ANA (InspirationChampionship), she hadn't been
playing on the LPGA for some 14months. And just as an aside
yesterday, she said, she comesback so mentally fresh, she
feels like, not an 18 year old,but at least a 25 year old.
Hannah Leiner (31:59):
Right, I totally agree. It's like taking that
time off is so important, too,because especially going from
college where we were justgrinding, it's a convert some
players out. And that's kind ofhow I felt. So it was important
for me to do that. And then now,I'm hungry for it. And I know
that I'm working hard, because Iwant to do that, you know, I
(32:24):
don't have necessary like a teamor coach. With that, you know,
pressure. And everything I do isbecause I want to do it myself.
Douglas Maida (32:36):
Well, that's definitely going to be an
eventful year for you andwhatnot. Tell me, Hannah, if
somebody wants to follow yourscores, and follow your
experience in playingprofessional golf and perhaps
cheer you on or find a way tosupport you -- What are some of
the avenues that they could dothat?
Hannah Leiner (32:57):
So you guys can follow me on Instagram, tik tok,
Twitter, or YouTube at Hannah B,as in boy, Leiner. B is my
middle name. A lot of peoplecall me Bleiner. And I'm like,
No, let's get this straightenedout guys. No, it's Hannah Bianca
(33:17):
Leiner That's my full name. Butit's funny because the actually
like I tried to put HannahLeiner as my username on
Instagram. And I guess someonemade like a fake account of me
with my username. So with myreal name, so now I can't use
that. So I decided to put the Bin there. And it's just stuck.
So you can either find me asHannah B. Leiner and then on
(33:40):
Facebook Hannah Leiner Golf,
Douglas Maida (33:42):
You're gonna make sure you get that verification,
so you get that little bluecheckmark or whatever.
Hannah Leiner (33:48):
Right.
Douglas Maida (33:51):
So what's next for you? Or let me ask you this
golf, professional golf runs onsponsorships for individuals and
tournaments and whatnot. If Iwas interested in wanting to
support, say, a player likeyourself, I mean, obviously,
it's lines up with what I wantto do as a vision and where you
know, what the values are andwhatnot, that we want to express
(34:13):
publicly? How does one go aboutdoing something like that with
when they're professional golfstarting out? Like, I mean, in
terms of supporting the playersand whatnot,
Hannah Leiner (34:22):
Right. I'm not really sure how all of that
works. I do have PXG as mysponsor, who has been such an
amazing experience so far, andthey've provided me with
clothing and clubs, and they'rejust awesome and I love their
mission and everything that theystand for. But I think
(34:45):
sponsorships would work throughmy agent, my agent kind of
handles that everything, andthat is OTG Management. They do
a lot of football players, butthey were considered me because
I I love like they've seen me.
And we've built a greatrelationship over the years
because my boyfriend actuallysigned with them for football.
(35:08):
So they have worked with a lotof our close friends too. And it
just kind of built from there.
So I'm so glad that they took meon their team, because they're
just awesome.
Douglas Maida (35:20):
That's terrific.
So, any last words you'd like toshare with the audience?
Hannah Leiner (35:28):
Thank you guys so much for listening. And I hope
you follow my experiences. I amvery interactive with my
followers. So if you give me amessage, or have any questions
for me at all, feel free toreach out to me on dm, or you
can email me you can find myemail on my Instagram and any
(35:48):
questions at all. I am very openand honest to talking to you
guys.
Douglas Maida (35:52):
Great. So what are your next steps? Where do
you go from here, Hannah? Interms of career and, and
physically and things of thatnature?
Hannah Leiner (36:01):
Right, I will be graduating this month in April.
And then I will be pursuing myprofessional career keep
developing everything andplaying in as many as beds as I
can. Then when I go out toJersey, I want to build a lot
more networks and connections upthere. So I can play golf more
(36:24):
up there. And yeah, and I'm justreally excited for the journey
that I have ahead. I have a lotto work on. And I'm excited for
that. So I'm just career wise, Iwould love to be more on the
social media presence as well. Ido film a lot of videos talking
(36:45):
about my experiences on golfcourses or anything like that.
So I'm going to keep doing thatas well. And hopefully, that
will turn into a job or I'm justdoing as much as I possibly can.
exploring all my differentoptions.
Douglas Maida (37:02):
Right. So as they say, enjoying the journey and
enjoying the process.
Hannah Leiner (37:06):
Right, exactly.
Douglas Maida (37:09):
All right thank you very much, Hannah. It's been
wonderful to have you as a gueston the show. Yeah, we're gonna
wish you all the best. And we'llkeep watching from afar and
looking for you in future.
Hannah Leiner (37:20):
Of course. Thanks for having me.
Douglas Maida (37:21):
Yeah, pleasure.
And hopefully, maybe we can dothis again sometime soon,
Hannah Leiner (37:25):
of course.
Douglas Maida (37:27):
And that concludes our show for today.
Thank you for joining uslistening in on the podcast or
downloading it. Because again,without you we would not be able
to bring you this show. So thankyou so much for your support.
Stay tuned and we will be backwith our next show in about a
week's time. Thank you and havea great day.
Amy (Studio) (37:48):
You are listening to we're talking golf produced
by the world of golf. Thisepisode was recorded on Friday,
April 2 2021. If you have anidea for a future show, please
infor@worldofgolf.org pleaseinclude podcast show in the
subject line. This show is thecopyright of the world of golf.
(38:08):
Thank you for listening
Good afternoon and welcome to our show. We're
talking golf. My name is DouglasMaiden, I'm your host for our
show. On today's episode, we'regoing to be joined by a young
lady from Florida, who has justgraduated from university and
has decided to turnprofessional. Now, it's a little
bit of a departure from ournormal show and format. But from
(00:35):
time to time, we'd like to talkwith aspiring professionals
about their journey. It's awonderful opportunity for our
listeners to learn more aboutprofessional golf, and the
effort and work that it takes tobecome a professional player.
Now, before I introduce ourguest, I would like to welcome
you, our listeners and followersfrom around the world. Because
without you listening andsubscribing to our podcast, we
(00:58):
would not be able to bring youthis show. So thank you for
listening to us. Now, before weget into today's show, we're
going to take a short break forthis message from our sponsor.
Amy (Studio) (01:09):
Thank you for joining us. You are listening to
we're talking golf, a podcastbrought to you by the world of
golf. Our show has been named asone of the top 40 Golf podcasts
to follow in 2021. We could notachieve that without you, our
listeners. Thank you for yoursupport. Now back to the show.
Douglas Maida (01:31):
And a big welcome to our guests Hannah Leiner
who's joining us from her homein Florida. Hello, Hannah, how
are you? And welcome to theshow.
Hannah Leiner (01:40):
Good. How are you? Thanks for having me.
Douglas Maida (01:43):
Our pleasure. Our pleasure. We're a little envious
because you're in Florida andbeautiful golf weather almost 12
months of the year. And we're uphere just waiting for the rain
to go away so that we can startto play a little more actively
as well.
Hannah Leiner (01:57):
it's just so great. Being in Florida. I love
it. Yeah,
Douglas Maida (02:02):
Is Florida, your hometown or your home state?
Hannah Leiner (02:06):
Yes. So I was born and raised in South Florida
and then went to college inSouth Florida. And now I'm
living in Tampa, but I am halfthe year in Tampa half a year in
Jersey, actually. So
Douglas Maida (02:20):
Jersey is in New Jersey or?
Hannah Leiner (02:22):
Yep, New Jersey.
Douglas Maida (02:24):
And what brought you up that way?
Hannah Leiner (02:26):
So my boyfriend, he actually plays for the Jets.
And he was just drafted lastyear. So last year was our first
year in Jersey. And then sowe're there six months of the
year, we only get like two coldmonths. So it's not that bad.
But then we get down. We comedown to Florida for offseason
training.
Douglas Maida (02:46):
Terrific. So you attended and graduated in
Florida -- High School? Youdid all of that routine play
Junior golf there and all ofthat.
Hannah Leiner (02:57):
Yes
Douglas Maida (02:58):
And then you decided to go to university?
Hannah Leiner (03:00):
Right. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (03:01):
Which University was that?
Hannah Leiner (03:03):
Florida International University in
Miami.
Douglas Maida (03:07):
So why don't why don't you tell us a little bit
about yourself. We'll use thisas an opportunity for you to
introduce yourself to thelisteners and to the larger
audience out there. How was itthat you came to play golf who
introduced you to it? Things ofthat nature? Any early
recollections?
Hannah Leiner (03:22):
Yes. So my dad actually got me into playing
golf. I started when golfingwhen I was five years old. But
at the time, I was actuallycompetitively dancing. So I was
a dancer from the ages of like 2to like 12 years old. And then I
took golf more seriously,because I started winning
(03:43):
tournaments. And I startedplaying tournament at 12 years
old as well. So I startedplaying and winning, and I loved
winning, I didn't win as much indance. So I'm like, I don't
know, I should probably takethis direction a little bit.
So I started competing, and itjust took off from there. And I
loved it. And it really drove mebut my dad was the one who got
(04:05):
me into golf taught me; I hadtwo coaches my whole life; one
that kind of taught me when Iwas like 5 to 10 to 12. And then
I got my new coach at the time,and I still use them to this
day. And his name is BarryGoldstein. So just a little
shout out to him.
Douglas Maida (04:26):
Did you have a favorite experience when you're
a junior golfer or anything ofthat nature, a particular
tournament where you played wellor meeting any sort of
professional player that kind oflike got you excited and pumped
up for golf?
Hannah Leiner (04:41):
Yes. So I was fortunate to live in Miami and
that's when I think the Cadillacchampionship downin Doral and I
got to go every single year meetall the pros on the PGA Tour
like Rickie Fowler was my numberone favorite -- Everyone's
favorite when they were ateenage girl. Um, I got to meet
(05:06):
all of them and they were all sonice signing autographs, he
would stay there for hours justsigning everyone's autograph.
But my favorite tournament Iplayed in when I was younger has
to be the US Women's Amateur.
It's the most professionally runevent for amateur golfers and I
was 16 years old when Iqualified. And it was crazy
because I was going into thelast hole at four under in the
(05:29):
qualifier, and I double bogiedfor 71. And, um, and then I got
to play off with like nine othergirls, and they were all they
were all older. They were incollege, and I was just like 16.
And I was like, Oh my gosh, thisis my first like big playoff
(05:49):
event and my life and I was likeshaking. And I remember getting
on the green on three and I hada 30 foot putt for par. And I
sunk it and I remember my dadwas caddying for me, and he just
stood behind me. He just stoodbehind me and was like, just
roll it in. And that's what Idid. And I made it and I got to
(06:12):
move on and qualify. And it wasjust an incredible experience.
And that was in Portland,Oregon. So I got to go out
there. And it was just itchanged my life. I was like I
want to be playing in eventslike this all the time.
Douglas Maida (06:28):
So it was safe to say you kind of enjoyed the
adrenaline rush from it all.
Hannah Leiner (06:33):
Yes, that's like the best part.
Douglas Maida (06:37):
Just as an aside, you grew up in Florida. So
primarily the grasses therewould be things like Bermuda, I
presume that you played on, andthen going all the way out to
Portland, Oregon, where Bermudais not exactly a common
occurrence to find on a golfcourse. How did you have any
thoughts? Or do you remembermuch of a recollection of all of
that experience?
Hannah Leiner (06:57):
So it was definitely I played in a couple
of courses. It like at the time,I played in a lot of courses in
Pinehurst. So I was used to likedifferent types of grasses. So
it wasn't a big shock to me whenI went up there. But it was
definitely different. And I kindof liked it a little bit more
(07:17):
than Bermuda because it was justnice. It was like just so
beautiful. Everything was justso green and like, right I feel
like sometimes in Florida, itcould be well dead. grassy. But
it was just it was cool to justchange it up and switch it up.
That's why I like to travel nowto play different courses
(07:37):
because you know, I never knowwhere I'm gonna end up playing.
So just to get used to differenttypes of grasses and things like
that is really important.
Douglas Maida (07:47):
And the Bermuda is a little bit more on the
wirey side and right places likePortland and whatnot, you're
gonna have anything from say Poato bentgrass greens, so,
Unknown (07:56):
right.
Douglas Maida (07:58):
Um, so how was it that you came from junior golf
into university golf and inparticular, Florida
International University.
Hannah Leiner (08:08):
So my senior year of high school, I actually
committed to FIU and I was inbetween FIU and USF. And I
picked fit because I reallywanted to stay in South Florida
with my family in Miami. Thatwas the majority of the reason
why I really picked FIU. Andwhen I visited the campus, it
(08:31):
was just it was beautiful. Thecampus was like all modern, and
I've never really seen a campuslike this. I was like, This is
huge. I didn't even know reallymuch about it before I visited.
And I was like, I just know thisis going to be the place for me.
So I then chose FIU, I signedwith FIU. And I was there in the
(08:52):
fall of 2017.
Douglas Maida (08:54):
And if you could take a few sentences, how did
you enjoy your college golf,your university golf. I mean,
obviously University is a bigtime of change in transition
going from high school into moreof adulthood and whatnot. So I'm
sure you're probably weren'timmune to all of those
experiences, as we all all haveshared in them. Anything about
(09:17):
that transition that stood outor any wonderful experiences
that you'd like to share?
Hannah Leiner (09:22):
So when I first went to FIU, of course, it was a
big change in my mindset, mybody, my routine, everything you
can possibly think of it wascompletely different than what
it was in high school. And sowhen I went, um, I I enjoyed it
for the most part, I had suchgreat experiences I met so many
(09:45):
people that really like justchanged my life. And I I would
say that, I guess the best partof going to FIU is learning just
to put myself in a differentenvironment in different
environments can be good evenchallenging ones like it not
everything is going to beperfect all the time. And
there's of course going to beconflicts and obstacles that you
(10:07):
have to, you know, that come inyour life, but just how I
learned to deal with thoseconflicts, I'm very proud of
myself. So I'd say the best partof FIU, you would be having to
meet my boyfriend because I gota chance to meet him. And he has
brought a lot of amazingexperiences and positivity to my
(10:28):
life that I wouldn't have if Ididn't meet him. So.
Douglas Maida (10:32):
Well, that's fantastic, wonderful experience.
I need to take a short littlebreak right now for a commercial
message. And then when we comeback, I'd like to spend some
time chatting with you aboutyour journey and turning
professional, what yourexperiences have been. And what
some of your goals andaccomplishments that you have
lined up for yourself.
Hannah Leiner (10:53):
Of course,
Amy (Studio) (10:54):
today's show is brought to you by HONMA golf
experienced distance beyondimagination, shop, the all new
T//World GS. Now back to ourshow, here is your host, Douglas
Maida.
Douglas Maida (11:08):
Alright, we're back. Thank you for staying with
us. And we're meeting with orsitting down with Hannah Leiner
who is joining us on zoom fromher home in Florida. And we're
talking golf. So, Hannah, atwhat point? Did you know that
you wanted to pursue aprofessional career in golf? Was
there a particular aha moment?
Or was it something that yougradually grew into and said,
this is something I'd like topursue.
Hannah Leiner (11:33):
So in junior golf, I had a very fortunate
career. And I always knew I wantto become Pro. Then when I got
to college, and I startedcompeting against a higher
level, I was kind of likedoubting myself. And I was
unsure if I wanted to do that,especially with, you know,
studying, I was really into mymajor, and I still am into my
(11:56):
major, which is communications.
And I, I didn't really know. Soafter kind of COVID hit, I took
some time off from golf, I wasstill like a golfer I played in
practice whenever I had time andwas active on social media with
my golfing, but I wasn't takingit very seriously.
(12:16):
And then one day, I just kind oflike, woke up, and I was like, I
miss, there's like somethingmissing. Yeah, I felt like kind
of empty inside from notcompeting. And I was like, You
know what, I'm gonna puteverything I have into this
because I am young I, I alwaysgo by the saying like,
(12:38):
especially in your 20s, do asmuch as you possibly can.
Because this is your time to beselfish with your career. And I
was like, you know what I'mgoing to indulge into every
single single thing I canpossibly think of. So I'm going
to put all my efforts intobecoming professional. I'm going
to put all my efforts intofinishing up college. And that's
(12:58):
basically where I'm on trackright now.
Douglas Maida (13:01):
You mentioned about going online and doing
things on social media andwhatnot. I have noticed in
preparing for our interviewtoday in or having you on as a
guest, of course, we do a littlebit of homework, you seem to
have built up a pretty sizablefollowing on social media,
whether it be on Instagram, orsome of the other social media
(13:22):
channels. How did that comeabout? And was that just
something that kind of happened?
And and what did you thinkabout; what was your thought
process about wanting to goonline?
Hannah Leiner (13:31):
So in high school, actually, I never posted
about golf, like I would getmade fun of for playing golf,
people would be like golf isn'ta real sport, golf is this,
whatever. And I never reallyposted about it. And then my
senior year, I was I took aprofessional photo shoot with
(13:53):
"Eye on You" photography down inSouth Florida. And I was like, I
love the picture. So I decidedto post them. And one of the
pictures went viral. And I atthe time I had like 1000
followers. And that picture got1000 likes, and I was like, how
is this possible? I'm like, notlike what and then it just blew
(14:14):
up from there. I was like I keptposting more golf content. And I
kept developing I got keptgetting reposted and all those
things and my followers justblew up. And it kind of just
happened. I never really had aplan for it. But it's very
fortunate that it did happenbecause it brought me so many
opportunities like playing atprestige golf courses around
(14:39):
America, playing in events, nowturning professional I have a
great support, like supportsystem and very encouraging
followers. But yeah, I also gotto be on Holey Moley season two,
the TV show on ABC. So that wasall because of my social media,
Douglas Maida (15:03):
Fantastic. So you have this strong social media
presence, and a really good oneon Instagram. So as you start to
move into professional golf, doyou have some concerns about
being seen now, as only a socialmedia golfer,
Hannah Leiner (15:21):
I'm ... not really, I'm not really the kind
of person who would say, I knowpeople are going to talk, I
know, people are going to havethings to say about me, I don't
really pay attention to them.
Because at the end of the day,they're not living my life. And
they're not going to be the oneswho are going to make me feel
(15:45):
happy, I kind of have to juststay on track. And of course,
there'll be some comments I'verun into that are not the
nicest. But overall, myexperience on social media has
been pretty pleasant. Like, Ihaven't gotten a lot of hate or
things like that, or namecalling, or, you know,
stereotype and stuff like that.
(16:09):
I I've been really getting a lotof encouraging messages and
everything. So I'm not tooworried about it.
Douglas Maida (16:15):
Yeah, that's good to hear. I know, you know, Paige
is probably one of the morefamous people in the, in the
social media world with regardsto her presence on social media,
and having been an alumni of SanDiego State University golf. And
there have been some peoplecritical about her and her role
in golf and whatnot. How are youdealing with that transition?
(16:38):
Like, what are you going to do?
Or do you have a plan in placeto gradually make that evolution
from social media focused togolf focused? Or do you see that
as a process going hand in hand,and a way of documenting your
journey?
Hannah Leiner (16:52):
I definitely think it's a process going hand
in hand, I think that the golfworld now more than ever before,
has been really developing intosocial media. And it's been
using social media to createcontent, like to push out
content, and especially withCOVID. And everything, it's hard
(17:13):
to, you know, film things asmuch as before. So everything,
everyone's looking at socialmedia nowadays, and it's been
more useful than ever before.
Douglas Maida (17:24):
Yeah that's true.
Very true, especially with theCOVID situation, it's really,
really magnified the importanceof social media and as a way of
staying in contact, especiallyseeing as we can't do it in
person anymore, or shouldn't bedoing it in person so much.
Hannah Leiner (17:40):
Right.
Douglas Maida (17:42):
I guess in Florida, you've been kind of at
the epicenter of a big part ofit. So
Hannah Leiner (17:45):
Yeah. Honestly, it's been amazing to be down
here in Florida, becauseeverything's open. There's,
it's, of course, I take myprotocols, and I do what, you
know, wear masks keep mydistance. But other than that,
like, it's just nice to kind oflive as normal as we possibly
could in a situation like this.
Douglas Maida (18:06):
I think any sort of sense of normalcy is, is a
big help as we go through thisperiod of time, especially the
longer it's gone on. So
Hannah Leiner (18:14):
Right, especially for your mental health, too.
It's very important. Like Iknow, living in Jersey in New
York for six months, it was hardbecause everything was closed,
basically. And especially whenthe holidays rolled around. It
was very it would they wouldhave curfews at like 10pm. And
it was just, you couldn'texperience New York like you
(18:36):
would usually, and I know, it'sall because of protocols. And
it's important, but it's justdifferent ways of doing things.
Douglas Maida (18:44):
Yeah. You mentioned the importance of
mental health. That's somethingthat I think a lot of golfers go
through as well. I mean, it maynot seem like it on the surface,
because everybody sees the nicephoto shoots or in your case,
you know, sees some of yourphoto shoots that you have
posted and whatnot. But thereis, um, I think behind the
(19:04):
scenes, there is some concernabout the effects of maintaining
good mental health so that -- Imean, because golf is really one
of the few sports in the worldwhere it's so individualistic. I
mean, you have your caddy tohelp you out on the course. But
other than that, it's you as theplayer that has to make the
final decision; you have topull the club; you have to hit
(19:25):
the shot. And golf is probablyone of the most punishing sports
in in the entire sporting worldin the sense that it's a dog eat
dog world. I mean, you don'tthere's no such thing as a team
bonus. There's none of that.
Hannah Leiner (19:38):
It's all on you.
Douglas Maida (19:39):
Exactly.
Precisely. So have you given anythought to that as to, you know,
building a team and how youwould do that in terms of going
forward? Because it seems thatyou need a team nowadays to be
so successful in professionalgolf.
Hannah Leiner (19:55):
Right? Of course, yeah. I have my parents who have
been in my corner ever since Istarted playing ... my coach who
has known me since I was 12years old, he's such a positive
person. And the best part ofthe team that like really, you
know, puts us all together. Mydad obviously has been really
(20:18):
hard on me throughout my golfcareer, but in a positive way,
he just wants the best for me,he want, he knows what I'm
capable of, and I get that. Butsometimes, you know, we're the
same person. So we go head tohead, we're very stubborn. And
he kind of like, is the mediatorand kind of settles those both
both down. And my boyfriend towho's very positive, who
(20:44):
understands what it takes to bea professional athlete, he gives
me the best support andencourages me to do things and
that other people aren't doing.
It gives me great advice on thatas well. So it's great to have
him there, too. And my friends,and my followers, they're all at
my team, too. So
Douglas Maida (21:06):
I know, we just touched on social media a little
bit. And we all know thatthere's a bit of a dark side to
the social media, but you'vejust raised perhaps one of the
more beneficial sides. And oneof the best parts about social
media is having those people outthere that helping you to feel
that maybe perhaps not alone.
Did you want to maybe share thatexperience a little more.
Hannah Leiner (21:27):
So yeah, I having a big social media platform, a
lot of people, like even myfamily members have when I had
probably like 24,000 25,000followers, they laughed at me.
And they were like, why are youdoing this? Like they didn't
understand, like, they werelike, this is like you expect to
make a job out of this or youknow, I mean, like just stuff
(21:49):
like that. And I always like waslike, just watch, just wait one
day, like you'll see, you'llsee. And now they're like, oh,
congratulations, you did this,you did this? And it's like,
Yes, because it takes like, youknow, it takes time to develop
it just, it's not gonna happenovernight. It's definitely a
long term goal to have. And youmake like little short term, you
(22:13):
reach short term goals, and youeventually reach those big
followers and those bigopportunities. But I've
definitely had some doubtersthat kind of have motivated me
in a way to prove them wrong.
Douglas Maida (22:28):
Also, you also find it as a good source of
motivation.
Unknown (22:31):
Yes, for sure.
Douglas Maida (22:33):
Now, that's a way of channeling any potential
negativity into a more positivedirection, isn't it? We
talked about team. So you have aSwing Coach, you have the
somebody caddy for you. Have youthought about that? Or are you
kind of taking it on a case bycase basis?
Hannah Leiner (22:51):
Right now it's a case by case basis, because
especially I just started to myboyfriend, just caddied, for me,
his name's James. James justcaddied for me in this event,
and honestly, of all the caddiesI've ever had in my life, which
were like my dad, and he waskind of the most positive. And
(23:13):
just, he, like I said before, heunderstands the perfect what
professional athletes Go in, gothrough in very, like serious
environments, and you know,having to be dialed in and in
the zone. So he understands thatand that made it so much better.
And I listened to him, like mydad wasn't a professional golfer
(23:38):
or he, he did play basketball.
He wasn't a professionalbasketball player, either. So he
isn't in the same kind ofenvironment or like it doesn't
have to go through the kinds ofexperiences that a professional
athlete has to go through whenplaying in an event. So I really
listened to him. I tried to notthe second day that much because
I got a little frustrated. Butit happens. It's golf. And the
(24:00):
next day, I really tried tochannel that positivity in me so
it really helps them again,
Douglas Maida (24:09):
You just mentioned your boyfriend, Jake.
I'm sure it was his name again,Jason.
Hannah Leiner (24:14):
James.
Douglas Maida (24:14):
James. Sorry.
Yeah. So you had James caddyingfor you? What event was this?
And can you maybe tell us alittle bit about
Hannah Leiner (24:22):
so it's the National Women's Golf
Association. It was hosted inStone Gate Golf & Country Club
in Kissimmee, Florida. And theybasically are like the cactus
store in Arizona, but inFlorida, so it's kind of like a
tour that develops professionalgolfers and kind of gets them
ready for the Symetra or LPGA orcue school stuff like that. So
(24:46):
it was a great event. They puton a great event. Thank you so
much, the NWGA for doing that.
But it was it was great. I was agreat first event for me,
especially because I got to meetsome other There are
professionals in my area that Ican now go and golf with. I
learned more about my gameplaying and what I need to work
(25:06):
on. And yeah, it was it was justoverall an awesome experience,
Douglas Maida (25:13):
A two day event?
Hannah Leiner (25:15):
Three day
Douglas Maida (25:16):
Three day event.
And how did you do? Did you meetyour expectations? Did you find
some areas? I mean, obviously,it was probably a little bit eye
opening for you as well.
Hannah Leiner (25:24):
Right. So the last competitive event that I
played in was actually a yearand a half ago. And I kind of
had that pressure where like,Okay, well, I haven't played in
a long time, let's kind of seewhere my foundation is, like,
let's start like, this is mystarting event. So let's see
what I'm working with. That'skind of how I went into it, like
(25:48):
looking at it. And I wassatisfied with the way I played.
There's, of course, areas that Ineed to develop. And I think
everyone in golf can say thatabout their game. But I just
learned a lot about my game andwhat I need to work on. And then
moving forward. I'm just goingto keep working on my mental
(26:13):
aspect that's got to do a lot ofwhat kind of broke me in some
areas. And yeah, so
Douglas Maida (26:22):
Do you have a mental coach to work with?
Hannah Leiner (26:26):
So I used to, and I haven't worked with him and
probably a couple years, but Iworked with him for probably
like three years. So I kind ofremember some of the things he
taught me and the notes I tookfrom our video chats and
whatnot. But I kind of beentaking that into play as well.
Douglas Maida (26:49):
Oh Great, great.
That's often an area that'soverlooked, I think, with
professional sports and whatnot.
So mental performance is such abig part of it, regardless of
which sport.
Hannah Leiner (27:00):
Exactly. And for golf, it's a big portion of it,
because one bad shot can lead tomore bad shots. And I always
tell myself one shot at a time.
And when I start thinking ofscore, that's when I kind of get
a little ahead of myself. And Isee a lot of players do that as
well. So I tried. And it's veryhard to train your mind to do
(27:20):
that. Because it's like verypresent thinking. And a lot of
people like to think of thefuture. It's like, oh, one bad
shot, but we don't thinkpositively like we don't think,
oh, but we can make that shotup. You know, it's just it
starts kind of snowballing. Andthat's what is the hardest part
to just kind of channel yourselfinto the present and keep
(27:43):
yourself there.
Douglas Maida (27:45):
You're playing on the NWGA Tour, you're getting
yourself prepared and ready.
What are going to be your goalswith regards to professional
golf? Is it your goal to lookat q school right away? Or the Q
series? Or are you going to takeanother year of preparatory work
on one of the smaller tours? OrWhere do you see yourself going
from here,
Hannah Leiner (28:08):
So definitely looking into playing Q-school
and going through that wholeexperience. I don't, I'm unsure
of if it's going to be thisyear, or if it's going to be
next year. That's definitelysomething that's definitely a
goal of mine that I want toexperience. But I will be
(28:29):
qualifying for the US Open ortrying to qualify for the US
Open in May. So I have that onmy schedule. And right now I'm
just going to be trying totravel and play events around
the country as well on differenttours, just to kind of like what
I said before, like earlier, isto get used to the different
(28:51):
conditions to get used todifferent life experiences,
because a lot in college was wewould travel to different
courses. And I think that's veryimportant to kind of get a look
at different experiences.
Because on the LPGA you're goingto be traveling all the time
playing different places all thetime. So I think that's one of
the most important things to do.
Douglas Maida (29:15):
Right. So you want to develop a game that can
travel.
Hannah Leiner (29:19):
Right,
Douglas Maida (29:20):
And they do that best by the approach of taking
it. Yep, I agree completely.
What do you find some of thechallenges in terms of being in
in professional golf? I mean,it's not exactly. I mean, what
we see on television, what wesee when we turn on the
television on Sunday afternoon,you see, you see the purse
distribution, you seeprofessional players, you hear
(29:40):
about private jets and things ofthat nature. But it's a very
stark reality when you'restarting out as a professional
player. What do you find some ofthe challenges of becoming a
professional player? I mean,what what are some of the
obstacles like and how do youovercome them?
Hannah Leiner (29:59):
I'm very fortunate to have a support
system like my parents, andJames that helped me out with my
professional career. Um, but Ido see challenges I can't play,
you know, in every single event.
And it's kind of hard to get ona rhythm if you don't play a
lot. So that is definitely oneof the challenges and obstacles
(30:22):
that I'm facing. But at the sametime, I've been so far enjoying
the experience and everythinglike that. I love the grind, and
I love to go out and perform mybest. So I'm just excited to
keep doing that.
Douglas Maida (30:40):
Where's your regional qualifier for the US
Women's Open?
Hannah Leiner (30:43):
So it's actually going to be in New Jersey in
Brunswick, I believe? I'm notsure of the course yet. I have
to check my emails. But yeah,it's gonna be in Jersey.
Douglas Maida (30:56):
Okay. So are you going to be heading back up that
way, gradually, so you can getused to playing those types of
conditions again?
Hannah Leiner (31:05):
Um, yeah, I'll be there, like couple weekends out
of the year before I go back inSeptember. But yeah, I'm just
trying to get used to that playand used to this, like if I'm
used to Florida already, ofcourse, but I haven't really
played a lot of golf last year,because of COVID. And I was kind
of taking a break from golf,which is probably the best thing
(31:29):
that happened to my career,because I got that hunger again.
And I got that drive to, youknow, go back and go hard.
Douglas Maida (31:39):
I could see that.
You know, just as an aside,Shanshan Feng who's playing in
the ANA (InspirationChampionship), she hadn't been
playing on the LPGA for some 14months. And just as an aside
yesterday, she said, she comesback so mentally fresh, she
feels like, not an 18 year old,but at least a 25 year old.
Hannah Leiner (31:59):
Right, I totally agree. It's like taking that
time off is so important, too,because especially going from
college where we were justgrinding, it's a convert some
players out. And that's kind ofhow I felt. So it was important
for me to do that. And then now,I'm hungry for it. And I know
that I'm working hard, because Iwant to do that, you know, I
(32:24):
don't have necessary like a teamor coach. With that, you know,
pressure. And everything I do isbecause I want to do it myself.
Douglas Maida (32:36):
Well, that's definitely going to be an
eventful year for you andwhatnot. Tell me, Hannah, if
somebody wants to follow yourscores, and follow your
experience in playingprofessional golf and perhaps
cheer you on or find a way tosupport you -- What are some of
the avenues that they could dothat?
Hannah Leiner (32:57):
So you guys can follow me on Instagram, tik tok,
Twitter, or YouTube at Hannah B,as in boy, Leiner. B is my
middle name. A lot of peoplecall me Bleiner. And I'm like,
No, let's get this straightenedout guys. No, it's Hannah Bianca
(33:17):
Leiner That's my full name. Butit's funny because the actually
like I tried to put HannahLeiner as my username on
Instagram. And I guess someonemade like a fake account of me
with my username. So with myreal name, so now I can't use
that. So I decided to put the Bin there. And it's just stuck.
So you can either find me asHannah B. Leiner and then on
(33:40):
Facebook Hannah Leiner Golf,
Douglas Maida (33:42):
You're gonna make sure you get that verification,
so you get that little bluecheckmark or whatever.
Hannah Leiner (33:48):
Right.
Douglas Maida (33:51):
So what's next for you? Or let me ask you this
golf, professional golf runs onsponsorships for individuals and
tournaments and whatnot. If Iwas interested in wanting to
support, say, a player likeyourself, I mean, obviously,
it's lines up with what I wantto do as a vision and where you
know, what the values are andwhatnot, that we want to express
(34:13):
publicly? How does one go aboutdoing something like that with
when they're professional golfstarting out? Like, I mean, in
terms of supporting the playersand whatnot,
Hannah Leiner (34:22):
Right. I'm not really sure how all of that
works. I do have PXG as mysponsor, who has been such an
amazing experience so far, andthey've provided me with
clothing and clubs, and they'rejust awesome and I love their
mission and everything that theystand for. But I think
(34:45):
sponsorships would work throughmy agent, my agent kind of
handles that everything, andthat is OTG Management. They do
a lot of football players, butthey were considered me because
I I love like they've seen me.
And we've built a greatrelationship over the years
because my boyfriend actuallysigned with them for football.
(35:08):
So they have worked with a lotof our close friends too. And it
just kind of built from there.
So I'm so glad that they took meon their team, because they're
just awesome.
Douglas Maida (35:20):
That's terrific.
So, any last words you'd like toshare with the audience?
Hannah Leiner (35:28):
Thank you guys so much for listening. And I hope
you follow my experiences. I amvery interactive with my
followers. So if you give me amessage, or have any questions
for me at all, feel free toreach out to me on dm, or you
can email me you can find myemail on my Instagram and any
(35:48):
questions at all. I am very openand honest to talking to you
guys.
Douglas Maida (35:52):
Great. So what are your next steps? Where do
you go from here, Hannah? Interms of career and, and
physically and things of thatnature?
Hannah Leiner (36:01):
Right, I will be graduating this month in April.
And then I will be pursuing myprofessional career keep
developing everything andplaying in as many as beds as I
can. Then when I go out toJersey, I want to build a lot
more networks and connections upthere. So I can play golf more
(36:24):
up there. And yeah, and I'm justreally excited for the journey
that I have ahead. I have a lotto work on. And I'm excited for
that. So I'm just career wise, Iwould love to be more on the
social media presence as well. Ido film a lot of videos talking
(36:45):
about my experiences on golfcourses or anything like that.
So I'm going to keep doing thatas well. And hopefully, that
will turn into a job or I'm justdoing as much as I possibly can.
exploring all my differentoptions.
Douglas Maida (37:02):
Right. So as they say, enjoying the journey and
enjoying the process.
Hannah Leiner (37:06):
Right, exactly.
Douglas Maida (37:09):
All right thank you very much, Hannah. It's been
wonderful to have you as a gueston the show. Yeah, we're gonna
wish you all the best. And we'llkeep watching from afar and
looking for you in future.
Hannah Leiner (37:20):
Of course. Thanks for having me.
Douglas Maida (37:21):
Yeah, pleasure.
And hopefully, maybe we can dothis again sometime soon,
Hannah Leiner (37:25):
of course.
Douglas Maida (37:27):
And that concludes our show for today.
Thank you for joining uslistening in on the podcast or
downloading it. Because again,without you we would not be able
to bring you this show. So thankyou so much for your support.
Stay tuned and we will be backwith our next show in about a
week's time. Thank you and havea great day.
Amy (Studio) (37:48):
You are listening to we're talking golf produced
by the world of golf. Thisepisode was recorded on Friday,
April 2 2021. If you have anidea for a future show, please
infor@worldofgolf.org pleaseinclude podcast show in the
subject line. This show is thecopyright of the world of golf.
(38:08):
Thank you for listening
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