Hurricane Hannah

Hannah Leiner, University of Miami's next star golfer

 

Published July 22, 2015 

 

By Jacob Polacheck 

         

Hannah Leiner has always been destined to be an incredible golfer. Picking up the sport at the age of five, Leiner has always displayed a unique ability to compete at the highest level. At only 16 years old, Leiner has already shown that she will be a tough competitor in the FSGA for years to come. Leiner’s main influence in playing golf was Michelle Wei saying, “She was really tall and I'm really tall so I kind of look up to her and how far she hits [the ball]”.

 

Leiner is indeed tall. Standing at 5’11”, Leiner uses her height to her advantage, but also realizes that she still has room for improvement. “I think the best part of my golf game is my driving, because I hit it really far, and I think what I need to work on more is just hitting it more consistently, and making more putts.” Leiner  overcame her struggles with putting after her second day at the ESPY Junior Golf Tournament in Heron Bay this year. “Well, the first day I did really well, so it kind of put me in a good position. Even though I missed a lot of putts, I gave myself opportunities [to win], and I didn't make big mistakes on the course,” said Leiner.

 

          On March 3rd, 2015, Leiner verbally committed to play at the University of Miami after she graduates in 2017. When asked about her decision to go to Miami, Leiner responded, “I picked Miami because it is close to home, the weather is nice all year round, and it's right near my coach, so I'll always have him around. I also like the city and the life down here in Miami, so that's why I chose it.” While Leiner is excited to play golf with the Hurricanes, she is already thinking about the future, stating, “Well, after college golf I want to become a professional. After that I want to make my own tournament, or I want to open a facility for kids that don't have money.”
 

          In an effort to reach her goals, Leiner practices 5-6 days a week with her coach Barry Goldstein. When asked about how Goldstein has helped her get to where she is today, Leiner responded, “He's not just like a teacher, like teaching me my swing, he helps me with my mental game, and that is important in golf.” In July 2015, Leiner also qualified for the Women's Amatuer Championship.

After committing to Miami and winning the ESPY Junior Golf Tournament at Heron Bay this year, Hannah Leiner has emerged as one of the best high school golfers in the country. With a great work ethic and the help of her coach, Hannah Leiner is undoubtedly a golfer to keep an eye on in the class of 2017.