Q&A: Jonathan Keane, Founder of nichegolfHQ
Alex Elias
Courtesy of Chase Doganiero (@doggy.drones)
Can you briefly explain why you founded nichegolfHQ?
Starting in 2019 with midamgolfHQ, and expanding into junior and senior coverage, we cover the corners of competitive amateur golf the mainstream ignores—with dedicated coverage across our channels. To me, the Mid-Am game has been, and is still somewhat underappreciated. There are so many stories to tell.
What do you appreciate most about Mid-Am Golf?
Two things: First, the ability to still compete. In a lot of other sports, that’s not possible. Secondly, it’s the camaraderie. Playing against, and sometimes with, in four-ball, there’s an appreciation that everyone is balancing family, work, and competitive golf as well.
Can you put into detail just how unique it is for players to be competing at such a high level while working full-time jobs? How do players balance the demands of life, family, work, with competitive golf?
It’s something that makes our segment of the game very special. Depending on the age of the player, circumstances are different with family and work, but everyone is balancing something. We all understand and appreciate the sacrifices each person makes.
Every player is different, and it really depends on the week with work, family, and everything else going on. When you're busy, the state of your game takes a hit. For me, I'm typically at the golf course twice a week, maybe three times, to hit a few balls, chip, putt, and work on some drills.
All of that is a long way of saying, like my previous answer, this isn't a profession for anyone. Everyone is different, everyone is balancing different things, and I think that's what makes it so special.
The Mid-Amateur circuit features perhaps the best golf courses in the game of golf. How much do you appreciate that, and why do you think such exclusive clubs open their doors to the Mid-Am game?
The golf courses are without a doubt one of the biggest driving forces for why I continue to play: The opportunity to compete at some of the finest courses in the U.S.—Pine Valley, NGLA, Garden City. Especially since, in my opinion, many of the architectural features are a great match for the Mid-Am game.
There’s so much tradition instilled in these events, and I’m very thankful the club staffs and memberships continue to embrace that tradition.
Through your journey competing and with MidAmGolfHQ, can you discuss the friendships you’ve made? Is that what drives you to continue?
I’ve met so many high-quality people that will now be lifelong friends. It’s been incredibly special, and the people that are involved in these events are the glue that keeps the Mid-Am game together.
Sometimes, it’s easy to get lost in the competition when you’re younger because you don’t know if you’ll see a certain golfer again in five or ten years, but in the Mid-Am game, we all kind of stay together, as we all appreciate the sacrifices made.
