Mike Hendley came to Chowan in the Fall of 1964, from Durham, North Carolina. The Northern High School golf star was highly touted as one of the top golfers in the state. In his senior season he helped lead his Northern High School team to a 3A Class Eastern Regional Championship. Mike's golf talents got him to Chowan where he played on a very successful golf team with the then-Braves.
Mike played on the Chowan Golf team in 1966. During that time, Chowan played five matches, two against Louisburg College, two against Ferrum, and one against East Carolina University. Mike placed in the top 4 in each match with a stroke average less than 75.
After graduation from Chowan, Mike went on to serve as an apprentice member of PGA in 1966. He worked as an Assistant Pro at Willowhaven Country Club in Durham, North Carolina and Quail Ridge Golf Club in Sanford, North Carolina. With experience working in golf shops and teaching lessons, Mike became a golf club Class A Professional.
After marrying his wife Peggy in 1969, Mike decided to continue his education at North Carolina State University. During his time at NC State, Mike taught golf classes through the Physical Education Department. Upon graduation in 1971, he began his 42-year insurance career with New York Life Insurance Company. Mike experienced much success in the business world and is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table.
Mike continues to support his alma mater in a variety of ways. He has served stints on the Chowan University Board of Visitors and supports the athletic department in many endeavors throughout the year. He has also served on the Board of Associates at Meredith College.
Mike is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sanford. He has served as a deacon and an elder and is still active in the church's Sunday School.
Mike is proud to be married to his wife of 50-plus years, Peggy. Together they have two children. Their daughter, Michelle, and her husband Andy and their children Ben and Holland, live in Belmont, North Carolina, and their son John, resides in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
