University of Houston Athletics
Where Are They Now Archive: Mike Booker
10/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
Sport: Golf
Years at Houston: 1975-77
Education: Wharton Junior College, two years; Two seasons at Houston
Home: Pearland, Texas
Background
Originally born in Downey, Calif., Mike Booker came to UH in 1975 after earning All-America honors at Wharton Community College. He was an All-American player for Houston's 1977 team that won the NCAA Championship.
Highlights as an athlete at UH:
"Winning the NCAA Championship in 1977. We were not supposed to win it that year. Oklahoma State was heavily favored after they had annihilated us in two tournaments and we had beaten them by one stroke in another.
"But, we believed in ourselves and were determined to keep our heads down, do the best we could and hope it would work out. It did, and that has carried over into my business career as well."
Where Is Booker Now? President of Financial Synergies, Incorporated in Houston, a financial planning management company he founded in 1986 and was latter incorporated in 1997.
What was your biggest thrill as a Businessman?
I enjoy helping people reach their financial goals so that they can enjoy their life now and in their retirement.
Are you currently involved with any sports?
"I still play in amateur golf tournaments in Houston. I am one of two individuals who have won the City of Houston Championship four times and my victories span three decades. (1985, 1990, 2001 and 2002).
"My biggest win was the Texas Mid-Amateur Championship in 2003."
The Booker Family
Mike and his wife, Pat, have been married 27 years, and they have a daughter, Caitlin, who is a senior at John Cooper School in the Woodlands and will attend Holy Cross next fall.
"My wife and I really love living in Houston. I grew up in the Los Angeles area, and she was raised just outside Hartford, Conn., but we have lived here throughout our marriage. I enjoy attending symphonies and am really please with the resurgence of Downtown."
