Michael Wellington

Michael Wellington was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and accepted a golf scholarship to Spring Hill College (Mobile, AL) where he was a collegiate golf All-American and graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2001. Just a few weeks after graduation, Michael was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. In 2003, Michael left his amateur status behind, turned pro and embarked on an interesting journey in the world of professional golf. In order to keep his golf career afloat, Michael worked in broadcasting for the University of Missouri baseball program in 2006 and in sports-talk radio in St. Louis in 2010. By the end of 2011, Michael decided to stop putting alcohol into his body, created his 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, Birdies4Bipolar.org, and began writing his memoir about his battle with bipolar disorder and addiction. In September of 2015, "Birdies, Bogeys & Bipolar Disorder" was released. NBC Sports/Golf Channel Host, David Feherty, contributed the foreword for the project. Birdies4Bipolar has hosted golf events as well as stand-up comedy events in both St. Louis and New Orleans. Birdies4Bipolar has contributed funds so U.S. Veterans that live with mental illness could benefit from recreational golf therapy in the form of golf leagues in competitive golf events in both Missouri and Illinois.