Mike picked up his fourth Purple Jacket on the Gold Coast, winning for the first time since the Gold Coast Challenge in 1999. In this exclusive interview for the King Golf Online Website, Mike gives an insite into what this Challenge win means to him...

Where did that second round at Lakelands come from?
I have no idea, was hitting the ball OK at Royal Pines in Round 1 and after a few beers that night watching the football I had prepared well for Round 2. Id had a shocker at Lakelands in 1998 carding 104 off the stick so was hoping to play to handicap. The driver and long irons were coming off sensationally and the only thing not firing was the putter.

You mentioned the football, who won?
The Mighty Hawks beat Port Power in Adelaide to move to the Prelim final and if it hadnt been for that ^&$&$ Umpire Goldspink we would have been in the Grand Final!! .

Despite the second round you couldnt shake Steve?
It was like the old days, its a bit like Arnie and Jack. Two traditional rivals at the top of the leaderboard once again! Steve was playing solid golf and it was that second round that gave me enough of a lead to hold on. To win over a quality field such as the one assembled for this Challenge was special!

Any thoughts of Royal Monday before the final round?
Sure, but this time I didnt use "Greg Normans Guide to How to Play a Final Round at the Masters". That book is crap!

Whats the secret to winning a King Challenge?
Its the short game! History shows that the putter and wedges have to be working to win a King Challenge. It also requires an ability to play through adversity including early mornings after big nights.

Mike Hauser congratulations on winning the King Challenge Gold Coast 2001