What's your favorite golf course?
Everyone thinks it's probably one that I've won a major championship on,
but it's not. It's Cypress Point Golf Club near Pebble Beach. I've always
said that if they wanted to put a ball and chain on me at that place, I'd
be quite content to never want to leave.
What's the best shot of your career?
I think it was in the Dunlop Masters in Woburn, England. I was trailing by
one stroke coming to the last hole and hit a 3-wood shot 253 yards to
within
two inches of the hole. I ended up winning the tournament.
Who's your favorite athlete?
I don't think I can name one. I met Jesse Owens once. He was a remarkable
individual, and I have tremendous respect for what he did in the Olympics
under the circumstances. I also think a lot of Jim Thorpe, the Olympian,
and his accomplishments. In the modern era, I'd probably lean toward
Michael Jordan. He was a tremendous basketball player.
What is your favorite sports team?
Living in Dallas, I root for the Mavericks and the Stars and the Cowboys,
but I guess I've always pulled for the Chicago Cubs. I enjoy watching them
play, and maybe they'll win it all here soon.
What was your first car?
I had a 1949 powder-blue Ford with a flat-eight engine. I paid $100 for it.
What do you currently drive?
I drive a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban. I've got 62,000 miles on it. My wife
wants me to buy another one, but this is my baby. I call it my school bus.
What's the oldest thing in your golf bag?
Probably, my putter. I use an Arnold Palmer putter that was probably built
back in 1954.
What's the one thing you never travel without?
I have an orthopedic pillow that's made out of a sponge material. I have a
plate in my throat, and I have to be careful that I only sleep on this one
in hotels and such or I could end up with a bad neck in the morning that
might not allow me to play. That pillow is a must everywhere I go.
What's your worst fear?
I'm not scared of very much. My wife, I guess. I've been hit by lightning
and been in the Marine Corps for four years. I've traveled the world and
been about everywhere you can imagine. There's not anything I'm scared of
except my wife.
What's the one thing most people don't know about you?
I'm actually a very quiet person off the golf course. I talk 150 miles per
hour when I'm at the course, but when I'm in private I very seldom ever
open my mouth. I stay away from the telephone if at all possible.
What's the one piece of advice you'd give today's kids?
To make sure they get an education. Sports are great, and kids should be
encouraged to play them. But going to school and learning in the classroom
needs to be the highest priority. Lots of kids dream to be pro athletes,
but the statistics show that very few make it to the highest level in all
sports.
What's your favorite food?
Steak. Always has been.
Who's your favorite cartoon character?
Bugs Bunny.
Who's the most famous person you've ever played golf with?
I've played golf with three U.S presidents, but I guess the most interesting guy I've ever played with was King Hassan of Morocco. I went
over there on a trip with Butch Harmon back in the early 1970s, and the
King and I played five holes. I've never been that nervous in my life. I
was in a strange country, and he had his own nine-hole course. The King
came out of the palace, and I didn't know what to do. Everyone was kissing
his hands, but I wasn't going to do that.
Do you remember the first time you broke 70?
It had to be when I was probably 16, and I think I broke 70 at Tennison
Park, a municipal course in Dallas. I never played much golf as a kid. I
caddied quite a bit but never got serious into golf until about 15 years of
age.
Any mulligan you'd like to have in your life?
If I could do anything over, I'd have spent more time with my first set of
children. I would have taken more quality time with them, for sure.
