What's your favorite golf road trip that you've taken while working on this?
The answer will surprise you. I have taken some epic trips - the Dunes of Oregon, Sawgrass, Arizona, Colorado, but the most powerful for me was the three days in Myrtle Beach when I not only played the Dunes and True Blue, but I got the privilege to meet and interview Mike Strantz. It was the most powerful and moving moment of my golf career.
First, my golf friends and I cherish each one of his bold, progressive designs which are also rich in risk-reward options. It's one thrilling shot after another. But here is a man who is so much more. He's a cancer survivor, a devoted husband and father, a sensitive artist, and a warm gentleman. His whole extended family opened their world and hearts and welcomed me in, taking the time to teach me about designs and sharing all sorts of stories about his career. It was heartwarming. The feeling of love that emanated from his whole team and extended family to him and his work was more than palpable - it was staggering.
It really helped hone my own understanding of why this game is special to me ... it's a microcosm of so much of life - the love of family, the faithfulness of friends, the benefits of hard work, the joys of great victories and the grace needed to deal with setbacks and most importantly, the fortitude to keep on living whatever dream it is you chase.
Golf did all that for Mike and it does it on a similar level for so many people. That's why my book is so important to me - I want to share that same love and sense of adventure I feel out on the course with the rest of the golf world. I know so many people feel it at times. Hopefully, they'll pick up my book and take an adventure that they'll remember for the rest of their lives, too ... and it's a feeling that should and can be shared by everyone - not just the richest of us.
What's the timetable for publication of the first book, and for following volumes?
I'm aiming for the first volume to be done in time for a spring 2006 release. Then one more every nine months or so.
What's the best thing you ever did for your golf score?
Easy -get a walking bag! I feel healthier, my rhythm has improved and I'm not standing around out-thinking myself over the ball. Since I started only walking the course, I have doubled my fairways hit off the tee and my greens in regulation, not to mention shedding five pounds.
What are you looking forward to most in the coming year?
Playing at least one more time with my 80-year-old dad and my mom; meeting and learning from (golf course architect) Brian Silva; seeing Hawaii, and also Utah's canyonlands; a Midwest swing where I have no expectations and can be totally surprised; meeting more lovers of the game and sharing the great love that unites us as players; shedding some strokes off my handicap; tackling Kiawah Island and Tobacco Road - hopefully several times; watching my friends that are just learning the game get better and better and enjoy the game even more; and finding those perfect words to describe those otherwise indescribable golf masterpieces.
