Rising Through the Ranks

Learn From Every Experience

I believe that you’ve got to take something from every experience, even if things don’t always work out. That’s the same at every level. Straight after my win in Scotland, I had to dash down to Sunningdale for Open qualifying and won that too, even though I hadn’t had much sleep and was running on pure adrenalin.

I didn’t play very well at Muirfield, but the whole experience was great fun. I’d played in the US Open the year before, and definitely felt more comfortable at Muirfield. And even though I missed the cut by quite a bit, I remember walking away saying that I belonged out here and that I could play with these guys. That was the one thing I did take from it - you can’t beat yourself up over anything you do. You’ve got to learn from it and take something out of it.

I then played with Tiger Woods in the final round of the 2013 USPGA, somebody I’ve looked up to for years and years, and who is part of the reason why I’m playing. I learned a lot there, and again at the Frys.com Open in 2014, where I gave up a final-round lead.

When you can take something from every experience like that, I think you’ll be fine.

The Process Not the Prize

That Frys.com Open first prize was nearly US$1million, but money’s never an issue when I’m playing. I’d much rather win the tournament than US$1million - you might laugh at me saying that, but it’s just my competitive instinct. The tournament means more to me. I enjoy the competitive spirit, being out there with the guys and getting the juices flowing.

In that final round I felt comfortable playing with Jimmy Walker, who played really well and went on to win. I played well too, but just not quite well enough. Obviously, I’m delighted to have now won, and a big one, too, in Turkey. But I never think about what’s at stake - I much prefer to focus on the process and let the rest take care of itself. If you get too caught up in what’s at stake, that can be a major distraction.

What’s in My Bag

Driver Titleist 915D2 8.5°
3-wood Titleist 915F 13.5°
3-iron Titleist 714 CB
Irons (5-9) Titleist 714 MB
Wedges Titleist Vokey Design
SM5 46° 52°, 56° & 60°
Putter Scotty Cameron GoLo 5
Ball Titleist Pro V1x prototype