The Goose

You must have been disappointed to miss the Presidents Cup, but what did you make of the match at Muirfield Village– and what do the International Team have to do to start winning?

Yeah, the Presidents Cup was very disappointing I must say. I don’t know what it is. The years I played, based on the world rankings the International side was the stronger side but didn’t manage to win. I think in a way the Americans have the mentality that the Europeans currently have over the Americans – they think they’re going to win and it’s going to happen. And we as the International side, we’re probably thinking we’re not going to win. Yeah, I’m hoping that will change soon, that the next one will go the other way. I hope the Presidents Cup won’t lose any of its gold because it’s become one sided. But the Ryder Cup used to be like that – the Americans always use to win and suddenly it changed and look where it is now. Hopefully the Presidents Cup can go the same way.

Are you a man that sets goals – especially after spending a period away from the game – and if so, is one of those goals to make the Presidents Cup side again?

Yeah. I mean that’s a long way away for me at the moment. My goal is just to play consistently again. That will come by itself. But I would love to play another Presidents Cup. Time will tell on that front.

What are your favourite courses?

I always say the courses I win on – they’re my favourites. But if I only had a couple of rounds left in my lifetime I’d definitely pick St Andrews and Augusta. Those are my two real favourites. Shinnecock obviously too … the US Open courses where I won. But there’s something special about Augusta, the feel of the place. It’s the same with St Andrews and its history. Those two stand out for me.

What is your biggest indulgence?

[Laughs]. Cars were the thing before the kids come along – now I drive 4x4s. I have a few watches. I’m very lucky to have been associated with Rolex for a long time, so I have a few of those. I would say the wine. I like tasting different wines from around the world. That’s the thing I enjoy the most.