Q & A
Question:
Hunter, I met you today at TP. You signed a ball and hat for me. I just wanted to tell you, “I like how you golf”. I am your fan. Nicholas age 7 (San Diego)
Answer:
Thanks Nicholas! Hope you had fun. Thanks for coming out!
Question:
How did the environment of the Ryder Cup differ from that of a normal tournament?
Answer:
There was just more crazy energy. There’s always pressure in any tournament you play, but like I said, it’s so definitive on one side or the other. When you play a major, there are a ton of guys trying to win. You don’t feel like the fans are cheering for anyone; they just want to see good shots. It was nothing I’ve ever seen or felt before. It’s just different. It’s hard to describe to someone how it’s different from a major, but it is. You’ve got teammates and wives and captains and fans completely cheering against you. But it was a great feeling. That’s what the Ryder Cup is all about. They had a home-field advantage. That’s what helped us succeed in ’08 and that’s what helped them succeed this year.
Question:
What do you do off of the course during tournament weeks?
Answer:
It depends on the city, but as a big basketball fan I like to take in a game anytime I can. At the Northern Trust Open in L.A. I caught a Lakers game. During baseball season I always try to catch a game in cities with teams. The worst thing you can do is sit around and think about your round. You have to give your mind a rest.
Updates
Wed, Jun 17th 2009, 20:02
Hunter preps for Bethpage
After making himself a well-known name on the PGA Tour, Hunter Mahan is ready to make his biggest statement yet at the U.S. Open.
Mahan is coming off a tie for 14th at the Memorial and is one of the most consistent players out there, having made all 14 cuts this year. He was even picked to win the U.S. Open by Golfweek’s Sean Martin.
“I think Bethpage can suit him because you’re going to have to hit it straight and long off the tee, and he does that real well,” said Sean Foley, his swing coach. Mahan is 13th on Tour in total driving this season. “Plus he’s a real good mid- to long-iron player.”
Hunter has already finished in the top 20 of the U.S. Open twice in his young career. This year, however, he is looking for a breakout performance after an already stellar start to the year.
Entering the tournament, Mahan had eight finishes in the top 25. He also is 13th on the tour in total driving.
Mahan is currently ranked No. 11 in the Golfweek/Sagarin performance index. He is set to play with Oliver Wilson and Brandt Snedeker.
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Caddie's Corner
Hunter’s Caddie, John Wood, gives you the inside scoop on life in the PGA. Find tips, recommendations, and insider info usually reserved for tour pros right here at the Caddie’s Corner.
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