Updates
Wed, Nov 11th 2009, 14:10
Mahan chilled for challenge
THE flat screen TV on the wall is flashing in a room at The Lodge and it’s way past lunch time at the Cape Kidnappers Golf Resort in Hawke’s Bay.
Dressed casually in jeans, pullover and a baseball cap, Hunter Mahan is glued to an American football match on the box as a glass of milk and chocolate cookies wait in the queue of things to do for the defending champion before the $US2 million ($2.69 million) second 36-hole annual Kiwi Challenge tees off at 9am tomorrow and Thursday.
Next to the American professional golfer is his caddie John Wood who offers an infectious smile after pleasantries are exchanged before he continues to massage the buttons on his cellphone.
His psychologist and friend, Neale Smith, is there too but politely cuts a track to a comfy chair on the other side of the room so SportToday can begin its interview.
“I’m thrilled to be back,” says Mahan (pronounced May-han) as he keeps his eyes on the telly.
Some things haven’t changed. Just as he did in the inaugural event last year, the 27-year-old was pumping iron in the gym after a practice round with Wood and Smith.
His mother, Cindy, is in a unit at the resort, relaxing and he’s thrilled to have her in a “unique” place with him.
“She’s enjoying herself but it could be a little warmer. I’ll be taking her out to show her the course and all that when it gets warmer,” Mahan reveals, although confessing it’s much warmer this time in the Bay after a blustery and wet day before tee-off last year.
Cindy, who worked for the Nordstrom department store in his home area of Orange County, California, and father Monte have been instrumental in his penchant for trendy threads but, bar his signature cap, his ensemble speaks volume – it’s timeout.
Reportedly a retired undercover police officer masquerading as a surfie for years, his father, Mahan discloses, couldn’t make it.
“We’ve got a couple of dogs back home and he’s got to look after them … they don’t like to be separated,” he explains with a hint of smile.
Comments
Q & A
Got a Question for Hunter Mahan? Ask it here.
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.
Ryder Cup Journal: The Trip Out—Or Third Time’s the Charm
Ryder Cup Journal: The Course..and where are my red ruby slippers?