GOLF: 'I know I'm lucky to do what I do'

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 13:30

The former standout at Oklahoma State and runner-up at the 2002 US Amateur, Mahan put together a solid 2009 PGA season of six top-10 finishes. Mahan's treasured accomplishment for the season, however, was playing in the Presidents Cup.

He has won once on tour, at the 2007 Travellers Championship, and he is the defending champion at next month's Kiwi Challenge at Cape Kidnappers Golf Resort in Hawke's Bay.

He'll return to defend his title on November 11-12 against last year's runner-up Anthony Kim, Sean O'Hair and Camilo Villegas in a made-for-TV 36-hole event that will be televised by NBC.

For more information on the Kiwi Challenge visit the website www.thekiwi challenge.com.

Spectators can obtain tickets from Ticket Direct on 0800-4TICKET

Here's a chance to get to know him better.

Question 1: Would you agree that travelling to New Zealand for a chance to win $1 million dollars is a pretty good way to make a living?

Answer: "It's an incredible opportunity and last year was amazing. The Robertsons have two unbelievable golf courses and New Zealand is probably one of the prettiest places I've ever seen. It's very untouched. It goes against what is happening in the world with all of the development. It takes you back in time with the farmland and the sheep running around everywhere. For Mr [Julian] Robertson, it's a chance to showcase his resorts to the world and I have been lucky enough to have been chosen the last two years. It's a pretty awesome event. He takes such great care of us. That's one of the great things about playing golf; you get to travel and see places all over the world with your buddies. When you can make a living at it, it's even more special. I had a great time going over there. The people are great."

Question 2: You picked Anthony Kim's pocket down the stretch last year, shooting a second round 65, with a 30 on the last nine holes - four birdies and an eagle from holes 13 through 17. I guess everything was going right?

Answer: "I got there early and played a couple of times at Cape Kidnappers, so I think I knew the course a bit better than everyone else. I was playing good, but I didn't get much out of my round for the first 27 holes. Then, I made a great up-and-down at 11 and that kept me in it. I followed that with good putts on 12 and 13, and just got the ball rolling. Sometimes the birdies come spread out and sometimes they come in bunches. The birdies couldn't have happened at a better time for me."

Question 3: Architect Tom Doak has said he really likes the stretch of holes toward the end, and they aren't as easy as you made them look?

Answer: "Tom did a great job. He didn't move a ton of dirt and try to trick it up with crazy things and weird bunkering. He made the course fun. You can make some birdies but there is danger everywhere. It's a lot of fun to play. The course was designed with the wind as a factor too. We got lucky with the weather. We had two great days. And we are playing a bit later in the year this time, so it might be even nicer."

Question 4: Do you have a favourite hole? It might be the first because that is where you cashed in on the playoff to earn the big payday? But I'm guessing it's a hole on that back-nine stretch.

Answer: "There are a lot of great holes. I like hole 13, a short par three right on the edge of the cliff. It's beautiful in that it overlooks the ocean like most of the back nine. It's nothing crazy because you only have a wedge in your hand, but you have to play it safe. It's one of the best short holes I've ever played."

Question 5: Tell me in general about your impression of the Cape Kidnappers Golf Course. What had you heard and how did it compare with your experience?

Answer: "I heard some incredible things, and they all were true. It's one of those places like Pebble Beach. You just don't see land like that; so natural and as pretty as can be. It's a cool place to play. On almost every shot you are looking straight out into the ocean. It's a different world."

Question 6: After a long season, I'm sure you are a bit tired and looking forward to spending time with your other hobbies, like your cars. But, are you genuinely looking forward to making the long trip?

Answer: "For sure. It's a perk of playing golf and it's an honour to go over there. It's not a chore. It's as good as any place you can go to play golf. We get to have some fun and play for a great purse. It's a beautiful event with a great mix of fun and competition. In the end, there are prizes to be had and we all wanted to win it. We are all competitive. It feels good to have won over three really good players."

Question 7: This is a pretty good place to ask about the players you are facing this year in the Kiwi Challenge. I think we can make a case that the group might include the best player under the age of 30?

Answer: "It's an incredible field that we have. We are all from different areas but we've known each other for a long time. I have known Sean for a long time and I've known Camilo since junior golf. And I've gotten to know AK over the last two years. We were all on the President Cup teams too. We're pretty lucky to be in our 20s and have accomplished so much."

Question 8: Off the golf course, what are some of the vivid memories you have from last year?

Answer: "After the event, a friend and I went to one of the best trout fishing places in the world. It was a lot of fun and the experience of a lifetime. It was amazing. You were out there fly-fishing and you were all by yourself with nature."

Question 9: Let's look back at your 2009 season for a minute and let me ask you how you would grade yourself. You made the Tour Championship, you were named to the Presidents Cup team and you competed well in some of the majors. Was that enough to satisfy you?

Answer: "I'd give myself a B. I accomplished some goals. I made the Tour Championship for the third straight year. You always want to be in Atlanta at the end of the year. And to play in the Presidents Cup is an honour. But, I didn't win this year and I didn't contend the way I wanted to at the majors, which is important. My confidence is growing and I'm playing better and better. I'm looking forward to finishing off the season real strong and begin preparing to be better next year."

Question 10: Give me a look at Hunter Mahan when he is not playing golf? Tell me about your hobbies, other sports loves, what keeps you grounded, and what you might be doing for a career if your didn't make it as a golfer?

Answer: "I guess I would still be doing something in sports, I don't think I could be playing football or basketball, but maybe I'd be a sport psychologist. I've always been kind of curious about that aspect. I know I am lucky to be doing what I'm doing. I don't take anything for granted and I want to keep working to get better. This is a humbling game that sometimes shakes your confidence, so you have to be grounded."