PIPER PERKS UP PEREZ
American Pat Perez talks to about fatherhood as he prepares to defend his CIMB Classic title at TPC Kuala Lumpur
Question: What do you remember most from last year’s win at the CIMB Classic and how special was it?
Answer: I recall playing extremely well at TPC Kuala Lumpur (TPCKL) and I was just in total control of my game. The course suited my style of play and I just played beautifully last year. I’m looking forward to defending my title especially when I’ve heard the course has been upgraded this year with new grass on the fairways and greens.
Looking back, it was really special for me to win the CIMB Classic as it put the exclamation point to a great 2017. I had my shoulder surgery in 2016 and then I received a sponsor’s exemption to play in the CIMB Classic later that year and while I didn’t win then, it gave me the confidence that I needed in my comeback and I subsequently won in Mayakoba.
If I had not received the invitation from Malaysia, who knows, I may not have played in Mayakoba.
Q: The CIMB Classic will be your first tournament as a father. How has fatherhood been so far and will it change your perspective about competing and life in general? A: It’s been a great blessing for me and Ashley to welcome Piper into our lives. We’ve had a wonderful past few weeks with Piper in the house and I’m absolutely loving it. I guess the hard part will be having to leave home to compete on the PGA Tour.
Being a father certainly changes your perspective somewhat and the good thing now I guess is when I have an ordinary week on Tour, it really won’t matter too much when I know I have another great reason to be happy with the new addition to our family.
Q: What have you enjoyed about Malaysia in the last few years and will this year be different going back as defending champion?
A: The city is such a cool place and staying at the Westin hotel which is right in the city is a lot of fun.
I enjoy the food and the culture in Kuala Lumpur and it’s a wonderful destination. One of the best things that we experience is the police outriders which make it easier for us to get to TPC Kuala Lumpur which is also a great golf facility. It’s going to be a great field which will mean winning it a second time will even be better.
Q: What is it about the TPCKL that suits your game and how much are you looking forward to playing on the newly upgraded West course?
A: As golfers, sometimes you just like a golf course the minute you set eyes on it. TPC Kuala Lumpur is one of those golf courses where I feel comfortable standing on the tee boxes and seeing what’s in front of me. I’ve also adapted really well on the greens and rolled in a bunch of putts to win last year.
However, it’s going to be interesting for all of us as we will play on the upgraded course for the first time and I’m told the fairways and greens are going to be a lot firmer now which will be an interesting test to what we’ve faced over the last few years.
Q: How do you assess your 2018-19 PGA TOUR season?
A: I think it’s just been okay. I’ve been quite consistent with my play but I didn’t put up enough good finishes on the board after the win at the CIMB Classic.
At some of the events, I got into contention after the second or third rounds but for some reason, I didn’t quite stay up on the leaderboard and that was disappointing. My caddie H (Michael Hartford) and I have discussed our play and have tried to figure a few things out for the new season. I’m confident I will start playing consistently well again like how it was last year. Going back to Malaysia will be a good starting point for sure.