‘MY U.S OPEN TROPHY SAT IN A BOX FOR THREE YEARS’

What was your first car and what do you drive now? I had a Holden Commodore. I’ve upgraded to a Mercedes now.

When did you last break a golf club?

Oh, I’ve broken a lot. I was a bad boy, but it’s been at least 10 years since I broke one in anger. I remember playing really crap for ages, lost $5 to my mate, and got triggered. I started hitting my golf bag and just kept swinging. Broke four clubs with five swings.

Have you ever hit a shank in competition?

I’ve hit a few. I hit one at The International (outside Boston) one year. I was on the 18th, doing half decently, and had a 7-iron in from the middle of the fairway. I shanked it right over the massive stand on the right side, 45 degrees. The perfect shank. I also shanked it right of the water on the 12th at Memorial. I had to walk all the way round the right-hand side of the water to play my shot, a good 200 yards. That was embarrassing.

What’s the most outrageous autograph request you’ve ever received?

Body parts are always interesting. I think you know what I’m talking about! Being asked to sign an iPhone as well.

Who’s the most famous person in your phonebook?

Michael Phelps. Our nanny actually ended up being his kids’ nanny.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s been left in your locker?

We get some unbelievable things in our lockers from tournaments. Local booze, cowboy boots, shoehorns, everything. A voodoo doll from New Orleans was memorable.

What’s the most extravagant purchase you’ve ever made?

I’ve burned through a lot of cars. I had a very short attention span, that was kind of a bad patch of mine.

Actually, I remember having a putting comp with Anthony Kim at the BMW Championship at Cog Hill. He was like, “Guess what I did this morning?” He bought a convertible Rolls-Royce before his afternoon tee time. Now that’s a

Name Nationality Age Tour

Pro wins

Geoff Ogilvy Australian 46

PGA

12 flamboyant purchase!

When were you last starstruck?

It must have been with Greg Norman when I was about 18. I was pretty intimidated around him. I couldn’t function. He was larger than life, a bit like how the current generation feel about Tiger.

Which player would you least like to caddie for?

Goodness me (laughs). It didn’t sound like it was very fun to work for Robert Allenby from the other side of the tee.

What’s the coolest piece of golfing memorabilia you own?

The U.S Open trophy.

Where do you keep it?

It’s funny because when we moved to Australia, it was in a box for about three years. Now it’s got a nice spot on a shelf.

What’s your favourite golf book or podcast?

All of the Bobby Jones books, just because of the language he used and how simply he made his points. I listen to quite a few podcasts. I like Claude (Harmon), Fried Egg, Colt (Knost) and Drew (Stoltz), No Laying Up a little bit as well. I’ve been on a few, too.

Given the power, what one thing would you change in golf?

I’d give matchplay greater prominence. It’s a more enjoyable version of the game at any level. It creates more interesting rivalries and a higher level of golf.

In the women’s game they have five Majors. Do you think the same should apply in the men’s game?

I don’t think you can do that. If you started all over again, you would ideally have the British Open, U.S Open, the Masters, and then an Australian Open might be a reasonable option, like they do in tennis.

The Australian Open used to be one of golf’s biggest events. What does it need to get back to that level?

I think it’s dropped down largely because of how good the PGA Tour are at what they do, but maybe also because of a bit of mismanagement. Back when it was mega, Nicklaus and Palmer played every year. There was less choice, and it was an obvious choice. Now, there are just too many tournaments.