‘I’M QUITE A FIERY CHARACTER AND I CAN GET REALLY ANGRY’

What was your first job?

I used to help labouring with one of the builders from North Middlesex Golf Club, then I worked in the pro shop.

What was your first car and what do you drive now?

I had an old Ford Focus. Now I’ve got an Audi A4 estate.

How did you spend your first pay cheque?

That was on the Jamega Tour and it was about £35, so there wasn’t a lot to spend. I reckon I probably bought a Mcdonald’s!

What has been your closest brush with death?

We had a car crash last year, coming back after the British Masters at The Belfry. A truck clipped the back of the car, and we got pushed down the motorway and then spun around the other side. Luckily, there was a hard shoulder rather than another lane of traffic. We had my daughter in the car but, thankfully, we all walked away. On another day, we could’ve been toast.

Last time you were starstruck?

When I met Michael Jordan. Guy’s a legend. And huge, man.

Who’s the most famous person in your phonebook?

Mark Wahlberg. We met at the Pro-am at the Phoenix Open and got on. He’s obsessed with his golf.

When was the last time you broke a golf club?

I’ve thrown a few into swampland and water. I’ve definitely broken clubs but I can’t remember the last one, so it must’ve been a few years ago.

What’s the most extravagant purchase you’ve ever made, aside from a house or a car?

Probably some of the dinners I’ve been for that I never imagined I’d have. I love going out and eating nice food and going to places that I wouldn’t have been able to experience if it wasn’t for golf.

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

I don’t really ask anyone I’ve met or played with for anything. I’ve got my player badges from tournaments and the Majors, which are special to me. And I have a really cool wedge that has all the different cuts of Beef engraved on the back.

One thing that would surprise people about you...

I’m quite a fiery character and I can get really angry.

What’s been your most unusual life experience?

Bungee jumping. I did it in Thailand years ago and it scared the shit out of me. I wouldn’t do one again.

Do you have any hidden talents or party tricks?

Does being an absolute goon count? (Laughs)

Best advice you’ve been given?

Remember that life’s quite short, we’re not here for a long time and materialistic things are b*llocks. It’s all about experiences and being with people you love and enjoy being around. When things are going well it’s easy to fall into a trap of a certain lifestyle and it’s hard to keep your feet on the ground, but when you peel it back, like when I’ve been injured and during Covid, you remember the little things are important, like spending time with your real friends, your family, and having a good time.

What’s your biggest regret?

The way I dealt with being in America in 2017. My coach stayed at home as he had other players and I really could’ve done with someone out there. I just wish I’d handled it all a bit better and done myself a bit more justice. I felt a lot of pressure when I was out there. I want to get back there and prove myself because it drives me mad.

Would you rather win a Major or hole the winning putt in the Ryder Cup?

Win a Major. Any Major. If you win a Major, then you might have a chance to hole the winning putt in the Ryder Cup. That’s my theory.

Listen to Beef’s Golf Club wherever you get your podcasts and watch Barbecue Better With Beef on Youtube.