‘IF I HAD THE POWER TO CHANGE GOLF, I WOULD BAN CERTAIN TYPES OF RAKE’

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

When I won the 2022 Mallorca Golf Open, I promised my girlfriend that I would buy her a really nice coffee machine. We just got it a couple of weeks ago and she’s loving it.

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

During my time at the University of Colorado, there was a guy who had a garage full of antique golf stuff. He gave all of us on the team a plaque with the signatures of four of the most recognised golfers in the world. There was Jack Nicklaus, Bobby Jones and two others. I found it again recently when I was moving from once place to another. That’s a pretty cool piece.

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

I signed on the back of an iphone. I asked her again, like, “Are you sure?” It wasn’t even on the back of the case, I signed the actual iphone.

Which player would you least like to caddie for?

(Laughs) I’m not sure about least like to, but the player I’d most like to caddie for is Bryson, just because I’m really interested in learning everything. But because he needs so many numbers, I would be a little worried about messing up!

Where’s your favourite city to play golf?

Last year I played my first Major at the US Open (at Brookline) and I really liked Boston. It has a lot to offer, it feels really European. The weather is perfect. But just in general, the Midwest and all the New York area is unbelievable. And then my favourite course is Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. There are 12 holes or so right by the water.

Where would you like to see the Ryder Cup staged next in Europe?

I really like the Faldo Course in Berlin. They tried to get it there in the past. Or somewhere in Munich. That’s my favourite city in Germany. The vibe there is amazing and the crowds would be spectacular.

Who’s the most famous person in your phonebook?

Luke Donald texted me when I won (the Mallorca Golf Open) and that’s pretty cool, with him being the Ryder Cup captain. He’s probably the most important person, maybe not the most famous, but that’s one thing I remember.

Who would be your dream partner in the Ryder Cup?

My (twin) brother, Jeremy. He plays on the Korn Ferry Tour. Growing up together, we were talking about this all the time. That’s a dream of ours, to play in the Ryder Cup together.

Who’s better: you or him?

We’re at a really similar level. Since we started playing, we’ve always practised together and worked on the same things. When we play together, one day he wins, the other day I win. It is really quite competitive, but outside of that, I always want to see him succeed.

Have you ever done a switcheroo, where one day he pretends to be you and vice versa?

At the Korn Ferry Tour finals last year, my brother was playing a pro-am with four other guys. We came up with this plan with the media guys where he would play the first few holes and then I would take over. I was hiding behind a bush on one of the tee boxes, wearing the exact same thing, so when we made the switch, they had no clue. The next tee box I asked, “Hey, let’s all take a group picture together”. Then Jeremy turned up and they were super confused.

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

I think certain rakes should not be allowed on the golf course. Some of them leave the biggest rake lines and make it so there’s no way you can get any spin on the ball. Another thing I’m not a big fan of is people using poker chips. I feel like people should use a small coin, especially if you are close to the hole.

What are your goals this year?

I want to win again. I want to get better. I want to get faster. I want to play in as many Majors as possible and I want to get my PGA Tour card by finishing in the top 10 of the rankings. I still live in Arizona, so for travelling it’s much easier on the PGA Tour.