October 14, 2021 • 24 mins
Tony has Tour Player, Akshay Bhatia, on the show this week. Tony shares what really stood out to him about Akshay. They talk about his journey and choices with turning Pro at 17 years old. The uncharted challenges he struggled with and how he’s worked through them the past two years. He talks about the amazing coaches that have helped on the journey, and what he’s learned from playing with some of the greatest in the game: Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Bill Haas, Bryson DeChambeau and many more.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:01):
We're on a mission to help golfers from all over the world,
achieve their goals by understanding what it actually
takes to play their best golf. We're talking is leading
instructors, researchers and players themselves to find what
is actually working. Hey, thanks for joining us
(00:24):
today. You are listening to one of our
partner shows. It is the tour coach podcast
with Tony ruggero. He has some phenomenal guests on
talking about teaching tour Proswill have his players on stories
a great show. Today was another great episode,
want to share that with you hereon the gulf Science Lab podcast.
Let's get into it. All right.
(00:49):
So joining me here on the Torah codes.
Akshay, Bhatia, Akshay. What are you?
You're 19 now, right, you know, you know, I know almost 20.
It's scary to be jolly. I mean, I'm 50.
I'm circling the drain compared to, you know, it's been fun.
Just getting to know you more than anything even away from
golf. And I said this the other day
(01:10):
and I sincerely mean it like, just think your outlook and your
perspective on starting this Journey to be a professional
golfer and a PG particular player.
And a guy that wins majors and all that stuff at such an early
age. That was refreshing Lots mean,
there's not a lot of people try it.
Not a lot of people, you've had more success.
I think that almost anybody elsethat started this young where
(01:30):
you just went straight out, talka little bit about your
perspective. And what made you decide, you
know, for Gogol in college. Let's talk a little bit about
that and a little bit about the perspective you've gained, and,
you know, and about learning andthe process that it's been the
first two years. Yeah.
I mean, it's been a lot of learning which has been awesome.
And I feel like as many great athletes say, or you know, many
(01:53):
good teachers say is failures the key to success.
And that's what I've learned a lot.
Is that failed? A lot on this journey.
Obviously not going to college is a very different round.
Only a handful of players do it and you know to start having
success, you know, only my second year as a professional
golfer is awesome and to competeagainst the best players in the
(02:15):
world is Is where I feel like I'm going to grow the most in
this game and the person becausegolf is a touch more gentlemen,
you know, mature game and I've referenced heard a lot and, you
know, I know you've talked abouthow I seem more mature than what
my age says. And, you know, dr.
Greg. All the says, my out looks a lot
(02:37):
better than, you know, a lot of kids in college or your outlook
better than a lot of 40 year. Olds IP.
Yeah. It's been awesome.
And you know, I'm excited to keep on going and just you know,
stick to the process like everyone says and my time will
come eventually. It's just being patient.
(02:57):
As you know, where you know, everybody talks about that stay
in the committed to the process.It's hard as hell to do when
it's you, you know, yeah. And things aren't going great
all the time. I want to go back to like, what?
You always a good friend of mine.
You have a better mom or you introduced him some time.
He knows Greg, but Wayne Clint's, a great teacher up in
Birmingham. And he used to always tell me we
when we talk about college, but it's like going to college, you
(03:20):
go to college to gain the skillsto be able to do whatever you
need to do to make a living, right.
I mean, that's basically what you do.
And so to me it makes sense for you because really you already
possess the majority of the skills that it was going to take
to play at that level. And the only way you were going
to refine those in my opinion and get better was to play
against the best players in the world, you know, take me through
(03:44):
with that. Is that exact kind of The reason
get for, you know, not, yeah. Funny because this isn't about
whether you should go to collegeor not.
Yeah. Yeah, but you know, yeah, I just
thought for me, you know, I've got a young age, my goal is to
be the best player in the world.When the PGA Tour, obviously, I
looked at the tiger and kind of like some older players Fred
(04:05):
Couples, Nick price, like a bunch of those guys who were
just so you could tell they lovethe game is all about feel for
them and care for me. I didn't I wanted to kind of
handle my own schedule and not have to go do workouts at this
time and then go to class and then go practice at the team.
Obviously, plenty of players have become successful.
(04:26):
Majority of players are successful because they college,
but for me, it's so much harder that it's keeps me more
interested. I think they're out what works
for me, and obviously having a lot of really good people around
me. Obviously.
Dr. Greg who's worked with majorChampions and people gone.
The Of the bottom and brought him back up.
(04:48):
Obviously Colby who works with all the best players, buddy.
Yeah, they, you know fun to having those people around you.
It's going to be hard unless youget into your own way.
Not to become a really good golfer and I've enjoyed the
process and, you know, I just got to keep figuring out, you
know how to become better every day.
(05:09):
So you mentioned that, you know,you have to fail.
I think, obviously you've had some not good times, but I think
you've I've also had some reallyimpressive starts and some
really impressive play. And you know me you played in
the US Open. I mean, you've done some
impressive things. What have you learned though?
Like, what have you learned about you?
(05:29):
I've always curious, like, what have you learned about your
game? Like, is there a part of your
game where you like, once you get out there and play to get
the best players in the world. You're like how I need to do
better at this. All right.
This is where I got to get better.
It's sharper to compete against these guys.
Is there a part of your game that you feel like you've said?
Okay, I need Focus on a little better.
Yeah, a lot of its mentality forme, you know, I feel like my
(05:52):
games always been good and this is something I've never really
shared with anyone. Other than, you know, my coaches
or my family or whoever has beenaround me, my caddy.
But like, before I turn pro honestly like five months
before, I guess I started realizing I was about to turn
pro. So like the week before I
qualified for Korn Ferry event at like, you know, 17 years old
(06:15):
or something. And I made the cut and then the
next week. I'm defending a tournament, the
junior Invitational and the first round, I shoot 80 right
after making a event, which is like, I'm like, gosh.
And then, I never struggled withconfidence, in junior, golf, and
amateur golf. And then I think as subconscious
(06:36):
has it was, you know, I don't think many people talk about,
just certain pressure, you put on yourself because I never had
that. So I, my hands would shake when
I putted like It just all of a sudden, my hands would shake
hands and shake. And so right when I turned Pro,
that was like a big thing that Ineeded to overcome and doing
(06:57):
that on the biggest stage and golf was the hardest thing
because you got fans and people watching you on TV and people
watching all over the world. And I would ball strike my way
on the PGA tour and my hands areshaking and I couldn't, I could
not deal with it. And I think this is great.
It's to talk about because I'm sure plenty of Junior golfers
(07:18):
here. Trying to win for the first time
they deal with this but they don't know how to handle it.
I think also oxidate Greg alwayssays this to me, I think that
when you're that person having it like you think you're the
only person that's ever had. Hi, honey, and there's not
enough Comfort. There's a comfort knowing that
that doesn't make you that there's nothing wrong with you
(07:39):
and that it doesn't make you bador like you're not good, right?
Like there's a comfort in knowing that that's part of it.
Yeah, so yeah, so, you know, my first year as a as a pro, I went
to every single tournament with my hand shaking, which was
bought like, it. It was one of the worst feelings
(07:59):
in the world and then, you know,covid, hit.
If it hit, I got time off. And that was when I started
working with dr. Greg and I was trying to figure
out, you know, how do I overcomethis now?
Because I was like, I hated it so bad, but that was why it was
happening. It's Cause I was I was fighting
it so much and he talked so muchabout just let it happen and it
(08:21):
happens to every single player but it's just part of it.
And so, the whole year, I struggle at that, then I finally
kind of overcome it, you know, started working on different
goals and putting, I guess more intense, more tournament
situation feelings. And the first week I started
doing these girls. I can do it.
(08:41):
And then, as time overcame it, her over time went on.
It, it's going to be more comfortable.
And so I probably won't way off topic here.
But no, this is all spend mentality was a big thing for me
and I started to become more andmore comfortable in this
situations. Obviously, as I've played on the
(09:02):
biggest stage in the US Open andyou know, when it qualifiers,
everything was Circle bath, but one you didn't get off topic.
I thought that was fascinating when I think it would help
people, but to, like I said, I think you're incredibly world.
Oddly and wise for your age and I've enjoyed just getting to
know you. I enjoyed teaching and being
around young people that want tobe great and want to get good.
(09:25):
I think it's the coolest thing to watch.
And how did you get into golf and take us through the?
You've been around a bunch of big-name great teachers, which I
think is awesome. I love hearing those stories.
Take us through where you started and how you got to where
you are now. Yeah, I mean, my sister play
golf. Yeah, growing up.
My dad played a little bit, but my sister is really good kind of
(09:45):
growing up. In California and I watched her
as you know time went on and my dad kind of made me.
Wait a little longer than she did.
She started really young and I kind of started playing and
practicing. When I was six, you know didn't
do much with it. Just kind of I was terrible and
whatever. I was just trying to figure it
(10:06):
out and then we moved in North Carolina how to golf course five
minutes from my house and then all of a sudden I just I guess I
started loving it, you know practice it.
Every day and my favorite thing was, like, short game, you know,
hitting flop shots bunker shots.Like we didn't have a great trip
and green, but I was so investedin trying to just hit a bunch of
(10:28):
stupid shots. As a kid that I think over time.
It really helped me and that's probably something I need to do
more often because I just enjoy doing that right now.
I don't tip and practice my short game as much as I need to
but that's kind of how I got into it.
And then The first coaching me. I worked with Cameron McCormick.
(10:49):
He was my first lesson I've everhad and be with us because
that's a big-time teacher to be your first.
Yeah, and this is my daughter didn't was in his prime and here
is just to use too many big words for me even ice.
Probably still won't understand them.
Yeah, I don't either 10 or 11 years old, but I was cool to
experience and then I started working with George can kiss a
(11:12):
little bit. How'd you find George?
Yeah, my cousin used to go. Of and he said, hey, let's go
see my coach. I was in California to do the
farmers qualifier when I was like 13 or 14 and he's like,
yeah, let's just go see my coachand, you know, help you
whatever. In this is one, George wasn't
big-time famous. Now you're back then.
(11:33):
So that was, you know, George isone of my best friends and he's
so funny. He's great person to be around
and he'll always have my back and he all nothing.
But he's dealing with health wolf and some of his other Tour
player. Hours, but now I work with Chase
Duncan who's you know, near to me.
And then, you know, obviously take some pointers from you as
whenever I get to see you and whenever we can hang out.
(11:55):
But yeah, so it's been like I said, having a lot of great
people around me and figuring stuff out from everyone is, you
know, it's amazing that you've mentioned a lot.
You mentioned it, you know, whenwe were hanging out downtown and
mobile like you mentioned, figuring it out a lot, right?
Which is a process. And I think, Said the
(12:16):
co-indictee. I think, one of the cooler
things I've been able to do and it just happened by
happenstance. Not like I planned it.
But like I have these young guysand then I'd be lucky enough to
teacher coach and great guy, like a Lucas Glover who had a
lot of success or a Bill Haas and you bring these young guys
around the older. Guys, not that forties old, but
it's certainly older. And they've got experience that
(12:38):
thought that was one of the cooler things that I was able to
do. Facilitate these young guys.
You've had the IP develop some relationships and friendships.
With some of the best players ever talk a little bit about
some of the people you've had the chance to play with and the
relationships and the things that you've learned really just
because I think, like you said, like some of those older guys
have so much to offer from inside into how to play the game
(13:00):
and how to be a professional andstuff that you don't learn and
you would learn that at Kapolei.Anyways.
Yeah. Yeah.
I mean that's why this this journey that I've been on has
been amazing, you know, I spent a lot of time with Phil
Mickelson is One is one of the best players in the world and I
think shots to learn from that guy at 17 years old until now,
(13:23):
that's pretty. I mean, it's like, almost like a
dream, you know, I was fortunateto spend some time with him on a
plane and every tournament I'm in.
Then he's in weekly practice round for the most part.
What have you learned from him? Play in practice?
Rounds are in the plane like hisit play and stuff.
Is it about how to pre a professional?
(13:43):
Is it about why it was funny. Like he mentioned, I asked him a
lot of, you know, a good amount of questions more about short
game or like, why hits, this specific club or whatever.
And he was just as many questions as I do, which is
cool. And a lot of his interviews.
He talks about how he likes learning from the young guys and
(14:05):
about speed and whatever. And obviously he's trying to
taste the distance because he's old bombs.
But yeah, so, you know, they're small things here.
And there we more. So quite just Play games, and I
may ask him a thing about why hedoes this with his equipment.
But, man, I've gotten to play with.
So many great players of cleavage on rum this year.
(14:26):
Bryson. I put his bill to Austin to play
with. Because guys, won many
tournaments and he's a down-to-earth guy and I think
Bill might be one of the nicest people you could ever play golf
with. Yeah.
It doesn't really have a doesn'treally have a bad bone in his
body, right? And then he comes From his dad
(14:46):
was one of the great all-time players, right?
And, you know, the time I got tospend around building J.
It was kind of like when you talk about like when I was
growing up, gay was like to do would be to you, you know, and
so like the times to go like I played, I've played 18 holes
with Bill and Jay and I was likeand I was like it was so cool
here in these stories stuff, youknow.
Yeah. Some reason the best part about
(15:08):
old players in this is some of the best stories in the things.
You hear that they do to each other.
That they remember. I think they're cool.
Yeah, for sure. They're sick.
I don't know you just ask questions that you never get to
ask, you know, sitting in a thing in a classroom now.
Yeah. Yeah, that is why I think that
(15:28):
I've learned but like I said, I kind of keep it to myself and
I'll watch more than asked and Isaid this before and I told
somebody that the other day, that one of the things that
impressed me about you was one time you were struggle with a
driver something. So anyways, you came out.
At Frederick is the time and youcame out Colby.
(15:49):
I think was there. Anyways, we watched it drivers.
And I use the rope that I like to use that I took from my good
friend Mark Wood and and ladies out there the target line and
you know, you feet were like to play cut your left hand to your
seats, 50 yards, right in your target.
Right? And I put the Rope down to help
you see where the target line was as the square and you hit it
(16:12):
better not anyways, but like lots of people you do that for
and then you'll see. Down the road and there they
Lovin the bit right? I mean, it's human nature and I
remember seeing you in it might have been Pebble.
I don't know somewhere. Anyways, one of those sites that
we're at and I remember seeing you on the Range and you have
the Rope out. I remember thinking like damn
like the kids listened like and that's one thing.
(16:33):
I've always been impressed with you, is the fact that you you
really do. Listen, not everybody your age,
not and everybody, period reallylistens, right?
And I was so impressed by that bit like you actually Listen to
that and you apply that you're like, okay.
I took something good away from the time that we spent together,
you know? Yeah, I mean the week the week
we spent there now. I went over to Mexico the week
(16:56):
or two after I Monday then to mayakoba.
So obviously it worked but I think the coolest thing is like
you've worked with a lot of grapes golfers and you know, you
kind of figure out your formula and, you know, George is figure
out his formula and Chase to figure out his formula.
So like Getting all that information and bits and pieces
(17:18):
of what works and what doesn't never hurts.
And so, you know, bits and pieces from you, while
maintaining what I want to do and work on what Chase, it's you
know, it's perfect and Chase andI do a lot of more Encore stuff
and techniques here and there and with you doing more
fundamentals with me has really helped because I don't have to
(17:40):
pay attention to much, you know balls and go.
And that's a big thing in golf is a small things as you know,
well, and I've not to sound old and preachy right?
But but nobody young players know this.
Like I really believe and I've said this to you before I think
that one of the things that willbe very important for you
(18:01):
because I think you're going to be one of the great parties.
I think you have the potential to do it and I think your
mindsets phenomenal is I think the difference a lot of the
great players and then up to their talented but don't do what
they want, is the attention to detail.
And I think It's the best players in the world taste so
much attention to detail and they take care of the things
that they can take care of and they can't control.
(18:23):
And I think that's like but that's just like I'm that's not
my personality type either rock shaped like I'm terrible with
it. Yeah, but like I know that to be
great or to do what you try to do, you have to do it.
I have to force myself. I think a little bit, the way
your personality type is not leaving any good to, you.
Have to kind of help force yourself to pay more attention
(18:44):
to detail. The Where you're trying to go?
Yeah, definitely, you know, likewe talked about and what I've
learned now playing the last fewyears.
As always. It's just like crazy to me, but
sick kind of figuring out where like what side of the needle
head on and we are gets or whatever dumb as that sounds,
(19:06):
that the huge heart and preparation.
Yeah, and so, like you said, small details are a huge
influence for me and I'm sure a lot of play.
Ours will time goes on. Yep.
Yeah, it's critical in this city.
The more I think you do the small things really.
Well, the better the outcomes will be for many tournaments
(19:29):
whether it's more consistency ornow knowing that I can hit this
certain shot with this setup. You know, if you do that
multiple times if you know, it'skind of comes automatic.
Yeah. Yeah.
That's why I pay attention to the details.
So they're in place when you Medium, you know, last couple
questions. So, like you talked about
(19:49):
preparation how much is preparation different.
As you gone up from play and like, you know, junior golf, you
know, you know, big amateur golfto play and, you know, the Korn
ferry to play in PGA Tour, stuff.
What's the difference in preparation?
Have you learned how to prepare better?
Yeah, I think in junior golf. Hi, I mean not to be cocky but I
(20:11):
did was in junior golf by. I knew I was Going to either be
in contention to win the golf tournament.
So there wasn't too much going into it.
And I think you know, potting was a big thing in junior golf
for me. Like I loved it's just practice
cutting and I still do and I didn't really care about how my
golf swing was. And I think as time is going on,
(20:33):
you know, like I said, figuring out what side of the rain, I
want to hit on, I hit the same amount of golf balls every day,
you know, Monday, Monday to Sunday and then I think, once I
do have the Secured status. It'll be a little easier for me.
I need for mixed. I feel like I need to know every
single part of the golf course in order to feel like super
(20:55):
prepared. And sometimes that's really
exhausting, you know, playing each Sunday, 18, holes Tuesday.
And sometimes I'll go out, you know, after playing 18, and go
hit some tee shots that I was uncomfortable with.
So it's, you know, work some week and some some weeks it
didn't, but that's the thing yousee.
Gotta stick to the process and keep learning and figuring out
(21:18):
what work. But I think being really
detailed, is really fun for me and my inspiration my caddy.
And I love to do, you know, figure out a I guess we are not
explain. Our yard is supposed to really
be Unleashed a program for around the green.
You know, how would you pronounce things are on the same
(21:39):
page? But that's really fun for me
when figuring out how preparation likes to last
question is, and As we move towards, wrapping it up here.
What do you have on your schedule coming up?
What are you preparing for? Now?
You know, what are the next three?
Four, five, six months look likefor you final stage a coup
school for Korn Ferry tour November and then I'll probably
(22:00):
do you Monday qualifier course. I'm right after that get the
Horse. Parade tour started in January.
So we get to start the Bahamas with an amazing.
Not a bit, not a bad place to kick your ear off.
If you gotta kick it. You're off somewhere.
R. Yeah, but I've taken the last
two to three weeks off, coach has been amazing which much
(22:22):
needed to because I was super drained after the US Open and
it's just nice to relax and thenI actually just got a puppy.
That's no way. Would you name the puppy?
I named them to hurt story afterTorrey Pines, or I played my
first major awesome. So it's fun to take care of her
and have a have a pet for once. But yeah, just start practicing.
(22:43):
Try and gain some weight Colby'sspin.
On my bumper that today's you. Listen.
Hey, you listen to him. Okay.
He's the best in the world at what he does.
And yeah, it'll help you get where you want to go.
Yeah, for sure. The interesting thing though, is
when's the last time you took three weeks off and didn't
really play golf. It has to, I mean, it's never
happened. You were 15, never done it.
(23:06):
It's hard, you know, I'm starting to like wanna play and
practice. I still got, you know, some
things that we're going to do before I start practicing.
So good. It sounds like you're becoming
like a normal person with other things you're liking to do and
interests and taking a little time away from it.
That's good. Well, you got a bright future.
It's been really cool. Like I said, aside from the
(23:28):
Gulf. I've just enjoyed the hell out
of getting to know you and you're fun.
You're a fun kid. And I don't mean kid in the bad
way. You just Bunch younger than me,
but you've been, you've been a blast to be around and, like I
said, wise beyond your years andI know you got a bunch of great
stuff going to happen. And, you know, you know what?
Look forward to hanging out in the future.
Oh, yeah. For sure.
(23:48):
Thanks for having me.
We're on a mission to help golfers from all over the world,
achieve their goals by understanding what it actually
takes to play their best golf. We're talking is leading
instructors, researchers and players themselves to find what
is actually working. Hey, thanks for joining us
(00:24):
today. You are listening to one of our
partner shows. It is the tour coach podcast
with Tony ruggero. He has some phenomenal guests on
talking about teaching tour Proswill have his players on stories
a great show. Today was another great episode,
want to share that with you hereon the gulf Science Lab podcast.
Let's get into it. All right.
(00:49):
So joining me here on the Torah codes.
Akshay, Bhatia, Akshay. What are you?
You're 19 now, right, you know, you know, I know almost 20.
It's scary to be jolly. I mean, I'm 50.
I'm circling the drain compared to, you know, it's been fun.
Just getting to know you more than anything even away from
golf. And I said this the other day
(01:10):
and I sincerely mean it like, just think your outlook and your
perspective on starting this Journey to be a professional
golfer and a PG particular player.
And a guy that wins majors and all that stuff at such an early
age. That was refreshing Lots mean,
there's not a lot of people try it.
Not a lot of people, you've had more success.
I think that almost anybody elsethat started this young where
(01:30):
you just went straight out, talka little bit about your
perspective. And what made you decide, you
know, for Gogol in college. Let's talk a little bit about
that and a little bit about the perspective you've gained, and,
you know, and about learning andthe process that it's been the
first two years. Yeah.
I mean, it's been a lot of learning which has been awesome.
And I feel like as many great athletes say, or you know, many
(01:53):
good teachers say is failures the key to success.
And that's what I've learned a lot.
Is that failed? A lot on this journey.
Obviously not going to college is a very different round.
Only a handful of players do it and you know to start having
success, you know, only my second year as a professional
golfer is awesome and to competeagainst the best players in the
(02:15):
world is Is where I feel like I'm going to grow the most in
this game and the person becausegolf is a touch more gentlemen,
you know, mature game and I've referenced heard a lot and, you
know, I know you've talked abouthow I seem more mature than what
my age says. And, you know, dr.
Greg. All the says, my out looks a lot
(02:37):
better than, you know, a lot of kids in college or your outlook
better than a lot of 40 year. Olds IP.
Yeah. It's been awesome.
And you know, I'm excited to keep on going and just you know,
stick to the process like everyone says and my time will
come eventually. It's just being patient.
(02:57):
As you know, where you know, everybody talks about that stay
in the committed to the process.It's hard as hell to do when
it's you, you know, yeah. And things aren't going great
all the time. I want to go back to like, what?
You always a good friend of mine.
You have a better mom or you introduced him some time.
He knows Greg, but Wayne Clint's, a great teacher up in
Birmingham. And he used to always tell me we
when we talk about college, but it's like going to college, you
(03:20):
go to college to gain the skillsto be able to do whatever you
need to do to make a living, right.
I mean, that's basically what you do.
And so to me it makes sense for you because really you already
possess the majority of the skills that it was going to take
to play at that level. And the only way you were going
to refine those in my opinion and get better was to play
against the best players in the world, you know, take me through
(03:44):
with that. Is that exact kind of The reason
get for, you know, not, yeah. Funny because this isn't about
whether you should go to collegeor not.
Yeah. Yeah, but you know, yeah, I just
thought for me, you know, I've got a young age, my goal is to
be the best player in the world.When the PGA Tour, obviously, I
looked at the tiger and kind of like some older players Fred
(04:05):
Couples, Nick price, like a bunch of those guys who were
just so you could tell they lovethe game is all about feel for
them and care for me. I didn't I wanted to kind of
handle my own schedule and not have to go do workouts at this
time and then go to class and then go practice at the team.
Obviously, plenty of players have become successful.
(04:26):
Majority of players are successful because they college,
but for me, it's so much harder that it's keeps me more
interested. I think they're out what works
for me, and obviously having a lot of really good people around
me. Obviously.
Dr. Greg who's worked with majorChampions and people gone.
The Of the bottom and brought him back up.
(04:48):
Obviously Colby who works with all the best players, buddy.
Yeah, they, you know fun to having those people around you.
It's going to be hard unless youget into your own way.
Not to become a really good golfer and I've enjoyed the
process and, you know, I just got to keep figuring out, you
know how to become better every day.
(05:09):
So you mentioned that, you know,you have to fail.
I think, obviously you've had some not good times, but I think
you've I've also had some reallyimpressive starts and some
really impressive play. And you know me you played in
the US Open. I mean, you've done some
impressive things. What have you learned though?
Like, what have you learned about you?
(05:29):
I've always curious, like, what have you learned about your
game? Like, is there a part of your
game where you like, once you get out there and play to get
the best players in the world. You're like how I need to do
better at this. All right.
This is where I got to get better.
It's sharper to compete against these guys.
Is there a part of your game that you feel like you've said?
Okay, I need Focus on a little better.
Yeah, a lot of its mentality forme, you know, I feel like my
(05:52):
games always been good and this is something I've never really
shared with anyone. Other than, you know, my coaches
or my family or whoever has beenaround me, my caddy.
But like, before I turn pro honestly like five months
before, I guess I started realizing I was about to turn
pro. So like the week before I
qualified for Korn Ferry event at like, you know, 17 years old
(06:15):
or something. And I made the cut and then the
next week. I'm defending a tournament, the
junior Invitational and the first round, I shoot 80 right
after making a event, which is like, I'm like, gosh.
And then, I never struggled withconfidence, in junior, golf, and
amateur golf. And then I think as subconscious
(06:36):
has it was, you know, I don't think many people talk about,
just certain pressure, you put on yourself because I never had
that. So I, my hands would shake when
I putted like It just all of a sudden, my hands would shake
hands and shake. And so right when I turned Pro,
that was like a big thing that Ineeded to overcome and doing
(06:57):
that on the biggest stage and golf was the hardest thing
because you got fans and people watching you on TV and people
watching all over the world. And I would ball strike my way
on the PGA tour and my hands areshaking and I couldn't, I could
not deal with it. And I think this is great.
It's to talk about because I'm sure plenty of Junior golfers
(07:18):
here. Trying to win for the first time
they deal with this but they don't know how to handle it.
I think also oxidate Greg alwayssays this to me, I think that
when you're that person having it like you think you're the
only person that's ever had. Hi, honey, and there's not
enough Comfort. There's a comfort knowing that
that doesn't make you that there's nothing wrong with you
(07:39):
and that it doesn't make you bador like you're not good, right?
Like there's a comfort in knowing that that's part of it.
Yeah, so yeah, so, you know, my first year as a as a pro, I went
to every single tournament with my hand shaking, which was
bought like, it. It was one of the worst feelings
(07:59):
in the world and then, you know,covid, hit.
If it hit, I got time off. And that was when I started
working with dr. Greg and I was trying to figure
out, you know, how do I overcomethis now?
Because I was like, I hated it so bad, but that was why it was
happening. It's Cause I was I was fighting
it so much and he talked so muchabout just let it happen and it
(08:21):
happens to every single player but it's just part of it.
And so, the whole year, I struggle at that, then I finally
kind of overcome it, you know, started working on different
goals and putting, I guess more intense, more tournament
situation feelings. And the first week I started
doing these girls. I can do it.
(08:41):
And then, as time overcame it, her over time went on.
It, it's going to be more comfortable.
And so I probably won't way off topic here.
But no, this is all spend mentality was a big thing for me
and I started to become more andmore comfortable in this
situations. Obviously, as I've played on the
(09:02):
biggest stage in the US Open andyou know, when it qualifiers,
everything was Circle bath, but one you didn't get off topic.
I thought that was fascinating when I think it would help
people, but to, like I said, I think you're incredibly world.
Oddly and wise for your age and I've enjoyed just getting to
know you. I enjoyed teaching and being
around young people that want tobe great and want to get good.
(09:25):
I think it's the coolest thing to watch.
And how did you get into golf and take us through the?
You've been around a bunch of big-name great teachers, which I
think is awesome. I love hearing those stories.
Take us through where you started and how you got to where
you are now. Yeah, I mean, my sister play
golf. Yeah, growing up.
My dad played a little bit, but my sister is really good kind of
(09:45):
growing up. In California and I watched her
as you know time went on and my dad kind of made me.
Wait a little longer than she did.
She started really young and I kind of started playing and
practicing. When I was six, you know didn't
do much with it. Just kind of I was terrible and
whatever. I was just trying to figure it
(10:06):
out and then we moved in North Carolina how to golf course five
minutes from my house and then all of a sudden I just I guess I
started loving it, you know practice it.
Every day and my favorite thing was, like, short game, you know,
hitting flop shots bunker shots.Like we didn't have a great trip
and green, but I was so investedin trying to just hit a bunch of
(10:28):
stupid shots. As a kid that I think over time.
It really helped me and that's probably something I need to do
more often because I just enjoy doing that right now.
I don't tip and practice my short game as much as I need to
but that's kind of how I got into it.
And then The first coaching me. I worked with Cameron McCormick.
(10:49):
He was my first lesson I've everhad and be with us because
that's a big-time teacher to be your first.
Yeah, and this is my daughter didn't was in his prime and here
is just to use too many big words for me even ice.
Probably still won't understand them.
Yeah, I don't either 10 or 11 years old, but I was cool to
experience and then I started working with George can kiss a
(11:12):
little bit. How'd you find George?
Yeah, my cousin used to go. Of and he said, hey, let's go
see my coach. I was in California to do the
farmers qualifier when I was like 13 or 14 and he's like,
yeah, let's just go see my coachand, you know, help you
whatever. In this is one, George wasn't
big-time famous. Now you're back then.
(11:33):
So that was, you know, George isone of my best friends and he's
so funny. He's great person to be around
and he'll always have my back and he all nothing.
But he's dealing with health wolf and some of his other Tour
player. Hours, but now I work with Chase
Duncan who's you know, near to me.
And then, you know, obviously take some pointers from you as
whenever I get to see you and whenever we can hang out.
(11:55):
But yeah, so it's been like I said, having a lot of great
people around me and figuring stuff out from everyone is, you
know, it's amazing that you've mentioned a lot.
You mentioned it, you know, whenwe were hanging out downtown and
mobile like you mentioned, figuring it out a lot, right?
Which is a process. And I think, Said the
(12:16):
co-indictee. I think, one of the cooler
things I've been able to do and it just happened by
happenstance. Not like I planned it.
But like I have these young guysand then I'd be lucky enough to
teacher coach and great guy, like a Lucas Glover who had a
lot of success or a Bill Haas and you bring these young guys
around the older. Guys, not that forties old, but
it's certainly older. And they've got experience that
(12:38):
thought that was one of the cooler things that I was able to
do. Facilitate these young guys.
You've had the IP develop some relationships and friendships.
With some of the best players ever talk a little bit about
some of the people you've had the chance to play with and the
relationships and the things that you've learned really just
because I think, like you said, like some of those older guys
have so much to offer from inside into how to play the game
(13:00):
and how to be a professional andstuff that you don't learn and
you would learn that at Kapolei.Anyways.
Yeah. Yeah.
I mean that's why this this journey that I've been on has
been amazing, you know, I spent a lot of time with Phil
Mickelson is One is one of the best players in the world and I
think shots to learn from that guy at 17 years old until now,
(13:23):
that's pretty. I mean, it's like, almost like a
dream, you know, I was fortunateto spend some time with him on a
plane and every tournament I'm in.
Then he's in weekly practice round for the most part.
What have you learned from him? Play in practice?
Rounds are in the plane like hisit play and stuff.
Is it about how to pre a professional?
(13:43):
Is it about why it was funny. Like he mentioned, I asked him a
lot of, you know, a good amount of questions more about short
game or like, why hits, this specific club or whatever.
And he was just as many questions as I do, which is
cool. And a lot of his interviews.
He talks about how he likes learning from the young guys and
(14:05):
about speed and whatever. And obviously he's trying to
taste the distance because he's old bombs.
But yeah, so, you know, they're small things here.
And there we more. So quite just Play games, and I
may ask him a thing about why hedoes this with his equipment.
But, man, I've gotten to play with.
So many great players of cleavage on rum this year.
(14:26):
Bryson. I put his bill to Austin to play
with. Because guys, won many
tournaments and he's a down-to-earth guy and I think
Bill might be one of the nicest people you could ever play golf
with. Yeah.
It doesn't really have a doesn'treally have a bad bone in his
body, right? And then he comes From his dad
(14:46):
was one of the great all-time players, right?
And, you know, the time I got tospend around building J.
It was kind of like when you talk about like when I was
growing up, gay was like to do would be to you, you know, and
so like the times to go like I played, I've played 18 holes
with Bill and Jay and I was likeand I was like it was so cool
here in these stories stuff, youknow.
Yeah. Some reason the best part about
(15:08):
old players in this is some of the best stories in the things.
You hear that they do to each other.
That they remember. I think they're cool.
Yeah, for sure. They're sick.
I don't know you just ask questions that you never get to
ask, you know, sitting in a thing in a classroom now.
Yeah. Yeah, that is why I think that
(15:28):
I've learned but like I said, I kind of keep it to myself and
I'll watch more than asked and Isaid this before and I told
somebody that the other day, that one of the things that
impressed me about you was one time you were struggle with a
driver something. So anyways, you came out.
At Frederick is the time and youcame out Colby.
(15:49):
I think was there. Anyways, we watched it drivers.
And I use the rope that I like to use that I took from my good
friend Mark Wood and and ladies out there the target line and
you know, you feet were like to play cut your left hand to your
seats, 50 yards, right in your target.
Right? And I put the Rope down to help
you see where the target line was as the square and you hit it
(16:12):
better not anyways, but like lots of people you do that for
and then you'll see. Down the road and there they
Lovin the bit right? I mean, it's human nature and I
remember seeing you in it might have been Pebble.
I don't know somewhere. Anyways, one of those sites that
we're at and I remember seeing you on the Range and you have
the Rope out. I remember thinking like damn
like the kids listened like and that's one thing.
(16:33):
I've always been impressed with you, is the fact that you you
really do. Listen, not everybody your age,
not and everybody, period reallylistens, right?
And I was so impressed by that bit like you actually Listen to
that and you apply that you're like, okay.
I took something good away from the time that we spent together,
you know? Yeah, I mean the week the week
we spent there now. I went over to Mexico the week
(16:56):
or two after I Monday then to mayakoba.
So obviously it worked but I think the coolest thing is like
you've worked with a lot of grapes golfers and you know, you
kind of figure out your formula and, you know, George is figure
out his formula and Chase to figure out his formula.
So like Getting all that information and bits and pieces
(17:18):
of what works and what doesn't never hurts.
And so, you know, bits and pieces from you, while
maintaining what I want to do and work on what Chase, it's you
know, it's perfect and Chase andI do a lot of more Encore stuff
and techniques here and there and with you doing more
fundamentals with me has really helped because I don't have to
(17:40):
pay attention to much, you know balls and go.
And that's a big thing in golf is a small things as you know,
well, and I've not to sound old and preachy right?
But but nobody young players know this.
Like I really believe and I've said this to you before I think
that one of the things that willbe very important for you
(18:01):
because I think you're going to be one of the great parties.
I think you have the potential to do it and I think your
mindsets phenomenal is I think the difference a lot of the
great players and then up to their talented but don't do what
they want, is the attention to detail.
And I think It's the best players in the world taste so
much attention to detail and they take care of the things
that they can take care of and they can't control.
(18:23):
And I think that's like but that's just like I'm that's not
my personality type either rock shaped like I'm terrible with
it. Yeah, but like I know that to be
great or to do what you try to do, you have to do it.
I have to force myself. I think a little bit, the way
your personality type is not leaving any good to, you.
Have to kind of help force yourself to pay more attention
(18:44):
to detail. The Where you're trying to go?
Yeah, definitely, you know, likewe talked about and what I've
learned now playing the last fewyears.
As always. It's just like crazy to me, but
sick kind of figuring out where like what side of the needle
head on and we are gets or whatever dumb as that sounds,
(19:06):
that the huge heart and preparation.
Yeah, and so, like you said, small details are a huge
influence for me and I'm sure a lot of play.
Ours will time goes on. Yep.
Yeah, it's critical in this city.
The more I think you do the small things really.
Well, the better the outcomes will be for many tournaments
(19:29):
whether it's more consistency ornow knowing that I can hit this
certain shot with this setup. You know, if you do that
multiple times if you know, it'skind of comes automatic.
Yeah. Yeah.
That's why I pay attention to the details.
So they're in place when you Medium, you know, last couple
questions. So, like you talked about
(19:49):
preparation how much is preparation different.
As you gone up from play and like, you know, junior golf, you
know, you know, big amateur golfto play and, you know, the Korn
ferry to play in PGA Tour, stuff.
What's the difference in preparation?
Have you learned how to prepare better?
Yeah, I think in junior golf. Hi, I mean not to be cocky but I
(20:11):
did was in junior golf by. I knew I was Going to either be
in contention to win the golf tournament.
So there wasn't too much going into it.
And I think you know, potting was a big thing in junior golf
for me. Like I loved it's just practice
cutting and I still do and I didn't really care about how my
golf swing was. And I think as time is going on,
(20:33):
you know, like I said, figuring out what side of the rain, I
want to hit on, I hit the same amount of golf balls every day,
you know, Monday, Monday to Sunday and then I think, once I
do have the Secured status. It'll be a little easier for me.
I need for mixed. I feel like I need to know every
single part of the golf course in order to feel like super
(20:55):
prepared. And sometimes that's really
exhausting, you know, playing each Sunday, 18, holes Tuesday.
And sometimes I'll go out, you know, after playing 18, and go
hit some tee shots that I was uncomfortable with.
So it's, you know, work some week and some some weeks it
didn't, but that's the thing yousee.
Gotta stick to the process and keep learning and figuring out
(21:18):
what work. But I think being really
detailed, is really fun for me and my inspiration my caddy.
And I love to do, you know, figure out a I guess we are not
explain. Our yard is supposed to really
be Unleashed a program for around the green.
You know, how would you pronounce things are on the same
(21:39):
page? But that's really fun for me
when figuring out how preparation likes to last
question is, and As we move towards, wrapping it up here.
What do you have on your schedule coming up?
What are you preparing for? Now?
You know, what are the next three?
Four, five, six months look likefor you final stage a coup
school for Korn Ferry tour November and then I'll probably
(22:00):
do you Monday qualifier course. I'm right after that get the
Horse. Parade tour started in January.
So we get to start the Bahamas with an amazing.
Not a bit, not a bad place to kick your ear off.
If you gotta kick it. You're off somewhere.
R. Yeah, but I've taken the last
two to three weeks off, coach has been amazing which much
(22:22):
needed to because I was super drained after the US Open and
it's just nice to relax and thenI actually just got a puppy.
That's no way. Would you name the puppy?
I named them to hurt story afterTorrey Pines, or I played my
first major awesome. So it's fun to take care of her
and have a have a pet for once. But yeah, just start practicing.
(22:43):
Try and gain some weight Colby'sspin.
On my bumper that today's you. Listen.
Hey, you listen to him. Okay.
He's the best in the world at what he does.
And yeah, it'll help you get where you want to go.
Yeah, for sure. The interesting thing though, is
when's the last time you took three weeks off and didn't
really play golf. It has to, I mean, it's never
happened. You were 15, never done it.
(23:06):
It's hard, you know, I'm starting to like wanna play and
practice. I still got, you know, some
things that we're going to do before I start practicing.
So good. It sounds like you're becoming
like a normal person with other things you're liking to do and
interests and taking a little time away from it.
That's good. Well, you got a bright future.
It's been really cool. Like I said, aside from the
(23:28):
Gulf. I've just enjoyed the hell out
of getting to know you and you're fun.
You're a fun kid. And I don't mean kid in the bad
way. You just Bunch younger than me,
but you've been, you've been a blast to be around and, like I
said, wise beyond your years andI know you got a bunch of great
stuff going to happen. And, you know, you know what?
Look forward to hanging out in the future.
Oh, yeah. For sure.
(23:48):
Thanks for having me.
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