CBS SportsLine
Chat Transcript
August 11, 1998
|
While on the PGA Tour, Tom Weiskopf had 15 tour titles and five foreign championships including the British Open. On August 11, Weiskopf dropped by CBS SportsLine to preview the 80th PGA Championship with fans, talk about the many courses he's designed and more.
Find out what Tom had to say in the full transcript of his chat below.
Question: What do you think about Sahalee and have you played there?
Tom Weiskopf: I have never played Sahalee. I would love to play up there though I think it's great they are playing a major tourney up there. Mark O'Meara is the best right now. I believe O'Meara should be one of the favorites for winning this weekend.
Question: At what age did you start playing golf?
Tom Weiskopf: I started playing golf at 15, as a caddie as a summer job.
Question: Do you think Justin Rose turned pro too soon?
Tom Weiskopf: I think Rose should have completed his education. I know how they feel but I think it's a bit early. Same thing with Matt Kuchar. To do it on a weekly basis, they will find out how difficult the tour really is
Question: Tom, at what age do you think a player is in his prime?
Tom Weiskopf: Davis Love is an excellent player under 30... Duval is another one... I think you are looking at an age group of 25-35 that is the prime years. When I played it was later than that.
Question: What do you think about today's technology and how it has affected the equipment?
Tom Weiskopf: I am a traditionalist. I still drive with a wood driver. I have a Medal 3 wood (railer) and play McGregor irons. The equipment today is just so much better that its almost confusing
Question: Have you designed any courses in Michigan?
Tom Weiskopf: I have two courses in Mich. One in Shanty Creek Resort and we are just finishing up the course. Ready for play in June next year. The other course is in Graline and it will be a private guard gated course. It is being grassed as we speak
Question: How do you think the players will do at Sahalee? Will they par?
Tom Weiskopf: I think they will better par this weekend. I haven't played this course. It's not a long course so I don't think breaking par will be a problem.
Question: What has happened to Nick Faldo?
Tom Weiskopf: I think Faldo is in a transition time right now. I think he has competed and played great for years. He is at a time around 40-42 when you lose your motivation and interest. He is a Hall of Famer. Knowing him, I think you will see him in the winners circle soon. Faldo will always be a factor
Question: Do you have any future plans to design a course in California?
Tom Weiskopf: No plans for courses in California right now.
Question: How many years did you work the Masters?
Tom Weiskopf: I worked for 11 past years at Augusta, but not the last two. I worked for CBS in 85-86. I wouldn't want to be a commentator full-time though. Maybe for the majors but that's it.
Question: Have you made good friends during your career?
Tom Weiskopf: I am close to many of the players. We see each other some many weekends. Yea, there are cliques, but it's a great bunch of players. I used to travel with Sneed, Jackel and others. Steve Elkington and Greg Norman are great pals of mine.
Question: What do you think of Tiger Woods' game and the comparison that has been made between him and Jack Nicklaus?
Tom Weiskopf: In regards to Tiger Woods, he is an exceptional talent. His comparisons started at his last year of amateur golf. They tend to come with a nickname, the media I am talking about. I don't know Tiger. I have just shaken hands with him. There are some inconsistencies to his game in comparison to Nicklaus at the same age. He goes for broke. He is a great example for the young people.
Question: Which course is the one that you are most proud of?
Tom Weiskopf: Loch Lomond in Scotland is my most proud work.
Question: What are some key things that keep in mind when designing a course?
Tom Weiskopf: I try to have at least a reachable par 4. I try to change direction as much as I can. A balance of holes going right to left , and left to right. I think the most important element when designing a course is who is going to play it. Is it private or is it a resort. I think the biggest consideration is maintainablity. Can the ownership keep the course in good shape. They are all different.
Question: Which championship was your favorite and most memorable?
Tom Weiskopf: My favorite was the British Open. It was so different than any other course. The preparation was much more intensive. The British Open winds were tough. I led from start to finish. I guess I did OK.
Question: Do you expect wind to be a factor at Sahalee?
Tom Weiskopf: For the most part, wind should not be a factor. What it does do is defy the fairways, if you do miss it with the height of the trees, you don't have a lot of time to recover. It puts a great demand on driving the ball.
Question: Who are your favorites this weekend?
Tom Weiskopf: My picks for this weekend are O'Meara, Janzen, Price and Leonard. Price would be my sleeper.
Tom Weiskopf: In winding up, the game of golf has never been more popular. There is a tremendous amount of equipment available and it can be very confusing. I think the players today are excellent. They are much more open than we were. Not to say there weren't characters when I played but it is a different game today.
Tom Weiskopf: I enjoy watching the game and love the abilty to design courses. I have had tremendous support from the fans. Again, thank you and maybe we can do it all over again.