FROM NICK FALDO TO BETHPAGE BLACK: 9 QUESTIONS WITH MY DAD

This interview is with my dad Gary, his first ever sort of interview to help me out haha.

Golf has always been part of our family, so I thought it would be fun to sit down with my dad and ask him a few questions about the game he loves. What I didn't expect was hearing so many wonderful stories about my grandad along the way.

Here are his answers.

1. Who is your favourite professional golfer?

Nick Faldo

"His game was outstanding when he was playing, and he always had such a presence on the course. Every time he played, he gave everything to the game of golf. Growing up watching him was incredible, and he set the standard for professionalism."

2. Which golfer do you admire most for their character?

Justin Rose

"Because he's honest in everything he does. He plays the game the right way, never looks for shortcuts, and always carries himself with integrity. He's a genuinely great guy."

3. Who do you enjoy watching the most today?

Tommy Fleetwood

"Tommy Fleetwood is just enjoyable to watch. He has charisma on the course, plays with confidence, and has a great presence. You've watched him with me, so you already know what I mean, but I'd definitely say he's my favourite current player to watch."

4. Who is your favourite golfer of all time?

My dad... your grandad.

"He could play off scratch, which basically means he could play to level par whenever he went out. He was an incredible golfer, but more importantly, he was my dad."

5. What's the greatest golf shot you've ever seen?

Again... my dad.

"I remember watching your grandad play a dogleg as though it was a straight hole. It was unbelievable. I don't think I ever have—or ever could—live up to that shot, even if I tried. He played so many brilliant shots over the years, but that one was phenomenal. I remember standing there thinking, 'That's my dad.'"

6. Who inspired your love of golf?

Your grandad.

"Well, it's the obvious answer, really. There were four of us boys, and we'd all go and play golf with your grandad at the local courses. My uncle was also a very good golfer, so we'd often play with him too.

Those memories of playing with both of them will always stay with me. Even now, all four of us still play golf with our uncle, and in a way, it still feels like your grandad is there with us."

7. If you could play any golf courses, where would they be?

"Without a doubt, I'd love to play Bethpage Black. Seeing you visit it in New York made me a little jealous—but mostly grateful that you got to experience it for both of us. It looks like an incredible course, and hopefully one day, when I'm retired, it'll become more than just a pipe dream!

As for home, I'll always love Arrowe Park. I also loved Brackenwood, although sadly that's closed now, so Eastham would probably take its place. You know I played there the other day and came second, which was a huge improvement from last year! Those local courses will always feel like home to me."

8. What is three things you can't live with out, when playing golf?

1. Shotscope Watch 2. Honeys Chain (Side Note: Honey is our family dog that passed its my dad's lucky charm its attached to he golf bag) 3. My ball marker, well now i use the one from New York.

9. Lastly dad? what is your favourite golf brand?

Titleist, that the only brand i use at the minute, i have ordered another brand for my Golf balls but other than that, Hat, Glove and Golf bag and some Golf balls are all Titleist. its one of the better brands for sure.

This was such a fun interview to do with my dad.

What I thought would be a few simple golf questions turned into something much more meaningful. Hearing him talk about my grandad, the memories they shared, and the influence he still has on our family was genuinely lovely.

My brother already plays golf, but maybe it's my turn now. Perhaps it's time I finally learned the game properly so I can spend more time with my dad at family golf days and keep those traditions going.

Thank you for reading. I know this article will mean something to fellow golf lovers, but I also hope anyone who enjoys family stories can relate to it too.

Until next time...

Bye for now. I'll be back with another golf-inspired article soon... maybe.