Catching up with PGA Tour Rookie Chris Wilson

By: Jeff Palopoli on 01/28/10 12:18 PM

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Throughout the season I'll be checking in with PGA Tour rookie Chris Wilson as he gives us an inside look as to what tour life is like for a rookie. I first did an interview with Chris via Twitter about a month ago after he earned his card, and now that he has a couple of tournaments under his belt I thought it would be a good time to catch up with him.

NEGM: Congratulations on making your first cut on Tour! You now have 2 tournaments under your belt so far this year. What's the biggest thing you've learned and taken away from them?

Chris: I've learned that I feel like I definitely belong out here which gives me a load of confidence heading into the next few events, along with you really have to be great inside 150 yards.

NEGM: While you were in Hawaii, I assume you got a chance to take in some of the sights. What was the most memorable for you?

Chris: We didn't do a whole lot of sight seeing, we drove up to the North Shore where the waves were between 30-50 feet which was really amazing to see. After that we basically drove the perimeter of the island to see the rest of the coast which was neat with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. I twittered a lot of pictures of that drive.

NEGM: The Bob Hope had it's challenges with all the rain and delays, is that difficult to stay focused and not be bothered by the elements? What sorts of things do you and other players do to kill time during those delays?

Chris: I think it depends on the player, I am thrilled to be out here and so I am enjoying every second. For me the weather delays and uncertainties didn't have and affect on my focus. We went to a movie on Thursday and I got a good workout in at the tour trailer followed by a really great Italian dinner with a friend of mine Congressman Marty Russo who played as an amateur last week.

NEGM: On Sunday, you holed your 7-iron approach shot on the 9th hole (your 18th) to make the cut by 1 stroke. That must have been an amazing feeling. Describe that and what was the crowd's reaction?

Chris: It was an amazing feeling, I thought -9 was the number so I was obviously going to be trilled with birdie. We had 164 yards and hit a little 7 iron. From my angle, it was a blind shot. When the crowd in the grandstand behind the green threw their arms up and erupted, I knew knew it was in.

NEGM: This week you are in the field at the Farmers Insurance Open. Does all the travel and playing 3 weeks in a row start to wear on you a little bit, physically and mentally?

Chris: For myself, not really. Probably because I am young and really excited for a new adventure every week, but I can definitey see where a lot of flying and time zone changes could get tiresome.

NEGM: There's been a lot of talk about the new groove rule in effect this year. Do you personally think its affected some of your shots and things you've tried to do around the greens?

Chris: Yes definitely. The new grooves make a difference from the rough on full shots and around the greens from any lie. The ball comes off higher with less spin, therefor I have just been extra cautious about where I can and cannot miss greens. NO SHORTSIDES!

NEGM: I know your performance in these first few tournaments determines what other tournaments you get in to later in the season. What are the next few tournaments we'll get to see you in?

Chris: Torrey this week, then on to ATT at Pebble, and if I dont get in to Phoenix, I'll play Cancun.

NEGM: Thanks for your time Chris, and play well this week at Torrey Pines. I'll check in with you again in a few weeks.

Chris Wilson is also contributing to Golfweek.com and writing a rookie blog for them about his experiences. Click here to check out his first entry as he talked about his Tour "initiation".

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