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James Driscoll - Playoff Finish & Into The British

James Driscoll was hot in May shooting a final round 8-under 62 to work his way into a playoff with former Masters Champion, Zach Johnson at the Valero Texas Open. He continued his stellar play qualifying for the 2009 British Open with a qualifying score of 10-under.

First off, congratulations on your close call in the Valero Texas Open. What a final round! What did you do with your time while you waited for the playoff?
Thanks Greg. It was one of those rounds where things started to fall into place. I left a few shots out there on the front 9 but, things started clicking around the middle of the round and I just rode the momentum into the clubhouse. After the round I had about 30 minutes of interviews. Then spent about 30 minutes putting my feet up and getting a little to eat after which I started getting warm on the range and putting green. It was a long wait but I don't think it affected my play in the playoff. Zach hit a great shot in there and sank the putt when it counted.

Your swing looks much tighter than years past and you have gained a fair amount of muscle. What have you been working on and with whom?
As far as my swing, I haven't taken too many lessons over the last 2 years but, I have learned a lot from Shawn Hester over the years and Mike Bennet and Andy Plummer (the Stack and Tilt guys) helped tighten my swing 2 years ago. I try to watch and learn from other players while keeping my own "feel". As far as the weight that I have put on, I have been working with Ed Lippie for the last few years. I met Ed at Mike Boyles strength/conditioning and he sends me workouts while I am on the road. It's fairly intense.

Who is caddying for you this year? What role does he play before/during/after a tournament?
Mark Carens is caddying for me. We have been together for going on 4 years. He's a good player, he knows the game well and he has been very helpful. We like to come up with a game plan for each golf course and we discuss almost every shot during the round.

You grew up in Massachusetts and our readers always appreciate input from Team New England on what their favorite courses our in New England. Which courses are your favorites and why?
At the top of the list is Charles River CC. My parents joined there in 1985 and I can't imagine growing up playing a better course. The greens are severe and you have to hit every type of shot. The members gave me an honorary membership when I first got my tour card in 2004 and I couldn't be more thankful. I also really enjoy Kittansett and Wannamoisett.

What's in your bag this year?
Taylor Made r9 driver. Tayor Made 13 degree 3 wood. Nickent 18 degree hybrid. Taylor Made TP irons 4-9. Taylor Made wedges. Edel putter. I also play the Taylor Made ball.

What do you do with your time away from the Tour?
My off weeks seem to fly by. I try to see my nieces and nephews (I have 9) as much as possible when I get back to Boston. I also try to see as much of my friends as possible during my off weeks and go out to dinner. By the time I catch up with family/friends, practice and go to the gym there isn't much time for much else. When I'm on the road I'll either catch a movie or read a book to unwind. I'm in the middle of an Eckhart Tolle book. It might take me a while to get through this one...

Hopefully you will be playing in the Travelers Championship so our readers can go see you play in person. Are you planning on playing?
I really hope to play the Travelers because I have conditional status this year, its no guarantee that I'll get in.

One last question. You have been playing on tour since 2002. Do you have anyone you would like to thank for helping you along the way?
There have been so many people that have helped me get to the PGA Tour. My 5 sponsors when I first turned pro- my parents, my uncle Barry, Mr. and Mrs. Connell, Jack Connors, and Lee Kennedy. All the members at Charles River gave me tons of encouragement over the years. Shawn Hester helped my swing a lot since college. Most recently, Lanny Basham, my mental coach has helped me get over some hurdles. I have been lucky to be surrounded by great people.

Thank you for your time James. It appears that you are playing much more confidently this year. Keep it up. I am sure our readers in New England are very proud of you.
Your welcome Greg. Anything for my native New England.

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