“I remember walking to the locker room after winning. I was ready to win the prize. I heard the toilet flush and the opening of the cubicle door. Tiger walks
Go out and wash your face next to me.
I said to him, “It's great to play, it's hard there. I'm so happy to be a major winner. He said to me, “Yes.” “I turned around and he said, “Parent, it's not just luck.” This is skill and talent.
We just laughed and separated. But, after that, he appeared
Among the prizes given to me. It's a great gesture because usually the second guy will never show up in the winner's circle. ”
Golf Digest once published an article calling you one of the most impressive Open champions in the United States. That annoys you?
“This won’t bother me. I have an American Open Trophy at home.
I will always be part of the American Open Club. This is more important to me.
There are only 280 big champions. I don't care what anyone writes in golf digest. ”
What impact did your victory have in New Zealand?
“It's big. When I win, I want to go home and share my success with my people. I want to inspire more kids to play golf in New Zealand, rugby is a big deal.
In Wellington, I had a massive parade. 150,000 people appeared. The biggest since the Beatles in the 1970s. ”
Are you paying too much attention?
“I'm a very shy person. I don't like living in a fish tank. I've taken advantage of it.
Follow by raising funds for my charity.
I was distracted and I suffered losses in my golf game. I didn't practice or go to the gym. I feel like I've climbed Mount Everest.
My goal is to win the profession and show people the Maori golfing. I'm going home now and seeing my community playing golf. I broke the mold. ”
Do you have any regrets?
“Yes, no. Of course, I would love to be a winner. But, look, I'm the U.S. Open champion. My life is great.
I met great people through golf. Rock star, movie star, president. This is a great rocket. Now, I am enjoying life in Spain and relaxing. ”
When you retired in 2012, do you have enough time by that time?
I'm experiencing some personal problems with divorce. I want to see my kids grow up.
I never saw them when I was playing. They suffered during that time. I was not doing well at that time.
So, this is an easy decision. I really like golf for eight years. ”
What to play on Legendary Journey?
“That's great. I'm playing golf with a couple of friends I've known for 30 years.
This is very social. I just made sure I liked it. That's my life now.
But I am totally focused on my golf academy in Spain. I am proud to teach kids about games. I've always wanted to give back to golf. ”
