q A good bit was written early in the year about your relocation to Florida. What have the advantages been for you personally and professionally, if any, and how has the family adjusted?
a Everything has worked out wonderfully well. When I go out to practice now from October to March, I put on shorts and sunscreen rather than a woolly hat and thermal underwear. That’s one of the main reasons my short game has been sharp this year; I can get quality practice time all year round. As for the family, they couldn’t be happier. Sam and Poppy have settled in extremely well at school. They love it in Florida.
Assess your season. What have you liked and disliked about the way you have played?
To be honest, it hasn’t been one of my best, but I’ve been making adjustments and trying to decide what to change and what to stay with. Once I’m clear in my own head, I’m sure I’ll be back on track on a more regular basis. I am delighted with the improvement in my short game, though.
You have plenty of high moments in your career, including the climb to world No 1. Where does winning the Race to Dubai rank on the list, given that it encompasses an entire season, etc?
It’s high on my list because primarily it reflects consistency over a full season. To be the No 1 at anything is quite an achievement, so I’m particularly proud to have done it [topped the money list] twice in Europe.
What are your best memories from that winning week in Dubai?
When I won in Dubai, my victory salute might have seemed a little strange to many of the people watching, but a good friend of mine, ex-England cricketer Freddie Flintoff, was behind the green at the time and it was something he used to do when he took a wicket. He would stop in the middle of the wicket, push out his chest, look up to the sky and raise his arms to shoulder level at the sides. I thought it was quite fitting, since he was watching.
What have your impressions been of Sean Foley, your new swing coach? How has he helped and have there been any substantial swing tweaks?
It’s been very interesting with Sean, and now I’ve got to work out which bits are best for me and how to incorporate them into my game.
You have been watching some American football on television. Impressions? What about baseball?
I love all sports and I’ve loved everything about American sports, particularly when there is so much on television. Basketball and American football — still can’t work it out why they call it football — are my favourites. Baseball, I think, is best enjoyed live, but I’m also into college sports now. Not sure I’ll get into wrestling at the moment.
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