Lucas Glover Interview

In the next to last week of the 2005 PGA Tour, Lucas Glover won the Funai Classic in Orlando, FL with a score of 23 under par.  It was his first win on the PGA Tour and put him in position to qualify for the season-ending tour championship (which he ultimately made with a good showing (tie for 35th) the following week).  The win and the 2005 season are a good illustration of the progress Lucas has made from 2001 when, after missing qualifying through Q-School, he didn’t even have status on the Nationwide Tour.  Following are questions I asked him during the week of the Tour Championship.

Dr. Mo: What did you learn from your experiences at Atlanta & New Orleans (in contention on the last hole) that helped you coming down the stretch in Orlando?

Lucas: Well it was a little different because I was behind instead of ahead or tied.  I just thought about keeping everything in front of me and staying aggressive.  The two close calls were a big help at Funai because I had been there before and knew just to stay in the present.  And this time I was actually able to do it (stay in the present) better.

Dr. Mo: Did you draw on anything from the Orlando tournament in 2004 (where Lucas finished 10th & played with the eventual winner on Sunday) in this year’s tournament?

Lucas: Yes.  I knew I had some good “vibes” there.  There were a lot of birdies to be made and that is my game, aggressive with a lot of birdie chances.

Dr. Mo: What role did your caddy play coming down the stretch in Orlando?  What were y’all discussing on the course?

Lucas: He was great.  He is very level on the course, good or bad.  We were walking up 17 talking about making 2 birdies, and we decided that we were going to do it.

Dr. Mo: What were your thoughts on 18 tee, 18 second shot, 18 bunker shot?

Lucas: My thoughts on 18 were not what they needed to be.  I hit it right there last year and had some issues.  That was in the back of my mind and I believe that is why it went a little left.  It wasn’t that far from the fairway, but my brain wasn’t going to let it go right this time.  When I got to the ball and saw what I had to deal with I was thinking par and par only.  All I could do was try to run it up to the front right of the green.  I hooked it a little too much and it went in the bunker.  I was still thinking about par when I was preparing to hit the bunker shot.  All I was hoping for was a playoff at that point.  I hit it and knew that it was pretty good, and then it went in.

Dr. Mo: How long did it take to get over the win and start preparing for Tampa?

Lucas: Honestly only about 2 hours.  I knew that I had to play decent in Tampa to make The Tour Championship.  I celebrated Sunday night but in the back of my mind I was thinking about getting ready for Thursday already.

Dr. Mo: What has been the biggest difference in your play from 2004 to 2005?

Lucas: My putting is more consistent.  I wouldn’t say it is great, but it is consistently better that last year.

Dr. Mo: What has been the biggest difference mentally from 2004 to 2005 (or have there been any?)?

Lucas: I have been a lot more patient with myself and my game.  That has helped me with my temper and my all around attitude. I can be hard on myself so that’s been big.

Dr. Mo: What will be the focus of your off-season in 2005?

Lucas: Becoming a great putter will be my focus.  I have some great stuff that I am working on and I am looking forward to getting ready for a great year in 06.  My fitness will also be a focal point.  I want to be in the best shape possible when I start out next year.  That will also help me mentally.  Knowing that I won’t get tired physically will obviously help with the mental side of the game.