Back(!) Like Old Times

I met with Chris recently, actually I drove him to a meeting (the man is BUSY) and on the way we discussed his absence from the 2009 event and his return to Team USA for 2010.

Chief, where to start? First, tell us what it feels like to have missed the cup last year?

To be honest, horrible. I love golf, I love the Kiva Cup, I love Team USA. I was in a bad place professionally, personally and most important mentally. I felt as if my Captain and teammates had unfairly kicked Great off the team in favor of another friend and I let that get all over me as if it was something personal against me. That was wrong. In hindsight, as much as I felt I wanted to play last year it was best for the team I did not, I was in no shape physically or mentally to play.

What brought you back?

Having as much pride as I do I swore to never play golf with any of the Kiva Cup participants again, much less play in the Kiva Cup (or fake cups), even though I desperately wanted to I was going to make a point, even if that point was stupid and I was the only one paying attention. About mid-December at one of my lowest points, I got an email from Assistant Captain in waiting Skibo that said he thought it was about time we talked and that we should meet for lunch. We meet at the Village Tavern (not to be confused with THE Tavern) at The Summit. It was an old school Auburn “family” type honest discussion. Not to get to emotional about having lunch with a friend, but that talk not only brought me back to Team USA but is what finally started bringing me BACK, back.

And how does it feel to be back?

To Team USA, it feels amazing. I can’t even explain how much I’m looking forward to playing. As far as the really being BACK in my life in general, I’m still working on that. I listen to the Eminem song “Not Afraid” a lot, it’s kind of my theme song now.

How are you playing?

Better than I have in the last 5 years…but still not what I would call good, I’m just too inconsistent right now. Hopefully I will get a little time to practice between now and the Kiva Cup.

You have been instrumentally in the development of Zac Ward and his joining Team USA, has he replaced Great as your favorite playing partner?

Simple answer…Yes. On a personal note, if not for Zac’s friendship I would have probably gone on a three state killing spree by now. From a golfing perspective Zac is a natural talent and loves to compete, he pushes me and keeps me motivated during a match. He is just fun to play with and I definitely play better when I’m having fun.

The Blogs have been alive this summer with how well you and Jrod have played together…what’s the deal there?

That has been a shock to me as well. We had never played together as teammates in any cup play but something just clicked when we started playing together this summer. We give each other good advice and pick each other up when the other plays bad on a hole. Simply put, we just find a way to win each and every match. Make no mistake, the Euro’s do NOT want to see Jrod and I paired together, they will lose to us every time and spend the rest of the day trying to figure out how they lost to us.

You always seemed to have a strained relationship with Captain Jim…how is that now?

I respect Jim a lot, I have not always shown that, but I certainly do and at the end of the day, you stick by your family. The singing of Roadhouse Blues together at The Deuce during the Fake this year was the true Jim and I.

Well Chief you certainly seem like a different person than a few years ago…is anything about you the same?

I still hate Brian.

Thanks Chief, glad to have you back.

It is so good to be back. I’m looking forward to helping Team USA retain the Cup.