An Interview with Captain J. Hartsell

Hartsell is well known for playing from challenging areas on the course.

The Proper Forum recently sat down for a short visit with Team USA's long time captain, @JimHHartsell.

You're all time record as a Kiva Cup captain is 2-8. To what do you attribute your overall lack of success?

Carts. The first 6 Cups, Brian got me on carts on Singles day.  Since then, we are 2-2.

You are one of 3 players (@europeancaptain & @markjskiba being the others) to have played in every Kiva Cup. How have you maintained this streak?

It's simple really. We traditionally announce the date for the Cup about 9-10 months ahead of time. I just put it on my calendar and drive south on I-65 on the appropriate day. I've also been fortunate to avoid low air pressure in my tires for the last 10 years.

I'm going to throw out some names of former Kiva Cup players and I want you to say the first thing that pops into your mind..... Huguley.

Frozen mummy statue.

KCGreat.

Ironing board. 

Uncle Joe.

HOLLER!

Jammy.

Monkey squirrel.

That's it for Jammy?

You said the first thing that pops into my head. The monkey squirrel that lives by #5 green always came out to see me and Jammy. We played together in every Cup he attended. My favorite Cup partner.

The Doctor.

Propriety.

Boogie.

The Doctor's boss at the Stewart Organization.

Tony.

Embedded ball rule.

Watkinson.

Net 64.

Huffman.

Vikings.

Sam.

Striker.

Back to golf. What's the craziest thing you've seen on the course at Kiva during Cup play?

Well, Hawk has made birdie from the bridge on #9 3 or 4 times. That's kindly hard to do.  In a Fake Cup one year, I saw Zac get up and down for double from 170 yards out off the cart path on #10 to halve the hole, after his opponent 4 putted.  But probably all time is Watkinson chipping in left handed with a backwards putter for birdie on #3 from behind Watkinson's Tree.  For good measure, he followed that with a tap in eagle on #4. 

How is your game heading into this years Cup?

Well, lets put it like this. Wednesday at Gulf Shores Golf Club will be my 6th round of golf since the 2012 Cup. I don't play much anymore.  I enjoy watching my son play these days.  If I win a point, it will be a miracle. I do love the Cup though and will be giving it my best shot. I enjoy the cooking on Saturday as much as anything.

What's the over/under on JROD conking out on Saturday night?

8:27.  

Thanks for your time. Drive safely and don't spend to much time in Atmore with the Native Americans.

You got it.