Yesterday Chris Baryla gave you his picks and more regarding his play and the Masters, today our Canadian star on the Champions Tour Rod Spittle has taken time for me with his picks..
First here is an excerpt from the article I wrote about Rod last October
Rod was an outstanding amateur golfer when he was young, he's from Niagara Falls, winning the Canadian Amateur in '77 and '78. He went to Ohio State, but rather than turn pro he decided on having a family first, being a Dad and a husband.. I played with the great Gary Cowan at the Abbey last year and he talked about how much the pro game has changed from his amateur days with big big money now on both sides of the Atlantic and a Nationwide Tour to groom your game. That wasn't the case for Canadian amateurs in the 60's and 70's, so they became working stiffs like the rest of us.. In Rod's case he sold insurance..
So when he turned 50 he and his wife sold everything, quit their jobs and with a little sponsorship chased his dream of making it to the Champions tour... It is a route that Jimmy Nelford and Jim Rutledge are pursuing and it involves Monday qualifiers that have anywhere from one - four spots available for that week's event.
Dave Barr damn near won the '85 US Open, but never accrued enough cash to be eligible as a regular on this old boys club and he has to do the same thing, and by the way Q school here only has half a dozen spots, if that, available as well..
Rod hit the jackpot on Sunday, beating Jeff Sluman in a playoff to win the AT&T Championship, a cheque for over $260,000 and most important a year's exemption.
Well that year is well underway and no more Monday qualifying for Rod..
Here is the Q&A
BA Rod have you ever played Augusta National ?
RS No I have not had the privilege of playing Augusta. Plan to play this year with our oldest son, Steve.
BA If you were filling out a Masters pool sheet give me 5 guys you would include.
RS Fred Couples, Luke Donald, Bill Haas, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott.
BA Rod are you surprised that Tiger was originally installed as this year's favourite ?
RS. Yes I was and I don't think Tiger will win the Masters this year.
BA After your win last year at the AT&T you have quickly shown that you belong on this tour. In 5 outings you have 3 T25 including 2nd at the Allianz.
RS I am very pleased with my start to the 2011 season but I am always working to get better.
BA You and the family had settled in Ohio, but being a Canuck I'm sure you will keep an eye on the Stanley Cup. Any favourites ?
RS Since my Blue Jackets are out - and we live in Tampa - I'll have to go with the Lightning
BA Thanks and good luck Rod
RS You are welcome, anytime..
Bryan Angus
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