Age: 30
Lives: Listowel, Ontario
Story: Won the 2019 Valero Texas Open, becoming the first Monday qualifier to win in nine years.
figuring it outI graduated from Kent State with a degree in Actuarial Mathematics. Risk assessment and making good decisions are attributes that translate to my golf game. I have an analytical mind, but I don’t overdo it with the stats. It’s more about thinking things through properly. I got that from my studies.
Driver
Specs: Ping G400 LST, 9°, UST Elements Gold 6F5 shaft, 45.25 inches, D-4 swingweight.
This is an older model, but I like how the ball flies, so I’m not looking to change. The launch, flight and spin match up with what I want to see. I don’t mess around with equipment too often. I’m just comfortable with this club.
Fairway wood, hybrid
Specs: Ping G425 LST, 15.75°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.5 shaft; Ping G425, 20°, UST VTS Red 85X shaft. Both D-2.
Both of these clubs are in the “plus” loft-hosel setting. I’m looking to hit these clubs high and land them soft. I’m not looking for a knuckleball effect at all.
Irons
Specs: Ping i210 (4-iron), Ping i59(5-PW), Project X 6.0 shafts; Golf Pride MCC black/blue grips.
I love how these look. I didn’t think I would find an iron better than the iBlade. I used that model for a number of years, but these seem to have a tighter shot pattern, and my mis-hits go even farther, which is nice.
Wedges
Specs: Ping Glide 4.0 (50°, 56°); Titleist Vokey SM8 (60°); Project X 6.0 shafts.
The 56-degree is my favourite club in the bag. I use it for approach shots and a lot of shots around the green. I’ve never been one to change grinds or bounces based on conditions. I know how the club reacts in soft and firm conditions, and it eliminates a variable by not going back and forth.
Putter
Specs: Ping PLD Oslo H prototype; 35 inches, 2°, Ping PP58 Midsize grip.
I used a blade putter for a number of years, but now I’ve gone to a mallet. I put this one in play at this year’s Genesis Open. It just looked right at address. It frames the ball really well. It’s just so easy to line up.
That’s my girl
I use the Titleist Pro V1 Star ball. It’s a little spinnier version of the Pro V1. I always mark it with my wife’s initials “MM” in red. I began doing that when we started dating, and I’ve kept doing it.
Hockey fixation
I’m a huge ice hockey fan and played in high school. My favourite team is the Toronto Maple Leafs. I have their logo on my yardage book. I was gutted when they lost in the playoffs this year.
Spare change
For a ball marker, I always use a toonie, which is a Canadian two-dollar coin. I don’t ever have to worry about running out of them. I have a small fortune of them stashed in my golf bag.
