Say What? D.J. Brigman

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Editor's Note: D.J. Brigman is in a precarious position. He is currently in the 25th place on the Nationwide Tour money list, $1,291 ahead of Gavin Coles. The top-25 money winners at the conclusion of the 2008 Nationwide Tour season will earn membership on the 2009 PGA TOUR. This week, Brigman is playing on the PGA TOUR after he qualified for the U.S. Open. Brigman will be making his third appearance in the event, having made the cut in 2005 (tied for 71st) and a year ago at Oakmont Country Club (tied for 30th). Brigman recently met with Laury Livsey of the PGA TOUR's communications staff to discuss flying coach at 6-foot-4, New Mexico Lobos' basketball and his favorite movie,"Top Gun."

PGA TOUR: What percentage do you fly first class vs. coach?
D.J. BRIGMAN: Unfortunately, I fly 90 percent coach, 10 percent first class.

D.J. Brigman

PGA TOUR: You're not exactly a small guy, so how do you do in coach?
BRIGMAN: I struggle, and I can't sleep very well. So I'm a reader on planes.

PGA TOUR: What's the last book you read?
BRIGMAN: Wild at Heart by John Eldredge.

PGA TOUR: Your wife (Marisa Maez) is a TV news anchor in Albuquerque. How would you do if you had to fill in for her?
BRIGMAN: I think I'd do OK. It would be kind of fun for me to be co-anchors with her. Obviously she's a pro at it, is a natural and does great at her job. But I'd like to get my shot next to her and see how I'd do.

PGA TOUR: How would you do in a better-ball tournament, with her as your partner?
BRIGMAN: Um, I think she's only hit golf balls once in her life, so I'd have to carry her.

PGA TOUR: How come only once? Why aren't you taking her to the range?
BRIGMAN: Three kids. That's the answer to that one.

PGA TOUR: What's the best part about fatherhood?
BRIGMAN: Seeing their smiling faces when I come through that door, hearing them yelling, "Daddy" and then them dropping everything so they can come and give me a big hug.

PGA TOUR: What's the best part about New Mexico?
BRIGMAN: The climate. It's a place with dry heat, no bugs and you can see a beautiful sunset almost every night. On a typical day you can see for miles and miles. It's a beautiful place.

PGA TOUR: When was the last time you saw a game at The Pit?
BRIGMAN: Last season. I watched the Lobos play, and I can't even remember who they were playing, but they won. I'm excited about the next few years. They're going to be good.

PGA TOUR: Have you had a chance to play golf with Coach Steve Alford?
BRIGMAN: I have not. But he's a class-act guy, and he's a big golfer. So I hope to soon. I did play with his assistant coach, Craig Neal -- Coach Noodles -- and that staff has brought a lot of class into the basketball arena. I like our chances of making the Sweet 16 in the next two or three years.

PGA TOUR: What is your all-time favorite movie?
BRIGMAN: Top Gun

PGA TOUR: Did you ever come close to joining the Air Force?
BRIGMAN: I did. I debated about going to the Air Force Academy out of high school. But based on commitments after graduation, I knew it would hamper my golf game -- flying F-16s and then trying to find time to practice.

PGA TOUR: Which character did you most identify with in the movie?
BRIGMAN: I'd have to say Iceman, the Val Kilmer character. Wait, can I change?

PGA TOUR: Sure, go ahead.
BRIGMAN: OK, I'd actually have to say Maverick. I was more like Tom Cruise's Maverick.