New Game, New Thinking: Michael Letzig profile

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OK, so there's one downside of being a professional golfer on the greatest TOUR in the world -- you no longer can attempt to replicate your favorite Tony Hawk move at the skate park.

That's fine by 28-year-old Michael Letzig, especially since he's already won three-quarters of a million dollars and is fine tuning his game in preparation for the FedExCup Playoffs (he currently ranks 91st in points). But every once in a while, doesn't he get a wild air to get some air again? As part of the New Game, New Thinking series (click here to learn more), PGATOUR.COM freelance writer Rudy Klancnik asked the former skateboarder this and many other probing questions during a chat earlier this week.

PGATOUR.COM: So, did your agent hide your skateboard so you wouldn't be tempted to try a nasty 720 and bust your wrist?

MICHAEL LETZIG: Nah, I put the skateboard away a while back. The only time I'm on my board these days is from the mailbox to the house. That's about it. Do I miss it? Sure, I love skateboarding. But this is my career now and I've got to steer clear of anything that can injure me seriously. Skateboarding isn't the best on ankles, knees and wrists.

PGATOUR.COM: Being a skateboarder, you probably grew up near the ocean and used the word "dude" in every other sentence, right?

LETZIG: I actually grew up in Richmond, Mo., just outside Kansas City. Skateboarding and boating have always been two of my favorite things.

PGATOUR.COM: Boating? You talking fishing boats or skiing boats?

LETZIG: I'm talking speed boats. Fast boats. Very fast boats. I've been boating on the Lake of the Ozarks forever. When I'm not playing, I'm usually on the water.

PGATOUR.COM: Speaking of fast (nice transition!), you've quickly built a reputation on the TOUR for performing well with the big boys.

LETZIG: It's been a weird season. When I do make a cut, I finish pretty high on the leaderboard and have cashed some nice paychecks (three top 10s this season). The problem is that I haven't made enough cuts (11 of 21). Actually, I haven't felt great about my game this entire season. I played a lot better last year (on the Nationwide Tour) but I've had good weeks at the right time this year and won enough money to comfortably hold on to my card.

PGATOUR.COM: What's been the difference in making and missing cuts for you this season?

LETZIG: It's a cliché, but it all comes down to putting. On certain weeks, I can't miss a putt. I don't care where I'm at on a green, I just feel like everything is going to fall. Other weeks, I can't figure out the line on most every green I step on.

PGATOUR.COM: You're a veteran of both the Hooters and Nationwide tours. What's the biggest difference at this level?

LETZIG: Out here, you can't afford to have an average day. If you shoot one or two over in one round, that's pretty much that. You're cooked. The talent out here is just too good to have one off day.

PGATOUR.COM: Every time I tee it up is an off day. Just so I can feel better about myself, tell me how rotten life is for your on the TOUR. Please.

LETZIG: It sucks. It's terrible out here. You're not missing a thing. OK, maybe it's a little nice. It's funny when I'm talking with buddies about being out here. I've been playing in tournaments since I've been a teenager, but now I'm playing for silly money. Everything about the TOUR is better than I ever could have expected. After I played at the John Deere Classic, I jumped on the private plane (the Dallas Mavericks' private plane) and flew directly to the British Open. Can it get better than that? Not really.

PGATOUR.COM: At least you got what was coming to you at the Open! Have you ever faced worse playing conditions?

LETZIG: There's just no way you can prepare for what we saw out there. I can hit balls forever, but I'll never get my head around hitting a 3-iron into the wind 170 yards or hitting a 9-iron downwind 210 yards. It was nuts. But it was also a great preparation for future rounds out there for me.

PGATOUR.COM: Kansas City's best known golfer certainly made a name for himself at the British Open. Did the legend of Tom Watson influence your game as a young golfer?

LETZIG: Absolutely. I entered the Missouri Amateur every year so I could put my name on the same trophy with him. He represents everything golf is all about, especially in this part of the world. I can only hope that someday I'll be near his same class.