New Game, New Thinking: Jeff Klauk profile

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As part of the New Game, New Thinking series (click here to learn more), PGATOUR.COM freelance writer Rudy Klancnik profiles Jeff Klauk.

You've gotta like a guy who puts off an interview with a big shot from PGATOUR.COM until he puts his two children to bed for the night. My kind of guy, especially since I had to do the same with my two rugrats. Once we handled our daddy duties, it was time to chat. And Jeff Klauk has plenty to offer on the course as well as off. His six cuts made in his first six TOUR outings are cause for optimism indeed.

PGATOUR.COM: Wow, 6 for 6 and a pair of top 25s. Not a bad way to start your first year at this level.

KLAUK: It's been a pretty good start, that's for sure. I played consistently well in Hawaii, California and Arizona. I'm very encouraged by the way I played because I know how tough the West Coast Swing can be, especially for rookies. I played Pebble before, but that was the first time I've seen most of those courses.

PGATOUR.COM: And now comes the fun part, the friendly confines of the Bermuda grass greens you grew up on in Florida.

KLAUK: Big time. I'm really looking forward to playing even better in Florida. I've got a little bit of a home court advantage because I'm so accustomed to the Bermuda grass. Now I need to execute.

PGATOUR.COM: How much did growing up in the shadows of one of the TOUR's grandest courses and TOURnaments (TPC Sawgrass) have to do with your development as a TOUR pro?

KLAUK: It meant everything. My dad (Fred) just retired as Superintendent from Sawgrass, and I basically grew up following him around and watching that unbelievable tournament. When I finally made it out to the big leagues, I think I was very well prepared mentally thanks to the things I learned watching the behind the scenes of that tournament year after year.

PGATOUR.COM: You no doubt played countless rounds on that course. But more importantly, how many golf balls of yours found their way into the lake at 17?

KLAUK: More than I can remember. That's one tough course layout. Pete Dye is the master of tough layouts, and Sawgrass gives you everything you'd ever want. But I love that type of challenge. The more challenging the course, the better I typically play. That's why I was so fired up about making it to the TOUR because I knew the courses were great challenges from week to week.

PGATOUR.COM: Is there a player or players you would consider mentors on the TOUR?

KLAUK: Rocco (Mediate) has been a good friend and great mentor for many years. He was the reason I decided on Florida Southern (Mediate's alma mater). And I've studied his approach to the game, which has been huge for me. Vijay (Singh) also has been a tremendous help. I've met these guys through my upbringing around Sawgrass, and I'm very grateful for their continued help.

PGATOUR.COM: When you're not trying to keep up with Vijay on the practice range or comparing belt buckles with Rocco, what makes you tick off the course?

KLAUK: Well, I spend a ton of time chasing my kids of course. But I'm also a big Florida Gators fan. I'm pretty much a recruiting nerd, and I'm constantly on recruiting sites such as Gatorbait.com or Gatorcountry.com. I want to know the latest additions to the team.

PGATOUR.COM: Please tell me you didn't start donning the Gators colors when they started winning national titles.

KLAUK: Nah, I've been with them forever. I really wanted to play golf there, but it didn't work out. Florida Southern was great, but I'm still allowed to cheer for the Gators.

PGATOUR.COM: What type of golfer do you think Tim Tebow would make?

KLAUK: (Laughs) I don't think there'd be much finesse there. He's a moose. I'm glad he's returning for another season. Tebow and I went to the same high school (Nease High School) and I watched him play in high school and was blown away.

PGATOUR.COM: What's the best piece of advice you've received since joining the TOUR?

KLAUK: That's easy. I was talking with Zach Johnson in Hawaii and he told me simply, "It's just golf. Just go out there and play your game." That made a ton of sense. I played seven years on the Nationwide Tour against great competition. I knew I was ready for this level, and I just need to continue to play my game and stay consistent with the things that I do. It'll be a constant challenge, but I'm looking forward to meeting it.