New Game, New Thinking: Casey Wittenberg 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 Casey Wittenberg.

At first glance, Casey Wittenberg, all 24 years of him, looks like the prototypical TOUR rookie. But when you factor in the 29 previous TOUR starts he had before ever teeing it up in his official rookie season at the Sony Open in Hawaii, it's easy to understand why this young man is as comfortable on this circuit as a broken in pair of Foot Joys. PGATOUR.COM caught up with Casey after yet another practice session.

PGATOUR.COM: You're a rookie who has as much experience as a third-year player. How has that made your transition to this level?

WITTENBERG: It's helped a great deal. I love being out here full time, and it's definitely different than the other times I've played out here. Now I'm here for good -- at least that's the plan. But my experience playing some big tournaments definitely made the move to this level easier. And I recognize a lot of faces, which makes it fun.

PGATOUR.COM: You certainly seem to be having fun on the course thus far, making a majority of the cuts.

WITTENBERG: I made my first five out of seven cuts, but I haven't made anything great happen yet on the weekends. I just need to get more comfortable with playing under pressure on the weekend. That's part of being a rookie and just part of the deal. I'm not a West Coast guy, so I wasn't used to the greens and courses. We also had some crazy weather out there. It'll take some time, but I'll get used to playing out West. But I grew up in the Southeast, so this is the part of the schedule I've been waiting for.

PGATOUR.COM: If I were to drive down to, say, Houston to watch your group on Thursday, what should I expect?

WITTENBERG: I keep the ball in play and usually wind up at the top in greens in regulation. The harder the course, the better I like it. I've played the majors pretty well because the courses and the setups are really difficult. I enjoy tough golf courses. I'm not going to blast the ball past anyone, but I'll stay between the ropes all day.

PGATOUR.COM: What type of goals did you set for yourself when the season started at the Sony Open?

WITTENBERG: I'm not a big goal setter. I just try to play the best possible every week and see what happens on the weekends. You've got to put yourself into position to succeed every week and then get to the finish line. I don't want to limit myself by setting goals.

PGATOUR.COM: Is it safe to say finishing in the top 50 might be a good place to start?

WITTENBERG: Absolutely. Top 50 in my first two years would be fantastic. But I've got a lot of areas of my game that need more focus in order to make it to that level.

PGATOUR.COM: OK, enough golf speak. What does a 24-year-old do when he's not practicing his short game or studying pin placements?

WITTENBERG: That's easy, I'm probably duck hunting.

PGATOUR.COM: Did you say duck hunting? I talked to Boo Weekley last week. I thought you might be more of a wine and cheese guy.

WITTENBERG: Not exactly. I grew up in Memphis, Tenn., the mecca of duck hunting. It's very close to my heart, and it's a great escape for me. If it's 35 degrees and a clear blue sky, it just doesn't get any better than sitting in the timber watching a group of 50 mallards work their way across the trees. Duck hunting season happens at a good time of the year for me, so I can get out and enjoy it with my friends and family. It's the perfect way for me to spend quality time with people I like being around. I like skiing and fishing, too, but duck hunting is still at the top of my list. After golf, of course.

PGATOUR.COM: You're single, a pro golfer and 24 years old. Is this cool or what?

WITTENBERG: It's very cool. I'm really enjoying it out here. Each place we play is so open to having us in their city. They really do a great job welcoming us. I enjoy the travel and experiencing so many different things. I've been traveling since I was 14 and playing in tournaments around the country. But I still love it. I don't yet have the responsibilities of a wife or children, but I know that day will come. For now, I'm focused on my golf game.