Q&A with Scott Gardiner
We sat down with PGA Tour Player, Scott Gardiner as he prepares for the Zurich Classic. This will be Scott's first PGA Event after taking a 9 month medical leave of absence.
After taking nearly a year off to recover from injury, how does it feel to be back on tour?
Scott Gardiner: Oh, it feels great to be back. It was a long layoff and it was hard to watch the weeks go by and not get the chance to compete. Plus it's just great to be back and see all the guys and reconnect with friends.
You have been playing a lot of Web.com Tour events this year. Besides the size of the galleries and hospitality perks what is the big difference from the PGA Tour?
Scott Gardiner: I would say that the PGA Tour is more intropsective. All of these guys are champions and don't have anything to prove. Everyone is just focused on improving their own game where on the Web.com there are lots of guys still trying to figure out how they fit in. On the PGA Tour, guys are just more confident in who they are and what they want to accomplish.
I know you have had the chance to meet with a number of Web.com rookies who are on Team QED Style. What advice would you give to young players trying to find their place on the tour.
Scott Gardiner: I think it is really important to just keep your same routine, especially when you are in a different country and playing courses you have never seen. Just sticking to what you have done to get you to this point is probably the best advice I have.
Is there any perk or special consideration that you get as a PGA Player that still makes you think "man, I have a really cool job"
Scott Gardiner: Everything is just much bigger on the PGA Tour. Guys have trainers and coaches and the facilities are all top notch. Plus just getting to see old friends is always fun. I sometimes have shake to my head when I realize how many talented players I have been able to meet over the years.
Was that Jason Day who just stopped by to tuck in your shirt?
Scott Gardiner: (laughing) Yea, Jason is a funny guy. I was really glad to see him get another win this year at the Farmers Insurance, a real class act.
Surely, playing on Tour is not all fun and games, is there anything that is kind of a drag?
Scott Gardiner: The travel can be hard and luggage gets lost and things go wrong but thats just part of the deal. I certainly would not trade it for anything.
What kind of ball marker do you use?
Scott Gardiner: Funny that question gets asked alot and people then think it is your life long ball marker.
Ok, what will you be using this week
Scott Gardiner: I don't know, probably a quarter.
You are pretty active on twitter and I notice you interact with a number of other Tour Players. Besides the top players in the world, who are some guys that are worth a follow?
Scott Gardiner: I like to follow some of my buddies and just give them a friendly poke or shout out but there are also some caddies out there who have good twitter account. Kip Henely is probably the best of the lot.
The PGA has become a big fashion showcase, how conscious are players about what they wear? Do guys take notice of brands and if so have you gotten any feedback on QED Style?
Scott Gardiner: I think guys have just gotten more conscious about everything as conditioning and coaching have taken a bigger role in the game. If you play golf 5-7 days a week, you want to have a brand that looks good, fits well and matches your personality.
Ok, but what does your wife think of you wearing QED Style?
Scott Gardiner: She is a big fan!
Thanks for the time and good luck this week.
You can check out Scott's bio here and follow him on twitter here.