Five straight years in the Top 50 on the Money List; member of last three Ryder Cup teams.
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Winner's Bag: Justin Rose
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Winner's Bag: Tim Clark
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McIlroy: Winner's Bag?
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AGE: 35
LIVES: Duluth, Georgia
HOW TIMES CHANGE
Since I came out on tour in 1997, I've seen two big changes: (1) Style of play. Players are much more aggressive and into power. Everyone works out more. (2) The amount of information you can get about yourself and other players. The digital media is mind-boggling.
LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT
I had it in my mind that only bad putters used long putters, but mechanically, it helped smooth some things out. I did use a short putter for about six months, and I still practice with it. But the idea that only bad putters change to the long putter is gone. I really feel comfortable on all putts. You want to putt the same way whether you feel calm or jacked up.
TIGER IS JUST A NORMAL GUY
We came out on tour at the same time and have become good friends. Nothing he does surprises me. All the great things, like the putt to win Bay Hill, are a product of his self-belief. People would be surprised what a normal guy he is. He loves sports and just goes about his business.
WHEN 95 IS BETTER THAN 100
If I had to pick one distance, it would be a 95-yard shot. I would hit a full lob wedge or a controlled, punch sand wedge with a three- or four-yard cut.
MARKED MAN
I'm a magnet for ball markers. People give them to me all the time, and I use them because they're different from what the rest of the players use.
FEED ME
I eat more on the course than I used to. It's always a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, two apples and a banana in 18 holes. It helps keep me on an even keel.
ON SALE NOW
My Nike One Black is the same ball for sale in stores. I use any number they give me and mark it with the initials of my sons (Reagan and Connor) and a cross.
JUST IN CASE
I carry this liquid that dries my hands, eye drops (I have some serious allergies), ibuprofen and an extra hat, in case I sweat through the one on my head.
SHOE BUSINESS
I used to travel with two pairs of shoes (one white, one black), but now I carry four because I believe if you feel good about the way you look, you play better.
DRIVER
I started using the Nike SQ Sumo2 Tour this year. It has 10.5 degrees of loft with an Accra Axiv XE 80, M5 flex shaft.
FAIRWAY WOODS
My 3- and 5-woods are Nike SQ2 (same Accra shaft). Sometimes I'll switch the 5-wood for a 2-iron.
WEDGES
I use 54- and 60-degree Nike SV wedges. I get these adjusted even more upright than my irons (5½ degrees) because they're the shortest clubs in my bag.
IRONS
My 5-iron through pitching wedge are Nike CCi Forged (True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shafts). My upright lie angle isn't because of my height, but because I'm more upright at impact.
LONG IRONS
To get a little more help, my 2- through 4-iron are Nike Pro Combo OS. All my irons are 4-degrees upright and a quarter-inch over length because I have long arms.
PUTTER
I've been using this Never Compromise Sub 30 M3 Belly putter (46 inches) since the Disney tournament in 2002.
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