|
Going Head to Head
A new weekly series which pits the Asian Tour's
stars against each other through a variety of identical questions.
 Frankie Minoza v. Rick Gibson
How do you warm up?
Minoza: I'll start with my 60 degree sand wedge and move up to
the nine, seven and five irons, hitting no more than 10 balls each.
Then I'll hit a few drivers and then back to the wedge. Then it's
off to the putting green.
Gibson: It starts in my room where I do about 15 minutes of yoga.
I'll eat an hour before teeing off, spend 20 minutes at the range
hitting the odd-numbered irons on one day, even numbered the next
day. I seldom hit the driver. Then I'll hit some putts and chips.
What do you do after completing a round?
Minoza: Depending on what time I finish, I'll normally have something
to eat and then hit a few balls at the range.
Gibson: It depends on the weather. If it's hot, there's a big chance
I'll be going home!
It takes 45 minutes to get from the hotel to golf course. How
do you kill time on the bus?
Minoza: Thank goodness I have my ipod.
Gibson: I've just got into Sudoku.
What's the worst thing that you fear when you're playing?
Minoza: All players fear that one club-length putt to make the
halfway cut.
Gibson: The only thing for me is if the clubhead comes off after
a shot.
After a round of 65, what do you do afterwards?
Minoza: Go practice again and stick to my normal routine.
Gibson: I'll practice for about 45 minutes. But it's more of an
emotional thing as you'll have to forget about the round quickly.
How about after a 78?
Minoza: If I'd missed the cut, I'll go straight back to the hotel.
If I'm still in the event, I'll go to the range and work out the
faults.
Gibson: You definitely want to forget about that quickly. I always
try to stick to my routine no matter what.
You have two putts from 10 feet for par to win a tournament.
Do you go for glory?
Minoza: I'll check the line carefully, take a few deep breaths
and concentrate on my tempo.
Gibson: I'll try to make the first putt, don't get out of routine
as if you do, you could be in trouble.
After posting a double bogey, what goes through your mind at
the next tee?
Minoza: Sometimes, I get really angry which is normal. But I'll
be thinking of starting all over again and not carry the anger to
the next hole.
Gibson: I normally play better. It's like an awakening for me.
What do you think off when faced with a five foot downhill putt?
Minoza: Normally about the speed.
Gibson: Total focus on line and speed.
There's water on the right and OB on the left at the 18th hole,
480 yard par four and you're in position for a top-five finish.
How will you play the tee shot?
Minoza: I'll use the club that I'm comfortable with. If it's the
driver that I've used the whole week, I'll use it again.
Gibson: I'll be aggressive and swing it a bit harder. I've never
had the luxury of hitting a soft driver as I'm quite a short hitter!
Will you speak to your playing partners if you're in contention
on the back nine on Sunday?
Minoza: Yes, if they talk to me, I'll talk to them.
Gibson: Yes. When I'm playing well and in contention, I'm extremely
relaxed.
If you're drawn to play with Tiger Woods, how do you think you'll
react?
Minoza: Maybe there'll be some pressure … probably a lot of
pressure! I always enjoy playing with top players, it always helps
me to concentrate better.
Gibson: It'll be completely different now compared to eight or
nine years ago. I've played with Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino in
the past and I know Tiger's caddie quite well which should help
if that happens.
You're playing in the Pro-Am and one of your amateurs can't
get it off the deck. What will you do?
Minoza: Try to give him a good lesson.
Gibson: Get him to relax. In some cultures, that'll mean a beer!
I'll get him to talk about his interests and give him a general
tip. My best tip is never grip the club any harder than when you
shake a lady's hand.
May 4, 2007
|
del.icio.us
digg
reddit
stumbleupon
facebook
google
What are these 
Email This Page
