Tee time with Tico Torres

Fast approaching thirty years as ‘The Hit Man’ for one of the world’s greatest rock bands, drummer Tico Torres continues to travel the globe as a major player with the multi-award winning Bon Jovi. Notching up almost three decades of hits, with record sales currently at a staggering 100 million plus and continuing to rise, not to mention having performed to over 34 million fans...it’s just all in a days work for the New York born musician!

So, what does this internationally renowned rock star do when not in the recording studio or touring the world?

Tico Torres doesn’t miss a beat. He’s an accomplished artist and sculptor, with an infant clothing range Rock Star Baby and founder of his own charity the Tico Torres Children Foundation. But there’s still time for a thrice-a-week golf habit – essential rock ‘n’ roll relaxation.

Tico, what’s your first golfing memory?
The first time I ever played golf was with Willie Nelson [American country music singer/songwriter] at Pedernales Golf Club, Texas on his 9- hole course. It’s also known as the Willie Nelson Cut–N-Putt and as the great man says, it’s located just “8 songs away from Austin”. I played with a 7 iron and putter and remember it well.

Who taught you to play golf?
Willie actually taught me to play. It all started back in 1989, I was at his house and he asked if I’d ever played golf, I hadn’t so he took me out there and said, “Just look at the ball and hit it!” So I did. After all, the man is an “icon”.

Favourite professional golfer past or present?
Gary Player – The Black Knight. He’s always played with such determination and has real integrity.

Favourite celebrity golfer?
There are so many I could name, but I’ll say Alice Cooper, because in the words of Alice “If rock 'n' roll made my life, then golf saved my life”.

Best golfing memory?
Easy – the practice round I enjoyed this week here at the The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. I played the Old Course at St. Andrews with Michael Douglas, Huey Lewis and Andy Garcia. It was the ‘Dream Fourball’!

Worst golfing experience?
This would have to be in Scotland, playing in high wind, rain and cold!

What’s your favourite UK course?
I really like all of Scottish golf, links golf, but I also love to play at Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire. I enjoyed playing a round there not so long ago with with club pro Keith Maxwell.

Do you have a ‘home’ club?
I live in Florida so I regularly play at the gorgeous Admirals Cove at Jupiter in Florida, it’s a marina and yacht club, with tennis courts and a spa, as well as some great golf. I also spend a lot of time at La Gorce Country Club at Miami Beach, another great setting. I’m lucky to have two fabulous clubs, not far from home.

Favourite holiday golf destination?
This would have to be Leopard Creek in South Africa. It’s bordered by the Kruger National Park and the Crocodile River, and the wildlife is simply amazing!

Your favourite ‘19th hole’?
The Jigger Inn at St. Andrews. It dates back to the 1850s when it was the Station Master’s lodge. It’s now got lots of golfing memorabilia, roaring open fires, and you can get drinks and home cooked food. A great atmosphere at the ‘Home of Golf’! Best ever handicap to date? Two months ago it was 7. Now I’m 8.

Favourite charity golf tournament?
The Tico Torres Children Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament, a great way to have fun and raise money for kids in need. I have a son of my own and my heart goes out to children and their families who are less fortunate. The charity was founded in 2008 to help kids in difficult circumstances, whether through hunger, disease, homelessness, neglect, abuse or illness. The charity has also contributed to help children affected by the earthquake in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

How often do you play golf?
Three times a week, schedule permitting.

Ever had a hole in one?
Just the once. It was at Miami’s Doral Golf Resort, I was playing in the VH1 Celebrity Golf Event, and I loved it!

Favourite item of golf clothing?
Here in Scotland? It has to be mittens. It’s so important to keep the hands warm when playing in cold weather.

Best piece of golfing equipment?
For me, the Momentus Power Hitter 310, a weighted training driver that has really helped to coordinate and strengthen my swing.

Country with the best golf courses? Where would you like to be stranded?
I’m partial to links golf, so Scotland or Ireland, I don’t mind. It’s that windy weather that does it.

Who would be your dream golf partner?
Of all time, it has to be the late, great Seve Ballesteros, because he could pull off the most impossible shots.

Favourite professional golf tournament?
Any of the majors, as it all goes up a notch. The absolute best thing about playing golf? The people you meet.

The worst thing about playing golf?
[Laughs] Sometimes, the people you meet.

What do you wish to achieve in your game?
I’ve never shot even par, so that’s what I’m aiming for.

Top tips for up and coming golfers?
Have fun! Fun’s the great thing about golf.

What’s next on your golfing schedule?
I’m heading to Albany Bahamas in December for a Members Tournament, such a beautiful resort with a stunning beach and yacht marina, and I’m really looking forward to the golf.

When not golfing, what are you up to at the moment?
The band’s off the road now, so I am in my studio painting, and developing my line of baby clothes – Rock Star Baby.