KNOW YOUR GRADUATE: JOHN PARRY
Asiantour.com talks to the Qualifying School graduates and look at what pushes them on and off the course. This week, we focus on John Parry and look at how he faces the challenges of competing in his rookie season on the Asian Tour.
What sparked your interest in golf?
I picked up the game at the age of seven. My brother used to play and it was more of a competition between us than anything else. I got hooked to the game and never looked back.
Name your dream fourball?
Diego Maradona, who is an awesome footballer, musician Liam Gallagher and Tiger Woods.
What keeps you on top of your game?
Always trying to get better. I’ve got to keep improving to catch the other players who are also striving to better themselves. I don’t want to be left behind in the game.
When you are off the course, where is the one place that one will likely find you?
In bed. Most of the time, I don’t sleep much but I enjoy it. I would try to spend as much time as I can sleeping!
What are your goals in golf?
I would like to win tournaments and eventually a Major. That would be my ultimate goal.
How do you prepare yourself before a round?
I would warm up and spend an hour hitting balls and then get to the usual routine of chipping, putting and hitting some bunker shots. The entire process is around an hour and 20 minutes.
Who/What is your inspiration?
It’s just me. I don’t think there is any one person who inspires me. It boils down to me and how I feel about the game. Right now, I’m inspired to play the best golf that I can.
What is the number one distraction on course for you?
Probably photographers but I don’t really mind them.
How do you cope with pressure?
I will try not to think about it and think about the shot at that time. If it comes off, it comes off, if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I won’t kill myself over it and play it as I see it.
If you won a tournament, how would you celebrate?
I would probably head to my bed and get some sleep! But I would probably be too tired after a tournament and won’t think much about the celebration.
What are your initial thoughts on the Asian Tour?
The layout and courses are great and everything is well organised. It is a lot better to what I’m used to and I’m happy to be playing on the Asian Tour.
Do you have any superstition on golf?
If I’m putting well, I would use the same marker but if I’m not doing well on the greens, I would change my marker immediately.
When and what was the last golf equipment that you purchased?
Ping wedges which I purchased around November last year.
How do you react after a double bogey or worse?
I would throw my ball away! It is something I would usually do out of frustration. But I don’t slam my clubs or anything like that.
After shooting a 65, what would you do?
Throw my ball away…well, not really. I don’t know but I would get on with what I’ve been doing right.
ABOUT JOHN PARRY
Country: England
Date Of Birth: November 17, 1986
Residence: Harrogate
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2007
PRO WIN: 2008 Euro-pro La Cala.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: John earned playing rights on the Asian Tour when he ended in the top-20 at Qualifying School in 2009. Produced a similar result in his first ever Asian Tour event at the Asian Tour International. He was part of the Great Britain and Ireland team which won the 2007 Walker Cup.
KNOW YOUR GRADUATE: WILHELM SCHAUMAN
Asiantour.com talks to Qualifying School graduate Wilhelm Schauman on his aspirations on the Asian Tour, his goal in life and what makes him tick as a sportsman.
What sparked your interest in golf?
I was about three-years-old when I started to learn about the game. At that age, I just played it for fun but today, it is the drive to get better all the time. The feeling of being in a competition is a big thrill and yet I have to stay focussed. This constant mental discipline keeps me interested in the game.
What keeps you on top of your game?
Improving everything and trying to get better. Hard work is addictive and combined with the need to improve, I always strive to stay at my best form.
When you are off the course, where is the one place that one is likely to find you?
Out hunting. I was at home for a week after Qualifying School and I was hunting for moose and dear. I have been hunting since I was around eight and most times it would be with my dad and friends. But it was a memorable week after Qualifying School. I shot a moose that week, my first ever moose, which ended up on the dinner table later that day!
What are your goals in professional golf?
I don’t have any set goals in that way as I would just like to do my best and work hard.
How do you prepare yourself before your round?
I would do some warm up which usually happens in the locker room. An hour and 15 minutes before tee off, I would work on my putting, hit some balls and then go back to putting again.
Who/What is your inspiration when playing?
There is so much bad stuff going on in the world. So playing golf is a fun thing to do and it puts into perspective what we are doing. Knowing about the bad things happening everywhere, I wouldn’t get too worked up about bogeys. All I want is to get out there and have fun, that really motivates me.
What is the number one distraction on the golf course for you?
To think ahead and trying to stay in the moment.
How do you cope with pressure?
Qualifying School was a lot of pressure. I took it a shot at a time and tried to relax after every shot. I was also focused on conserving my energy after every round. This is how I would normally cope under pressure and tough conditions especially under the heat.
If you won a tournament, how would you celebrate?
I would have a few drinks with my family and friends at home.
What were your initial thoughts on Asian golf?
It is hot. I was home where it was minus five degrees Celsius and coming over here, it was tough. I drank, stayed hydrated and slept a lot. But Asian golf is good and I hope to enjoy myself this year.
Do you have any superstition on golf?
Using ball markers that work for me. I don’t have any specific marker but if it works for me that week, I will keep using it. I am not too fussy though and I will not stick to one for a long time.
When and what was the last golf equipment that you purchased?
I switched drivers in September. I am using a Callaway driver now which is working well.
How do you react after a double bogey or worse?
I would get frustrated. But this is my sixth year as a professional and I am starting to realise how to cope with the negatives and to keep going on.
After shooting a 65, what would you do?
It’s exciting and unless it’s the last day, I have to be happy with it and get back to the norm, the following day.
ABOUT WILHELM SCHAUMAN:
Country: Sweden
Date Of Birth: November 26, 1979
Residence: Sweden
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2004
PRO WIN: One event on the Hooters Tour.
AMATEUR WINS: 2002 NCAA team Championship.
KNOW YOUR GRADUATE - ALLY MELLOR
In this latest segment of Know Your Graduate, asiantour.com speaks to Ally Mellor to find out what makes his tick, his golfing background and his goals in life.
What sparked your interest in golf?
I used to pull the golf cart for my grandfather when I was about 12-years-old. When they are outside of the clubhouse, I used to hit those odd shots. It was at Harbourne Golf Club at Birmingham, England. The challenge for me was to get the ball in the hole which sparked my interest.
Name your dream fourball?
Tiger Woods because of what he has done for the game, Nick Faldo because of the respect I have for him and comedian Lee Evans to add some humour.
What keeps you on top of your game?
I am quite consistent and I hope to stay that way. Keeping things consistent, practicing hard and managing my game well.
When you are off the golf course, where is the one place that we’ll likely find you?
Sitting in front of the television. I love watching sports. I love watching football and that is one good thing about Asia, they air more games here than in the UK! If not I would be out with my mates at some bar somewhere.
What are the goals that you’ll be looking to fulfil in your professional golf career before calling it a day?
I would like to improve my game every year and as long as that happens, I’ll be happy. Even if it’s winning a small event or a Major, ultimately knowing that my game has improved every year would be my ultimate goal. When I stop improving, then maybe there would be question marks on what to do next.
How do you prepare yourself before a round?
I have a routine which would last an hour and 10 minutes. Warming up, hitting some shots and some putting and chipping. I might spend some time stretching as well. On the day of the tournament, I would stretch for about 10 minutes prior to warm up and if it’s the evening before the event, it would be around half an hour.
Who is your inspiration?
I am my own inspiration to achieve the best I can do that day. The only two players that I think of on course are Geoff Ogilvy and Retief Goosen because of their calm demeanour when they play. I might think about them throughout the round to question and see if I am as good as them or would they be dealing the situation in the same way as I am on course.
What is the number one distraction for you?
Playing with a playing partner that is too full of himself or cocky. My playing partner would be the biggest distraction. If my playing partner is being difficult or having a bad day, I would become more introvert.
How do you cope with pressure?
I would focus on my routine and game plan before I head out no matter how nervous I am.
If you won a tournament, how would you celebrate?
I would be on the phone to my people back in England. I would also enjoy it with a night out or a good meal.
What were your initial thoughts on Asian golf?
I think there are some great players here from around the world. The courses here are quite good and from the Tour administration aspect, Qualifying School was really well run.
Do you have any superstition in golf?
The only superstition that I only have is the number on the ball must stipulate the round I am playing for example ball one for round one, ball two for the second round and so on.
When and what was the last golf equipment that you purchased?
I can’t remember, it’s been a long time around seven years ago. I’ve been lucky I guess.
How do you react after a double bogey or worse?
I would not be too happy. I would go back to Retief or Geoff for some comments!
After shooting a 65, what would you do?
It would mark a good day at the office but the most important thing I’ve learned out here is to rest. There is no point following a round of 65 with an 82 so I won’t overwork it but rest instead.
ABOUT ALLY :
Country: England
Date Of Birth: January 2, 1976
Residence: Sevenoaks, UK
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2004
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Ally made an immediate impact in his outing at Qualifying School when he finished runner-up and earned playing rights in 2009. He lost out in a play-off to Japan’s Daisuke Maruyama.
KNOW YOUR GRADUATE - KIM DO H
What sparked your interest in golf?
I enjoy watching the ball fly afar! But it is mostly because the game teaches me to be patient. The game can control my level of patience very well which I found quite interesting as nothing like that has happened before. I realised I had an attraction for the game because of that and I slowly shifted my focus towards improving my golf.
Who would be your ideal fourball partners?
Tiger Woods, Anthony Kim and Phil Mickelson. Tiger because he is the best, Phil is a good ball striker and Anthony is young and has a Korean background like me.
What keeps you on top of your game?
Lots of practice. But I make sure that I enjoy my time even while I’m practicing. I spend around eight hours a day on the golf course and have never been fed up with it. I guess the drive to have good results, and not to be a one off thing, pushes me to keep improving myself.
When you are off the golf course, where is the one place that one is likely to find you?
I love fishing. It takes my mind off the course. It’s relaxing.
What are the goals that you’ll be looking to fulfil in your professional golf career before calling it a day?
To be playing on the US PGA Tour for at least 10 years. That’s my dream. I want to qualify for the US and then prove myself by staying on as long as I can.
How do you prepare before heading out on course?
I do a bit of stretching and then I head to the driving range. I would practice my chipping and putting. I would spend around an hour in total before I head out for my round.
Who/What is your inspiration when you’re playing?
When I shoot a low round, it inspires me to continue playing well. My iron game is quite steady so whenever I have a good run of form, it builds my confidence and inspires me to keep it going for as long as I can. I would always strive for that, consistency.
What is the number one distraction on course for you?
Photographers or some sudden noise or even the gallery. It doesn’t happen too often but I’ve been able to cope with the distractions. When I am out there, I would just focus on my game and I have learned to block out everything. These things are part of the game but I think I’m doing well so far with my mental game.
How do you cope with pressure?
Whenever it gets too intense, I would actually take my mind off the game and think of some good memories. It’s strange that I would take my mind off the game but that’s what I would do as it helps me deal with the pressure. But once I’m playing, I am very focused and would not get easily distracted.
If you won a tournament, how would you celebrate?
Party with my friends back home as how I would normally do!
What were your initial thoughts on Asian golf?
The Asian Tour provides me with a good opportunity to travel and there is good money offered over here. The quality of the game is also very high and I have to keep myself on my toes to stay on par.
Do you have any superstition on golf?
I don’t have any superstitions. I will use any ball and all kinds of ball markers. It doesn’t bother too much and I don’t give it much thought as at the end of the day, it’s not the colour of the ball but your game which matters.
When and what was the last golf equipment that you purchased?
I got a Ping driver around four months ago. It was during a demo day and I tried it. I was quite comfortable with it and have been using it ever since.
How do you react after a double bogey or worse?
I would forget about it as soon as I can and get on with my game. There is not point harping on something that’s already happened.
After shooting a 65, what would you do?
I would apply the same approach if I had shot an 80. I would forget about it and get on with it. I would not want to get too excited as it would sometimes make me a bit nervous the next day.
ABOUT KIM
Country: Australia
Date Of Birth: December 12, 1986
Residence: Sydney
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2008
AMATEUR WINS: 2005 Oatland Cup.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Kim finished in the top-40 on the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School for playing rights in 2009. He has an impressive track record in Australia winning the 2002 New South Wales Junior Championship and was runner-up at the 2002 Junior Vardon Trophy. He won the Jack Newton Championship for three straight years from 2000-2002 and finished third at the 2003 Australian Junior Championship. Kim was also part of the New South Wales amateur team in 2007.
PERSONAL: Born in Seoul, Kim started his golfing career at the age of nine. He played with his parents on the course and found his passion for the game. At 12, Kim moved to Australia to continue his junior golf. He gained Australian citizenship in 2005. Kim joined the New South Wales Golf Club in Sydney and was coached by Eddie Emerson.