ON THE GREENS
beat
Pomp Braswell takes on the PGA Tour Champions BY ELIZABETH LIBERATORE
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PHOTO BY JAMES PATRICK
omp Braswell’s golf story began with a high school dare – the professional golfer was dared by his friends to take a swing at the sport in 1986. Upon hitting 125 yards at Los Angeles’ Rancho Park driving range, Braswell became hooked. Braswell continued to play golf at San Jose State University in California. After graduating, he moved to Arizona in 1994, which is when his career as a professional golfer took flight. While playing the sport full time, Braswell was also an instructor at Golf Digest from 2004 to 2008, and he continued instructing at the Jim McLean Golf School and made Golf Tips magazine’s top 30 instructors list. Braswell is also a former Harlem Globetrotter. “Golf has opened up so many opportunities for me,” Braswell says. “All I can say is that I’m very fortunate.” His latest venture will be the PGA Tour Champions, a worldwide tour that brings together PGA Tour veterans who are 50-plus years old, where the players will compete for the Charles Schwab Cup. “I’m nervous and excited,” he says. “But those are good feelings to have.” With more than 30 years of golf experience, Braswell offers advice to all the newcomers out on the greens: “Too many youngsters get caught in the glamour of getting far without control,” he says. “The best players have strong shorter games. That’s where attention should be focused – on the mini games.”
Etc.
What other things did you do in the Valley? When I lived in Arizona, I was on the golf board at UMOM. I also helped raise funds for Wounded Warrior Project since, as a veteran, the organization is close to my heart. What’s your favorite golf course in the Valley? It’s a tie between Mesa Country Club and Paradise Valley Country Club. Are your two children golf prodigies? Ironically, they hate golf. I always tell them, “Daddy can teach you,” but they could care less!
SO SCOTTSDALE! |
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| JUNE 2017