You are known as the “Prince of Pebble Beach.” What does this place mean to you? If you think about golf and you think about winning tournaments, this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There’s something about when you come through the gates of 17-Mile Drive. It creates an incred- ible aura. I’ve traveled and played all over the world, and I really truly believe this is the prettiest place in the world.
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You won the AT&T five times, plus the California State Amateur. What is it about Pebble Beach that brings out your best? I think having the success I did here early in my career, winning in 1979, made me realize the great play- ers who have been California State Amateur champions. It’s not an easy championship to win. I rank it in the top five of all the amateur competi- tions in the United States. I think that certainly gave me a boost of confidence and helped me win the U.S. Amateur later that year.
In my professional career, having
opportunities to win in ’84 at the Crosby, winning in 1985, and then the four AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Ams—to have my name on the rock behind the first tee at Pebble Beach a few times is very meaningful and fulfilling.
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You won 14 times by your 41st birthday, but you hadn’t won a major. Then you won the Masters and British Open in the same year. What happened in 1998? When you least expect it, you take the pressure off. I don’t think anybody would have thought I’d win those majors that year, myself included. I guess sometimes you get out of your own way, and the door opens. I also believe my relationship with Tiger over those 10 years, being around him, seeing his enthusiasm and talent and achievements in the game
O’Meara won the 1998 British Open in a playoff over Brian Watts.
There’s something about when you come through the gates of 17-Mile Drive. It creates an incredible aura. I’ve traveled and played all over the world, and I really truly believe this is the prettiest place in the world.
WINTER 2015 /
NCGA.ORG / 47
PHOTO: AP
PHOTO: MONTEREY PENINSULA FOUNDATION
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