Clockwise from top left: John Hook hits his tee shot on the infamous par-3 12th hole at Augusta National; NBC announcer Dan Hicks, Oliver Hook, John Hook and NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller pose for a photo; the Hooks celebrating Oliver Hook’s 90th birthday on the iconic Hogan Bridge; and Hook with Hicks, whom John worked with in Tucson at KVOA.
the strongest part of my game. And the putter I love is an old, beat-up MacGregor Response that many have disparaged. It was a demo at Golfsmith that I tried one day. But it’s the best putter I’ve ever owned and the first where left-to-right breaking putts seem as comfortable as right-to-left breaking putts (usually easier for a right-hander).
4 What’s your best score, and have you ever had a hole in one?
One or two under several
times. Two holes in one. The first on No. 3 Ventana Canyon Mountain Course. The second one comes with an asterisk. It was during a scramble in Tucson at La Paloma (Hill No. 8). Me, (sportscaster) Brad Steinke and (NBC golf announcer) Dan Hicks did not have a fourth. The rules committee allowed us to alternate a fourth tee ball. I jarred my second shot. They gave me a plaque, but it’s certainly tainted.
www.azgolf.org
5 Being a well-known local figure, you have probably played with
other notables. Do you have a
favorite golf celebrity experience? Charles Barkley at Gainey Ranch. This was ’94 during the great run with the Suns. Charles’ stories were hilarious. The needle was always out. And he’s just a pleasure to play with. His short game and touch were really impressive. We had a match that came down to the final hole. I got him by one shot. I think I earned his respect. But I never got paid. However, Charles always picked up drinks whenever I ran into him. He is an incredibly generous guy. So, no complaints.
6 What do you like about the game, and what do you really not like
about the game?
I love the challenge of trying to get better. And golf is a blast when you’re playing well and striking the ball well. It can be a grind when you’re not. It’s the bane of every golfer.
7 Where do you play most of your golf in Arizona?
Ancala Country Club. This
may relate to the above question. Ancala is really, really tight. Every miss costs you two shots. That makes scoring really difficult at times.
8 Have you ever played in the Waste Management Phoenix Open events?
If not, would you like to?
I have not. I would love to. I played twice in the Pro-Am in the Tucson Open. We won it one year with Scott Verplank as our pro. The next year we were paired with Robert Gamez. Both guys were really, really nice and helpful. I got lucky with the pros I ended up with.
9 What’s the best part about a day on the links?
Being outdoors, hanging
with friends and hopefully hitting a few good shots. When I’m playing golf, very little else enters my mind. It’s the ultimate escape. n
ANNUAL 2018 | AZ GOLF Insider | 25
COURTESY JOHN HOOK
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