On the Green with Matt Kuchar

Matt took time to sit down with us to answer a variety of questions that were sent in from some of his fans.

Talk a little about your swing changes.  When did you start working with Chris O'Connell?  Is your swing a finished product that just requires minor tweaking or is it still evolving?  Does anyone else use the one plane swing on Tour?

MK: I started working with Chris in 2006.  My game has definitely elevated since we started working together; it’s been more consistent week in and week out and I think the results have shown that.  I don’t think my swing will ever be a finished product.  It’s never an end result, it’s always evolving.  I don’t think there has ever been anyone who’s perfected the golf swing and I don’t foresee anyone ever being able to execute a perfect golf swing every single time.  In order to be a better player, I think you always need to be working on your swing. 

Chris is a disciple of Jim Hardy who taught the one plane swing.  There are a number of guys on Tour who work with Jim and will utilize Chris’ expertise when he’s out at Tour events throughout the year. 

With your past history at Augusta, what will your emotions be like when you return in a couple of weeks?   

MK: It’s obviously a very special place to me and an honor to be back there playing in the Masters.  I’m most excited because the week really brings our whole entire family together.  It’s, in some ways, almost a vacation and that helps me relax.  Obviously, it’s a little more difficult than just Sybi and I and the kids out on the road, but it’s nice having our entire family there.  And of course it is a special place because of my past success there.  From a golf standpoint, although I haven’t played in the tournament since 2002, I have played casually many times and have been able to keep up with the changes. 

What’s your favorite thing about Augusta that most people won’t see on TV?

MK: One thing people don’t see that I really appreciate is the relationship between the people that work the event: people in the dining area, guys in the caddy shed, people inside the clubhouse.  I still keep in touch with a few of those people which is really special.  Another thing that people don’t see is how peaceful the inside of the clubhouse is.  It’s so restricted that it feels like a regular day at the course until you walk outside.  But I really do appreciate how calm and peaceful the clubhouse is at all times, it’s a great refuge before and after a round.

A favorite hole?

MK: My favorite hole is tough, but I’d have to go with 13.  I love both of the back nice par 5’s, but 13 would probably be my favorite.

Since the start of the FedEx Cup last year, you’ve been on a tremendous hot streak.  What has been your best round since that tournament?

MK: I don’t think there is any doubt it would have to be the final round at the Bob Hope Classic this year.  Most assume it would have to be one of the rounds at Turning Stone (where I won), but my final round at Bob Hope was really special.  With two rounds to go at the Hope, I thought I was well out of the tournament, and actually told someone I was out of contention.  But I shot 65 on Saturday and then 63 on Sunday, unfortunately finishing one back of Bill Haas.  Nine under on the final day to have a chance at victory though was pretty special. 

Have you adjusted your goals based on the great start you’ve had to the season?

MK: Not really.  I tend to set pretty large goals (i.e. make the Tour Championship, participate in all four majors, etc.) and don’t necessarily set smaller goals to get there.  For me, it’s just important to be in contention as much as I can.  I know if I’m competing for championships on Sunday, these larger goals will take care of themselves.  And being in contention is when golf is exciting and fun.  The more I’m in contention, the more hunger I have to get back.  I think I feed off that well.