20 questions with top coach Pete Cowen

1 How old were you when you first broke par?

My third professional tournament. Never had a handicap in my life. Pretty sure it was Hallamshire. 

2 Highlight of your career so far?

Haven’t had one! I only remember the lowlights. 

3 Favourite hole?

The 12th at Augusta. It causes the most problems. It’s quite a conundrum for everyone. No-one has ever really solved it. 

4 Favourite GB&I course?

Hollinwell, Notts. 

5 Favourite overseas course?

Congressional in America. 

6 Best view in golf?

Probably the par 5 overlooking Kruger at Leopard Creek.  

7 Favourite swing from past or present that you most admire?

Hogan and Snead. Technically both far superior that I’ve seen. I didn’t see Nelson, though. 

8 Favourite golf tournament to work at?

TPC at Sawgrass. No other tournament looks after you as a coach. They look after you there though. 

9 Favourite non-golf sports event?

The Olympic 100m finals. 

10 Favourite sports team?

Sheffield Wednesday. 

11 Sportsman you most admire?

Tiger Woods. Palmer, Player and Nicklaus were great, but Woods probably just has the edge. 

12 And sportswoman?

Jess Ennis.  

13 Favourite movie?

Gladiator. 

14 Favourite TV show?

Don’t watch TV. I read. Wilbur Smith is my favourite. 

15 Best mate on tour?

Don’t have any friends on tour. I had one, David Jagger, but he hasn’t played on tour for a long while. 

16 What is your celebrity fourball?

Donald Trump, to delve into that mind. Putin. Corbyn – I’d like to see how his mind works, too. 

17 Perfect fourball of golfers?

Hogan, Snead and Woods.

18 First car?

Triumph Herald.

19 First job?

I was assistant professional at The Hallamshire. That was 51 years ago now! 

20 Scariest moment of your life?

Driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in the thickest fog I’ve ever seen.