What was your favorite and most memorable
hole at El Camaleón?
PK: My favorite hole is the par-3 15th. I love the
setting, the views, I’ve played it well, and it’s just a
great hole. My most memorable hole is the 16th.
It’s one of the most demanding, from the tee shot
to the approach. There is trouble all over, and it
happened to be a key hole in my win last year.
Mayakoba was your first ever PGA Tour victory.
What kind of special memories does this place
hold for you?
PK: For me, everything about it being my first
victory stands out. It’s something I’ve dreamed
about for a very long time. Golf is a very hard
game, and we are playing against the best players
in the world. I knew I had the game to win, and I
had confidence in myself. But there’s a big differ-
ence in believing it and doing it. As far as May-
akoba, it’s just a great place to be and a unique
week on the PGA Tour. From the canal rides to
the amazing food and surroundings, it truly is a
special week. Also, the warmth and hospitality of
the Mexican people is incredible, which contrib-
utes so much to the Mayakoba experience. And
I’ve told many people, I’m very fortunate to win
my first event at such a special place.
How would you describe your overall experience
last year competing and staying at Mayakoba?
PK: I had an incredible experience. I’ve enjoyed all
my visits to Mayakoba, but adding my first PGA
Tour win was extra special. We live on the coast
in Georgia, near the water, and being around
the beach and water is very enjoyable for us and
makes me comfortable. Staying at Mayakoba is
something my wife and I always look forward to;
the service, quality and experience does not get
any better anywhere we go.
What tips would you share with someone
playing El Camaleón for the first time?
PK: Hit the ball straight! The course is very de-
manding off the tee, and that’s not just for am-
ateurs. If you asked PGA Tour players, the key
to success at El Camaleón would be hitting
the driver well. Also, because it’s hard to avoid
trouble off the tee, I think it’s important to take
advantage of the par-5 opportunities and be
fairly aggressive.
How did you spend your time at Mayakoba
away from the course last year?
PK: A week on the PGA Tour is pretty busy for
a player, since we focus so much on preparation,
learning the golf course and assuring you are
ready for competition. So, sometimes it’s tough
to take advantage as much as you’d like of the
local activities. But when you’re somewhere with
so much to offer like Mayakoba, I try and sneak in
a few experiences. Just the natural environment
and being able to observe and admire the ecosys-
tem while you are at Mayakoba is a treat.
What makes the Mayakoba
Golf Classic special?
PK: Even though golf is not as big a sport in Mex-
ico as it is in the United States, you can tell the
entire region and community are really invest-
ed in the tournament. The Mexican people are
so welcoming and really embrace all of us pros
coming to visit for the week and compete—and
especially me as the champion. It was awesome
to see how they were cheering and celebrating
when I won.
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