Craig Bowden, Close Up

But when they don't play to their handicap, they get upset and frustrated. The thing is, the rough is up, the greens are firm and fast; it's a lot tougher than the course setup they're used to.

So everyone has to come back with an excuse as to why they weren't playing well when no one cares how they play, least of all me.

I just want to entertain them, have fun with them and make sure that they have a good time.

What are some of your favorite publicly-accessible courses you play on tour?

One of my favorites is Brown Deer Park in Milwaukee. I love that course. Most of the TPC courses are open to the public, and I love the TPC at Sawgrass. Harbour Town in Hilton Head, S.C., is one of the best golf courses ever designed. And of course Pebble Beach is accessible if you've got about $500 lying around. And they're not all 7,500 yards.

To me, the best courses are the ones that require accuracy, precision and thinking.

Are there misconceptions about tour life? Is it as glamorous as most people might think?

Flying all night, getting in at 2 a.m. and playing an 8 a.m. pro-am -- the travel part of it can be really frustrating.

The general public also doesn't understand that a golfer is only as good as his last tournament. My buddy Scott Rolen just signed an eight-year, $90 million contract -- I'd like to know that if I break my leg and can't play again that I'd be taken care of, but that's not how it is for golfers.

Do people also understand the gulf in quality between a Tour pro and the scratch golfer club champion at their country club?

Most people think their club champion could play on Tour. It's night and day, not even close. Never mind the difference in skill level.

To be able to go out and play for your life, that's a big deal. To leave a $75,000-a-year job, pay $125,000 in expenses to pay your bills -- now you're $200,000 in the hole before you start.

That's a lot of pressure. Then you've got your mortgage payments, your car, your kids. That's a big nut. Now go play.

This will be your fifth full year on the PGA Tour -- why will you be successful this time around?

I'm 38 years old. I've done a lot of good things in the last few years. I'm just ready to go out there and do the things I need to do. I'm not so starstruck anymore; I've been there, done that. I know that I can do it again, and do it better than I did before.

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