Jeff Klauk: Golf's Next Rookie of the Year?

You've made a lot of money very quickly. Any splurges?

Klauk: No, I just paid off the cars and all that stuff, and that's about it.

Who handles your money?

Klauk: My [older] brother [John] does. He works for Merrill Lynch(BAC) out in Los Angeles. I pay attention to it all. We're laying low right now, given all the stuff that's going on. Just keep putting money in each month and wait until things turn around. I'm a conservative guy anyway. I've been burned a few times. I just want to keep compounding over the years, not do anything flashy.

Does the Tour offer financial advice to rookies?

Klauk: Charles Schwab(SCHW) does all the Tour's investments, and they have the Schwab people there for you if you want.

Do veteran players discuss finances with up-and-comers?

Klauk: The guys I know are definitely there for any questions I might have, absolutely, and for other players, too. [2008 U.S. Open runner-up] Rocco Mediate is a mentor of mine. I've known him since I was 15. And he's helped me out with everything, from finances to all the other aspects of being out on Tour.

What's the best advice, financial or otherwise, that you've gotten from a fellow pro?

Klauk: The one that stuck out the most was from my friend Zach Johnson [the 2007 Masters champion], whom I've been friends with for years from our days on the Nationwide Tour. He said, "The [PGA] Tour is just golf." There's not a huge difference from the Nationwide Tour to the PGA Tour. It's mostly about adapting to all the new things, and I've done a great job of that this year.

Are you focused on winning the rookie of the year award?

Klauk: It's not one of my major goals. I want to qualify for the Players Championship, and I have a few other priorities. It's all about sticking to the task at hand, staying positive and working hard.

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