The World Series Of Golf

Hello World Series of Golf Family,

This is the first of a few interviews that I’ve done with some of our players. To start I was able to send some emails back and forth with Jeff Egan. Here it goes:

Jeff Egan

1. What’s your name, where are you from and what do you do?
Jeff Egan.   Glen Ridge, NJ.   Institutional Equity Option Broker

2. How did you come to find out about the WSG?
In late 2006, the Mirage sent me a flyer about the event. I immediately was on the phone w/ my host and WSG staff to sign up. It was the greatest idea for a golf event I had ever heard of.
3. What is your handicap? No seriously, what’s your handicap and how did that effect your decision to be a part of the WSG?
My handicap is an 8. When I first played in 2007, I think I was a 12. My game has improved because I really really really want to win this thing so I’ve been practicing a ton over the last 3 years. (It’s a good thing my wife is my caddy or else I would definitely be in the dog house – more often.)

4. How many WSG events have you played in?
2010 will be my 4th WSG – and hopefully more of a success than the past 3.

5. Did you attend any Get Acquainted events prior to being in one of our events?
Yes. I played in 2008 & 09 Get Acquainted events. And you know what, I was as nervous playing in both of them as I was in the actual event! I must have my head examined. When I won my 1st round in 07, I was completely green about the event. Maybe I need more of that beginner’s luck again – or is too late for that?

6. What is it about this event that made you want to sign up?
The mix of poker and playing golf where every shot you hit could be your last was fantastic. We all play nassau events, skins, wolf, or whatever, but nothing, NOTHING compares with this event. As soon as I read the format, I was hooked.

7. If you have played more than once, what made you want to come back?
I have said this before and will say it again: it is the greatest time you can have playing golf. It is the greatest time you can have in Vegas. That parlay is priceless.  If that wasn’t enough, the people who run and play in the event are just so freaking awesome. Many of us have seen each other since the event. Be it golfing, partying or whatever. Some great relationships have been developed because of the WSG.

8. What is one (at least) of your favorite memories/stories from a WSG event?
Favorites:
2007, Round 1 – Sinking 20 foot all-in par putt for push on 14th hole. The roar was heard all over the course as even my opponents went nuts.
2007, Round 1 – 17th hole: leaving 70 foot birdie putt one foot short, and then tapping in close out my opponents. I even have the ball in my golf-ball trophy case. It was my only win – THUS FAR!

Least Favorite:
2007, Round 2 – 17th hole: Watching Mark Ewing sink 20 foot birdie putt, and then leaving my &%#$ing birdie putt short! which eliminated me. I lost 4 holes that round to long birdie putts. (Thanks Greg. Thanks Mark.)
2008, Round 1 – With my foot on Erick Lindgren’s throat, I gagged and 3 putted 18.  And then proceeded to watch him drain a 20 foot par putt that crippled my chip stack. (I lost on 2nd playoff hole.)

9. How did the wagering component effect your game?
I learned how to chip & putt w/ my knees shaking.
10. How were the parties and poker game?
Parties: It’s Vegas. It’s the World Series of Golf. Saying 1st class doesn’t do it enough justice.
Poker game: Not enough playing time to comment officially, but will say I only played in 2008 and lost on the 3rd hand when my two pair was beat by inside straight on the river.

11. Are you looking forward to this years event?
Like a 5yr old looks forward to Christmas!  Does a bear ___ in the woods?  Any other ways to say:  YES!!!!

12. You had the chance to play with Ray Romano (actually he had the chance to play with you, right:) what was that round like?
Ha.I love the way you phrased that, but I haven’t played with him. Maybe the two of us will meet this year in the finals. Hopefully, he plays well enough, because I’m gonna be there man!

13. What’s the craziest bet you ever made?
When he was a Jet, I was short Brett Farve td’s @ 18, 19, & 20. He had 22. Damn Cardinals gave up 4 in one game. That left some marks.

14. What is it about the WSG that makes it the best event? What makes it so unique?
There are no golf events or formats where you truly can be out of the tournament on the 1st hole – not in a skins game, not in a member-guest match play, not even in medal play. There is a cliche about how your next shot could be your last.  This format brings that to life. And when you are all-in, your whole mentality changes. The World Series of Golf takes golf to a level you truly cannot understand unless you have played in it.

15. Any last comments?
I am, once again, so looking forward to this year’s event. I love the people who play in it. I love the people who run it. And this year, I will love winning it!!!

Damn..  it was even fun thinking about the answers to your questions.

Best Regards,
Jeff Egan

OK – thanks Jeff. Always fun to hear about our players and how their relationship with WSG came about. If you are interested, please shoot us a note and maybe we can get your story up here as well.

-WSG Team