A quick nine with the Masters champion from South Africa.
View full sizeAugusta National is always going to rank highly on the favorite courses of 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel.AKRON, Ohio -- A quick nine with the Masters champion from South Africa.
Born: Aug. 31, 1984, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Height/weight: 5-11 / 140.
Turned pro: 2002.
Schwartzel was a relative unknown in the United States until April, when he rallied to win at Augusta, Ga. Schwartzel shot a 6-under 66 on Sunday -- best final round by a winner in 22 years. He became the fourth straight golfer to win his first major and the second South African in the past three.
Q: What do you remember most from your victory at the Masters?
A: Coming down the stretch being in contention, and feeling the adrenaline that comes with it.
Q: You seemed ultra-calm as you closed with four straight birdies to win by two. Were you?
A: I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. I think everyone would get nervous in that situation. The key is the way you control it. I never got to the stage where I was rattled.
Q: You held a lead when you walked the 18th fairway. Were you able to enjoy it?
A: I thought about watching Tiger, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer making that walk with a lead. Now I was doing it, and it was pretty special.
Q: Favorite course you've played?
A: Leopard Creek in South Africa. It's set in a nice environment. I always judge a course by how many times I could play it over and over, and that is one for me. Augusta National, of course, is right on its heels.
Q: Favorite club in the bag?
A: My putter is quite special to me. I've had the same sort of putter since junior. It's a look that I like.
Q: Preferred activities away from golf?
A: I like flying, water skiing, hunting. Almost any outdoor sports.
Q: So you have a pilot's license?
A: Yes. And my helicopter license. I fly to tournaments every now and again in South Africa. I haven't registered for my license in the states. It would be pretty easy to do; I just haven't done it yet.
Q: Golfer you like to follow?
A: Before Tiger had all the injuries and everything went on in his life, he was by far the most exciting player to watch. But I just haven't seen him for so long, and things have moved on and changed, so I don't know.
Q: Caddyshack or Tin Cup?
A: I've watched them both, they're both good, but I think Caddyshack wins.
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