WHO: PGA Tour golf legend, two-time Ryder Cup team member and Fox Sports television analyst Brad Faxon
WHAT: The Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Anejo “Just The Faxon” cocktail, paired with the Insalata Di Carciofi Artichoke Salad with avocado, pistachios, Parmesan cheese, lemon and extra virgin olive oil; the Terra Mare grilled baby octopus and cuttlefish with broccoli rabe in a bed of fava bean purée; and the Linguine Alle Vongole of linguine pasta with fresh baby clams, garlic and white wine sauce.
Something that most people don’t realize about making a living on the PGA Tour is: each player is in charge of their travel, accommodations, caddie and more. Players now travel with teams of coaches, therapists and even nutritionists. Most players pay a percentage of their winnings to their caddie, trainer and sometimes an agent.
The most intimidating person I’ve ever been on a golf course with was: Ray Floyd. I’ve played with Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Greg Norman and Tiger Woods. All of them have been No. 1 players in the world. But as a young player in the mid-1980s, I played with four-time Major Champion Ray Floyd at the Westchester Classic. On the 13th tee, I had the honor, but movement in the gallery caused me to step away not once but twice. After backing off the second time Ray barked at me [to play golf]. That was intimidating!
The most nerve-racking moment of my entire golfing career was: when I was a 19-year-old amateur in 1981. I’d been fortunate to qualify for the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club in Philadelphia. We were right behind Arnold Palmer and Johnny Miller, and right in front of Jack Nicklaus and reigning U.S. Amateur Champion Hal Sutton. As I was going through my routine, Jack Nicklaus made his way onto the first tee area. As a 19-year-old, floppy-wristed flat-belly from Rhode Island, I couldn’t imagine ever having been as nervous as I was in that exact moment. (Footnote: I birdied the first two holes to tie for the lead!)
Of the tens of thousands of rounds of golf I’ve played throughout my lifetime, the most satisfying was: in 1995 at the PGA Championship at Riviera. I was paired with two-time Masters Champion José María Olazábal. What made the round so meaningful was it was the last event to qualify for the Ryder Cup team that fall. I was outside of the top 10 automatic berths and needed a spark that final day. On the par-five I made a 20-foot putt for eagle. My first nine score of 28 still stands as a competitive record in a Major, and I finished with an 8 under par 63 to make the U.S. Ryder Cup Team and represent my country a few months later.
A noted philanthropist, Faxon and fellow tour pro Billy Andrade formed Billy Andrade-Brad Faxon Charities for Children Inc. in 1991. Additionally, Faxon has hosted the CVS Charity Classic each June in his native Rhode Island since 1999. A FOX Sports golf analyst since 2015, Faxon can also be heard Monday afternoons worldwide on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio as host of his show “Just The Fax.” Along with wife Dory, a successful real estate entrepreneur, and their four daughters, Faxon currently resides in Palm Beach Gardens.
ABOUT THE COCKTAIL:
Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Anejo
“Just The Faxon”
3 ounces Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Anejo tequila
One large ice cube
Fresh lime
Pour tequila over a large ice cube, garnish with a lime wedge.
Facebook Comments