Questions and answers

How would you describe your golf style?

Really long! But I’m also a good player with my irons and skilful with the wedge around the greens.

Do you have an idol?

I don’t have an idol, but I’ll say Chema Olazabal is one of my favourites because he is a gentleman on and off the golf course, an example to us all.

What do you enjoy doing on tour other than playing golf?

We usually don’t have much time to do things other than play golf when we are on tour. But whenever it’s possible, I love to have dinner with the other Spaniards and have some good times joking around. I also love to explore new cities and play tourist.

What type of training do you do?

I do a lot of training in the gym. Not to become big and beefy, but rather to work on both my strength and flexibility. Usually I spend a lot of time stretching.

What type of diet do you follow?

Nothing special. Right now I’m working on keeping myself away from bad things like chocolates or sweeties. But I have to admit – it’s really difficult!

What’s the best tip you’ve ever been given?

Be patient, probably because golf without patience is impossible.

What’s your favourite joke?

I don’t have a special one - I have lots!

Which course is your favourite?

I have a few. I like Valderrama a lot. Pebble Beach in America and the Masters golf course, Augusta, are also really nice courses to play.

Who do you hang out with on tour?

Normally with the other Spanish guys, but I’m also a very good friend of Martin Kaymer and the Molinari brothers.

What is your most memorable shot?

That’s a tough one! I really don’t know, but hopefully in the future it will be the one that wins me a major.

What is your proudest golfing moment?

When I won the Spanish Open in Seville – with my parents watching. It was the first time that I won a tournament with both of them on site.

What was the most nerve-racking shot that you have played on tour?

Second shot in the play off to win the Spanish Open.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Playing golf, of course! Hopefully a little bit higher up in the world rankings and enjoying it even more than now.

What goes through your mind when you’re about to tee off?

Mainly where I want to put the ball, but it also depends on where I’m playing.

How do you get over playing a bad hole?

Saying to myself: forget it, it was just another bad hole in your life!

Do you get nervous when you play any particular shot?

Well, mainly the one that you know could cost you a tournament!

What is your favourite thing about playing golf and being on tour?

I get a chance to visit different places and live a good life – if I play well!

What is your least favourite thing about playing golf and being on tour?

I’d say it’s probably that I spend a lot of time away from home. I live in a very special place in Spain.

Are you ever superstitious when playing in tournaments?

Nope, I’m usually very determined and focused on the game when it comes to tournaments.

Who do you most admire? Why?

My father, he has been working all his life to give me the chance to be where I am today.

What do you do to unwind?

I listen to music and play other sports like football, basketball. I also love surfing!

What are your favourite quotes?

Well, they are in Spanish and I’m not sure how to translate them properly.

What was your first job?

I had a summer job as a gardener together with my father.

What turns you on?

The motivation always arrives in my case in different ways, sometimes just testing my self and other times suffering a tough day of golf.

What turns you off?

Stupid and unnecessary mistakes.

What sound or noise do you love?

When I hit a golf ball perfectly.

What sound or noise do you hate?

When I don’t hit a golf ball perfectly.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I’d love to try my chances as a football or tennis player.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

You have reached your final destination!

How did you get into playing golf?

My father was a really good amateur back in the days and it was he who got me started.

Are you married?

Yes, to my beloved wife Maria!