Professional golfer
By Jim Baer
Photograph by Chris Condon/WireImage
St. Louis native Jay Williamson, who starred in baseball and hockey at John Burroughs High School, turned to pro golf in 1990, and he is now in his 13th year on the PGA tour. Despite getting a late start in golf, Williamson has earned more than $3 million—amazing even himself.
JB: So where’s your name on the sports page alongside Scott Rolen, Albert Pujols, Chris Pronger and Marc Bulger?
JW: It would be nice if we had a PGA tour event in St. Louis! Several local golfers would become more recognizable if there was an event here.
JB: How does a guy go out at age 22, never having played a serious round of golf, and end up with such an accomplished career?
JW: I’m 38 now, and I really appreciate what I’ve done. I can compete, make money and support my family, even though I started absolutely at the bottom of the ladder, working my way through the minor-league [Nike] tour. Nothing is guaranteed to us. We’re the ultimate gamblers.
JB: You married your high school sweetheart, and you and Marnie now have a son and daughter. How do you juggle family life when you are on a 48-week tour?
JW: Very challenging. It’s a double-edged sword. In order to be a champion, I need to be more selfish and work harder on my game. But you have to sacrifice some things [to have a family]. Vijay Singh doesn’t sacrifice a thing, and it shows. I need balance. I played well the last five or six weeks when the family was out here. When I’m between the ropes [on the course], I have learned to focus on my game.
JB: There have been great personal moments for you: third at the Bell South Classic in Atlanta, a round of 62 on your mother’s 62nd birthday in Las Vegas last year, a come-from-behind dash for the final spot on the tour in 2002 .... Tell us about your golden moments.
JW: The round of 62 on my mom’s birthday—she was too nervous to watch. We closed on our house [in Ladue] that day. I also remember the final tournament in Mississippi to keep my card to continue my career on the tour. I’ve made more than 130 cuts, and that amazes me.
JB: So what is it like, teeing up with Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, John Daly, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els?
JW: Incredibly intense. At Nissan [Los Angeles last year], I played two days with Tiger, and we both shot 72 on Saturday and 64 on Sunday. We both finished seventh. I’ve always been a good ball-striker. I am hitting the ball pretty straight. I need to continue to clean up my short game in order to improve.
JB: How does playing hard, week after week, take its toll?
JW: No doubt, playing four days of competitive golf is tough mentally and physically. I am a grinder. It’s a long road—it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.
JB: You’ve earned much more than Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Chi Chi Rodriguez. How does that feel?
JW: Almost embarrassing. Maybe “embarrassment” is not the right word. Arnold has done a lot more for the game than I have. It’s just something that can make you feel uncomfortable. I’d feel better if I had a win, like these guys. The fact that there is so much more money to earn today is a tribute to the game and what Tiger and others have done to attract more viewers.
JB: I know you love St. Louis’ sports teams. How do you stay in touch when you are out on the tour?
JW: The Internet makes it easy. I read the paper online every day. I’m really frustrated with the hockey situation. The lockout goes against everything golfers believe in.
JB: What’s next for Jay Williamson?
JW: I just hope I continue to build the momentum that I seem to have built in ’05. I’ve made a bunch of cuts. I finished 10th and earned a nice paycheck in Atlanta, and ’05 can be my best year ever. I feel like I’m ready to win. I’m knocking on the door, and I need to go out and do it.
