England’s Carl Mason, the all-time leading money winner on the European Seniors Tour and winner of the last two events, faces europeantour.com’s Q&A test.
Q. Best Tournament ever played in?
The Johnnie Walker World Championship at Tryall in Jamaica. It was fabulous to play such a great course in such a beautiful part of the world.
Q. Favourite course?
Sunningdale – the Old Course.
Q. Favourite hole anywhere in the world?
That would be standing on the tenth tee at Sunningdale on the Old Course.
Q. Least favourite hole?
The 17th at Royal Lytham is not my most popular one. In the 1996 Open there it probably cost me The Open, as I had two big scores there on two days.
Q. Favourite club in your bag?
My driver.
Q. Last piece of golf equipment that you paid for?
It was one of those heavy-weighted swing clubs – a Momentous – and then I did my back in using it!
Q. Best you have ever played?
I think I played well at Gleneagles when I won the Scottish Open in 1994, I shot a 61 in that event, and I played well at The Open in 1980, but it would have to be Turnberry in The Senior Open Championship in 2003. I was runner-up to Tom Watson after a play-off and played great all week.
Q. Best score ever recorded at any time in your life?
That 61 at Gleneagles. It was nine under par. I also shot that at St Mellion in 1995 in The Benson and Hedges International Open.
Q. Goals for the season?
Manchester United to win the Premiership, and it would be nice to win the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit, obviously.
Q. Dream four-ball?
Sir Alex Ferguson, Clint Eastwood and Tiger Woods.
Q. Golfing heroes?
Johnny Miller. In the early-mid 1970s when he was shooting the lights out of courses, firing 62 nearly all the time, it was unbelievable.
Q. Best shot you have ever played?
When I won the Masters de Madrid in Spain on the main Tour, I hit a one iron on a tough hole over water at Montecastillo, in the last round. I hit it on the green and holed the putt for a birdie.
Q. What would you do if you weren’t playing golf?
I’d hate to be a club pro, so I think I’d still like to be an official on the European Seniors Tour. I really enjoyed it – it was a great insight into what goes on and I learnt a lot over my two years doing it.
Q. Best piece of golf advice you have ever had?
Coops (Derrick Cooper) really has helped me a lot. When I played most of my tournaments, Coops was around and playing too, so he knows my game and helps me a fair bit.
Q. Any superstitions?
I only use white tees and I won’t use number two balls. My son always says if I win, wearing a bright yellow shirt, that that’s my final day colour, too, but it’s not!
Q. Favourite country and why?
The USA, because I’ve got a home in Florida there.
Q. Favourite musician or band?
I like music but I don’t follow anybody in particular.
Q. Favourite film?
The Magnificent Seven, because it’s a classic.
Q. Favourite website?
Europeantour.com!
Q. Favourite book?
An author I like at the moment is Lee Child. He writes thrillers and crime stuff.
Q. What kind of car do you drive?
Mercedes.
Q. What kind of car would you like to drive?
A 500 Mercedes SL.
Q. Favourite food and drink?
My favourite drink is red wine and I like all food.
Q. Do you have any pets?
We have a cat, Toby.
Q. Do you have any phobias?
No.
Q. Ultimate fear?
Fire.
Q. What do you do to relax?
For us, because we’re away so much travelling, being at home is the way to relax. Gardening, cutting the grass, things like that.
Q. Who would you most like to meet and why?
Sir Alex Ferguson, because I’m a big Manchester United fan.
Q. Dream Date?
My wife, Beryl.
