During press conferences at the PGA Championship, players delivered standout quotes on everything from smartphone habits to snake encounters. These moments offered glimpses into their lives beyond the course. Highlights from the nearly five-hour sessions include:
Cam Young’s iPhone Habits
Cam Young revealed his daily screen time varies by setting. Alone on the road, he scrolls about four to four-and-a-half hours. At home with family, it drops to two hours or less. He stays mindful of it. When solo, he watches YouTube, reads articles, and reviews swing videos more than he’d admit.
Luke Donald on Ryder Cup Discussions at Home
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald described his dynamic with wife Diane. They avoid deep dives into his role as the event nears. Currently, they discuss team spaces at dinner when relevant, like comparing a ballroom to part of the old hotel. He trusts her expertise fully, and she trusts his. Everyday topics fill other conversations unless Ryder Cup matters overlap.
Scottie Scheffler’s Take on Masters Practice Rounds
Scottie Scheffler explained why Masters practice rounds feel serene compared to other majors. At Augusta National, crowds follow rules strictly, fearing ejection, leading to minimal yelling or chaos. Camera clicks punctuate every swing, but noise stays low. In contrast, PGA Championship venues buzz with energy, fans, and crowds, making uniform treatment impossible.
Xander Schauffele’s Views on Course Trees
Xander Schauffele weighed in on trees after renovations removed some at Aronimink Club. He likes trees but noted restoring courses to early 1900s designs ignores growth timelines. Trees add challenge beyond distance debates, like at Hilton Head, where scores exceed expectations despite the moniker. Trees in rough force sideways chips, unlike current conditions allowing gouges toward greens with high-lofted clubs.
Collin Morikawa Credits Caddie for Injury Support
Dealing with a back injury, Collin Morikawa praised caddie Mark Urbanek. During the Masters, Urbanek handed him water bottles to avoid bends, a small act that helped. Morikawa also thanked physio Rick Sessinghaus for mental game work and road support, crediting the team for keeping him competitive.
Jesse Droemer’s Injuries and Snake Battles
Club pro Jesse Droemer listed major setbacks: a badly broken left wrist at age 10, three ankle bones from football, totaling 13 fractures. These built resilience and gratitude for health. He confirmed a water moccasin bite at 12 in his backyard, swelling his toe massively after fainting. His mom rushed him to hospital. He once hunted balls in the Brazos River with machete and boots, fending off snakes to sell beat-up ones and save pristine Pro V1s for tournaments.
Rory McIlroy Praises Scottie Scheffler’s Approach
Rory McIlroy admired world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler’s relentlessness and process focus. Scheffler repeats routines comfortably, dots i’s and crosses t’s without flash. His faith aids acceptance of outcomes, minimizing volatility in game and life, positioning him strongly long-term.
Jordan Spieth’s Grilling Analogy for Swing Work
Jordan Spieth likened refining his swing to smoking chicken: it hits 155 degrees fast then plateaus. Recent tweaks push sustainable boundaries but near targets, producing desired results though not yet contending consistently. He knows the path forward and trusts persistence. Smoking ranks as a casual fall hobby where he’s average.
Keegan Bradley’s 2011 PGA Victory Celebration
Keegan Bradley recalled post-2011 PGA win at Atlanta Athletic Club: driving with the Wanamaker Trophy in his lap alongside mom, sister, and agent. Late-night searches for beers failed, leading to Bud Light and cereal for dinner—a framed photo exists. He placed the trophy bedside, waking in awe. Buddies later paraded it on a multi-day tour. Whatever the cereal, it felt like the best meal amid surging Twitter followers and major champion status.
