Interview With Richard Tock, Director of Golf Erin Hills Golf Course

Below is an interview with Richard Tock, Director of Golf Erin Hills Golf Course. The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.

Brief Bio
Golf Team @Southern Illinois University - 4 years -Assistant Professional @Milwaukee Country Club 4 years - Course record 64 - 1977 -Head Professional South Hills Club - 11 years - Head Professional Ozaukee Country Club - 21 years -Member of PGA of America - 35 years - President of Wisconsin PGA - 6 time Senior Player of the Year - Senior Player of the Decade 2000-2009 - Member of Nelthorpe Cup team -25 years - 2 time Wisconsin Professional of the Year - Teacher of the Year - Merchandiser of the Year - National Ping Club Fitter of the Year -

When did you start golfing and who introduced you do the game?
I was 10 when my Dad would take me along to the golf course after work at night. I began working on the grounds at age 12, mowing greens, fairways, etc. I also did work around the clubhouse and spent almost all day at the course at a very young age, either working or playing golf. I also caddied for my Dad. I introduced the handicap system at Dwight Country Club at age 14 because I had to have an established handicap to participate in junior tournaments in the Chicago area. I started the high school golf team as a freshman so I could compete with other schools. My football coach agreed to drive us to the sights if I arranged the meets. The team still exists.

What is your current home course?
Erin Hills Golf Course & Ozaukee Country Club

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
Playing in the U.S. Senior Open at Caves Valley Country Club in Baltimore and being named Wisconsin Senior Player of the Decade

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course?
Slow play. Those that waste time and do not know how to make an effort to play faster.

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
It has always been the putter because that is the money club and stroke saver

What is your favorite golf destination?
Travelling to Ireland and playing the great golf courses of that country.

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet?
Shinnecock Hills

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play?
Royal Portrush

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why?
Speed of play in America

Dream foursome (living)?
Arnold Palmer - Michael Jordan - Lee Iacocca - Pete Dye

Dream foursome (living or dead)?
Frank Sinatra - Bobby Jones - Johnny Carson - Dwight Eisenhower

18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions

1) Hitting Long Drive OR Sinking Long Putt?
Sinking a Long Putt That is usually the money maker

2) Having Round of Life OR Hole in One?
Round of your Life. This requires 4 hours of excellence

3) Golfing at the crack of dawn OR twilight?
Twilight The sun setting as the day ends is beautiful

4) Hit a power fade OR power draw?
Power fade Played one all my life

5) Beverage cart OR halfway house?
Halfway house Beverage cart is a nice service, but not very traditional

6) Bathroom OR bushes?
Bathroom

7) Hot dog OR wrap?
Hot dog every time

8) Around the green, being in sand OR thick rough?
Thick rough calls for more options depending on the shot needed

9) Walking OR riding?
Walking

10) Do you carry traditional 3 iron OR hybrid?
3 Iron but each year gets tougher to use.

11) Do you prefer long par 3 OR long par 5? Long Par 5.
You must hit three good shots to have a chance at making a birdie.

12) Pants OR Shorts?
Pants

13) Palmer OR Nicklaus?
Palmer This is pretty tough. I grew up idolizing Palmer and then watched in person at the Western Open as Jack began overtaking Arnie. I had the pleasure of watching two of the greats growing up in this humbling game.

14) Beatles OR Elvis?
Elvis

15) Play for fun OR play for money?
Play for money. Always

16) Bump and run OR flop shot?
Flop shot

17) Lay up OR gamble?
Gamble

18) 18 holes OR 36?
36 Could play all day still at age 61