As the son of a Marine, Dave Roberts’ childhood had him moving from base to base until his family settled in San Diego. How apropos, since getting on base – and stealing them – would be the hallmark of a baseball career that gained traction at UCLA where he left Westwood after three years as the Bruins’ record holder in stolen bases, with 109, and a .326 career batting average.
Drafted in 1994 by the Detroit Tigers in the 28th round, Roberts was traded to Cleveland in 1998 and made his major league debut a year later. After a return trip to the minors in 2000 and an injury plagued 2001, Roberts was traded to the Dodgers where, in 2002, he started in center field, hit .271 from the leadoff position and stole 45 bases. A trade to Boston earned him a World Series ring in 2004, and after stops in San Diego and San Francisco he retired in 2009 and was the Padres’ first base coach in 2010. Five years later he managed the Dodgers to the 2016 National League Championship Series and earned NL Manager of the Year honors in his rookie season at the helm.
Golf for Roberts is about being with friends, letting his mind be free and an opportunity to get away from baseball. After an early spring training day at Camelback Ranch, we talked golf and why it suddenly has grabbed his interest.
Q: When did you first take up the game?
Just 10 years ago. Growing up I was more into baseball and football and playing competitive team sports. But now I love it.
Q: Who introduced you to the game?
My brother-in-law and buddies, who bugged me to take it up so we could spend time together. But no one in my family played golf, which is also why I took it up late.
Q: Did you take to golf quickly or struggle?
I got a handle on the game pretty quickly. As an athlete, I had good hand-eye coordination so I made good contact right away. But I did have trouble releasing the head the club; I had somewhat the same problem in baseball trying to hit to the opposite field, or releasing the head.
Q: What’s your handicap?
I play to about a 13. I know I could be better if I practiced more. But mostly I play for the social part of the game, time with friends, time to clear my head, to not think about baseball.
Q: Where do you play in San Diego?
I was a member of La Costa for a number of years. But I also like playing Aviara and, of course, Torrey Pines. Living in San Diego there are a lots of wonderful courses.
Q: Where do you play around L.A.?
I played Lakeside once – nice course, fun membership. Mostly I play in the off-season, but this year I’m keeping my clubs with me in L.A. and hope to play on off days, or I’m going to slip in nine holes every now and then just to get out and get away from the pressures of the game.
Q: Who plays on the team?
Rick Honeycutt (pitching coach) is a good stick and loves the game. He’s actually out today with pitchers Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir at Whisper Rock here in the Phoenix area.
Q: Do you gamble when you play?
A little bit, it adds to the fun; mostly we’ll have a Nassau. Friendly stuff, nothing serious.
Q: Do you let your pitchers play on the road?
I do. Golf can be good therapy for them to get their minds off the game. I have faith in my guys to not mess themselves up mentally or physically.
Q: Do you ever join them?
I have not yet played with our guys, but that will likely change this year.
Q: Do you like to practice?
I do. A lot of times I like to just go hit balls to clear my head, clear my mind from baseball. It really helps.
Q: Where have you always wanted to play?
I’ve played some great courses – Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, Bandon Dunes, but Augusta is that course that’s on everyone’s bucket list. That and the Old Course (St. Andrews) across the pond.
Q: Do you see similarities between baseball and golf?
Sure, both games are about managing your failures. In both you need a short memory. You make an error or hit a bad shot and you have to forget it and set your mind to your next shot or next at-bat. Failure is so much a part of both games.
Q: Any former teammates that are really good sticks?
The best I’ve played with is Eric Gagne. I think he’s a +2. He’s long and straight. A really good player.
Q: Do you have any favorite PGA Tour players?
Living in San Diego I love Phil Mickelson. I was supposed to play with him in a pro-am this offseason but something came up. If Lefty reads this I want him to know I’m really looking forward to that day when I get to play with him. I also really like to watch Rory McIlroy. He’s a very exciting young player.
Q: Do you play in charity events or pro-ams?
I haven’t that much, but I just started my own foundation and that’s something we’d like to do in the near future.
