Fred Funk understands that golf, especially on the Champions Tour, is equal parts skill and entertainment. The winner of eight events on the PGA Tour and nine on the senior circuit demonstrated that in late October at a clinic and charity outing at Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club.
“Thanks for coming,” Funk told those assembled to watch him hit balls before an outing that benefited the Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park. “Raising money for a good cause is a great part of what golf and golfers can do.”
Funk then went over basics of the swing and launched some shots and laughs. At the end of the day, $230,000 was raised for the education school and therapy center seen as a national leader in its innovations and service to children and young adults with autism and other learning and language disabilities.
Funk, 59, who also was in Orange County that week to play in the Toshiba Classic, took time to answer a few questions before heading to his tee box at Coto de Caza.
Q: What do you think of the Toshiba Classic and Newport Beach Country Club?
It’s great. It’s one of our favorite tournaments, I think, if you asked everyone to a man. We just love Newport Beach and the old-style golf course layout.
Q: How’s life on the Champions Tour?
It’s really good. The fact that we get to continue in our lives what we’ve been doing our whole careers – golf and compete – is great. I describe it as a traveling circus – basically the same group of guys taking our show to a different town every week.
Q: You won the Players Championship about a decade ago at 48. Any dreams of still competing on the PGA Tour?
I played in the Sony earlier this year and will play in Cancun in a couple weeks. It depends on the event and venue whether I can think about giving it a shot or not. But I know where I belong [Champions Tour], no doubt about that. The one thing I don’t want to do is take a spot from a kid more qualified to compete.
Q: On the PGA Tour, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are starting to fade. How do you see that Tour faring now and in the future?
It’s definitely become a power hitter’s game. But the game is really in a good spot. Tiger’s story is still compelling, and Phil’s still Phil, which means he’s still relevant and able to compete when everything is clicking. They’re still what I call the needle movers. But you’ve also got Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Zach Johnson and Rory McIlroy, to name a few, who are extremely talented and capable of carrying the torch. The game’s in a good place, not just because of the talent but also for the way these new young guys handle themselves on the course and with the media. They get it. They know what it means to be the flag holder for the Tour and golf in the next generation.
Q: Are you involved in many charities?
What’s great about golf is the opportunity to get together and raise money for charitable causes. There isn’t one that stands out above the others as far as being more worthy, but it’s unbelievable how a little effort and some planning can do so much. Recreational golfers cross all walks of life and income levels but, no matter what, they like to get out on the course and, when possible, participate and donate on days like today. … My passion overall, though, is recognizing veterans whenever possible. These guys lay their lives on the line for us to have the lives we have. Any time I can raise awareness or help raise funds, I do.
Q: Do you like playing in pro-ams?
I do. I have an attitude like it’s a big, big day for these guys. I try to relax them by putting the pressure on myself. I say, ‘Hey, the heat’s on me. I’m not expecting you to hit good shots but you’re expecting every one of mine to be great!’ That at least gets a chuckle, but then I get really nervous [laughs] because I don’t want to miss a shot.
Q: Besides clinics, are you a tip giver?
The setup is the most important thing. Be sound there and you at least have the chance to improve and hit good shots.
Q: What do you do to relax or have fun off the course?
With my golf schedule and other events related to golf, I’m not home all that much. I used to water ski and snow ski, but I just had a knee replacement. So those things are off the table, at least until my career is over. Hopefully I have a few more good years of being able to compete and entertain the fans.
