Interview With Kyle McManus, PGA Assistant Golf Professional Shipyard Golf Club

Below is an interview with Kyle McManus, PGA, the Assistant Golf Professional at Shipyard Golf Club . The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.

Can you provide our readers a brief biography?
Golf has been a huge part of my life since I was little. I have played as long as I can remember. When I was in High School I was #1 on the team when I was a freshman. My senior year I decided I wanted to pursue a job in the golf industry. I decide to go to Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC where I graduated with a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in PGA Golf Management. I am a PGA Member currently working at Shipyard Golf Club on Hilton Head Island, SC.

When did you start golfing and who introduced you to the game?
I started playing golf at the age of three. My dad would take me out with him. I started taking lessons at the local country club when I was six, and I worked with the same pro until I graduated High School. One of the best memories I have had happened recently. I was able to take my dad out to play Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, SC. He had never played with a caddy before and he loved it. It was nice to be able to do that for him after he got me into golf and got me through college.

What is your current home course?
My current course is Shipyard Golf Club on Hilton Head Island, SC.

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
Surviving college and becoming a PGA Member.

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course?
My biggest pet peeve is Customer Service. I want to be treated well where ever I go and play golf, but I also expect myself and everyone else working at Shipyard to provide great customer service. I believe that even if the course was not in the best shape, customer service will bring people back.

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
My favorite club is my 2 Iron. I have had it since I was in High School and I love it. I hit it a lot and I hit well. I just love the feeling of hitting a perfect 2 Iron.

What is your favorite golf destination?
My family has been coming to Hilton Head Island for vacation since I was a little kid. I loved coming and playing golf here. The courses are so much fun to play. When I got the opportunity to move down here I jumped all over it. If I had to choose somewhere that I do not live it would be almost anywhere in western North Carolina in the mountains.

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet?
If I could only choose one I would have to choose St. Andrews in Scotland. I have not had the opportunity to get over there yet. I think that would be one of the greatest experiences to play where golf started and there is so much history.

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play?
Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta, GA. It is a Davis Love III design and it is tough. There are a lot of challenging but fun holes. Just a fun golf course.

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why?
I like the ease and convenience of taking a golf car out to play, but I would like to see caddies more. I think there is no better way to play a round of golf than with a caddy. Getting exercise is great but you will also have the ability to talk to everyone else in the group rather than just the person you are riding with.

Dream foursome (living)?
Myself, Tiger, Fred Couples, and Jack Nicklaus. I would love to play with them and just talk about what they think about when they are playing. I would also like to join them at the 19th Hole after the round to talk about anything else.

Dream foursome (living or dead)?
Myself, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones, and Byron Nelson. I wish I could have seen these guys play. I base a lot of what I teach on Ben Hogan's swing. The knowledge that those guys had would be awesome to listen to.

18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions

1) Hitting Long Drive OR Sinking Long Putt?
Recently I have been making no putts at all so I would take any length putt!

2) Having Round of Life OR Hole in One?
I am going to be selfish on this one. I want the round of my life with a hole in one during the round! That would be a perfect day.

3) Golfing at the crack of dawn OR twilight?
I like being the first out at dawn with no one in front and some dew on the ground.

4) Hit a power fade OR power draw?
I have the fade in the bag for when I need it, but that is where I like to keep it. I hit a draw whenever I can.

5) Beverage cart OR halfway house?
Whoever is closer!

6) Bathroom OR bushes?
Bushes are convenient and there are more of them on the golf course, but for the benefit of the home owners at Shipyard, we ask you to wait.

7) Hot dog OR wrap?
Hotdog, no question. Shipyard has the best!

8) Around the green, being in sand OR thick rough?
Sand. It is a lot easier to control out of the sand.

9) Walking OR riding?
Riding for a quick round after work, but would rather walk most of the time.

10) Do you carry traditional 3 iron OR hybrid?
I carry a traditional 3 Iron. I also carry a 2 Iron.

11) Do you prefer long par 3 OR long par 5?
Give me a long par 5 any time. Grip it and Rip it!

12) Pants OR Shorts?
Pants. I haven't played golf in shorts in years.

13) Palmer OR Nicklaus?
Nicklaus simply because he is the best.

14) Beatles OR Elvis?
The Beatles! I think they had more of an impact on music than anyone else in history.

15) Play for fun OR play for money?
It is a lot of fun to play for money. I tend to play better when there is something on the line.

16) Bump and run OR flop shot?
I like to hit the shot that checks up a little then releases right next to the hole.

17) Lay up OR gamble?
I say, Go big or go home!

18) 18 holes OR 36?
If I have time 36 is great, but I usually like the quick 18 after work.