With a new points system in place for this year’s PGA TOUR Champions season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, the excitement builds as it can be anyone’s game heading into the final events. All three playoff events, including the Charles Schwab Cup Championship will now feature double points. We caught up with Los Angeles native Duffy Waldorf to talk about the new playoff structure and what he’s looking forward to about competing in Southern California.
Q: How has this season been for you compared to other seasons in the past?
A: It’s been an interesting season. I started slowly, which isn’t always the case, and had some bad tournaments in March and April. I turned it around in the middle of April and started playing better and I’ve been playing a lot better since then. I’ve had a lot of solid finishes from May until now. My two best finishes were in Majors so that’s nice. The exciting part is that we still have time to go, with several tournaments left there’s still a lot that could happen.
Q: How has the new playoff points structure changed your game plan for the rest of the season?
A: The good news is that you don’t have to be in the top-5 to control your destiny. Before, it was like the PGA TOUR playoffs with a reset at the final event. Now, you look at the whole season more smoothly, I think. There isn’t a mad rush. You can have a hot finish and win the whole thing. I need to start getting wins, though. The guys at the top are winning, but if you win a couple tournaments, especially playoff events, you can really change your position. If you can get in the playoffs in a reasonable position, not necessarily just top-5, and win a playoff event, you can make a big move.
Q: Being from Southern California, when was the first time you played at Sherwood CC?
A: It was pretty close to after it opened. It was pretty amazing. It’s a fantastic piece of land. The way the holes go through the canyons with the oak trees, it’s a really beautiful course. As usual, fairly challenging Niklaus course. The greens are quite fast and perched up pretty high and well-bunkered.
Q: Is there anything specific you like about the course?
A: There’s something specific that I feel is very important about this course and it’s how you approach the ball. You have to approach the ball well there. If I feel like I’m hitting a lot of good iron shots, then that’s when I’m in the best position to do well at Sherwood.
Q: Is the Invesco QQQ an event that you look forward to every year?
A: I do look forward to playing near home. It’s exciting to see old friends and it reminds you of all the history you’ve had throughout your life in your home area. I get to reminisce on the fact that I still get to play golf for a living and play a great course like Sherwood CC.
Q: Is there anything you look forward to about being in Southern California aside from golf?
A: Just going to my favorite restaurant right by the airport, Titos.
Learn more about the Invesco QQQ Championship at Sherwood CC on Oct. 25-28 and purchase tickets here.
