- Matt Kuchar Wins Barclays Playoff
- Battle of the Belt Buckles on the 1st Tee
- Make it, Make a Million
- Swap Shirts, Help Lives
- Hanging out at the 15th
- The Caddie
- Fun at the Five and Dime
- Ryder Cup wildcard auditions
- Scenes from a Driving Range
- The Barclays Round One
- Interview with John Wesolowski
- Interview with Robert E Diamond Jr
- Tiger Woods
- The Barclays Pro-Am Story
- Interview with David Reasoner
- Birdies for the Brave
Interview with John Wesolowski
Interview by Paul Mahoney at The Barclays
The Barclays MVPs
John Wesolowski
Locker room manager, Ridgewood Country Club, Paramus, N.J.
How long have you been in charge of the inner sanctum?
I’ve been here for 27 years. I have been privileged to meet a lot of legends in here. We
hosted the Senior US Open in 1990 and the Senior PGA Championship 2001.
Which players have made the biggest impact on you?
Tom Watson is a gentleman and a first class guy. It was a pleasure to be around
him. We got to shoot the breeze a little bit. The players get some downtime at the end of the day
or when they get off the range. They sometimes sit and chat.
Who have you hung out with?
Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. All great guys. Lee Trevino has been here twice.
He was really entertaining. Had everyone laughing.
What are your main tasks for the week of the Barclays?
Whatever needs to be taken care of. I’m more like a hotel concierge. If there’s a problem, I’m
the guy that fixes it. It’s a lot more than just polishing golf shoes, these days. Some guys like
a cold beer after their round. Others want to be iced down. Can’t tell you who likes the beer.
Whatever happens in the locker room stays in the locker room (laughs).
How important is the locker room?
It is the central location of the club. It’s where everything happens. It’s the hub of the
tournament. It’s a sanctuary for the players where they can escape to and not be bothered or
disturbed. No one can follow them in there.
How often do you get out to play Ridgewood?
We are such a busy club and just don’t have the time. My eldest son plays so I try to use
playing with him as an excuse to get out. I can shoot 80 or 95. I just never know.
Who’s your money on?
Phil Mickelson knows the course pretty well. You can never count Tiger Woods out.
Unfortunately Jim Furyk got disqualified (for missing his pro-am tee time) because he plays this
course well.
Who’s a good outsider?
Paul Casey is a good sleeper bet. He hits the ball long and high. And I like Ryan Palmer,
too.
