Nationwide Tour Grad Q&A: Paul Claxton  • Nationwide Tour Graduate Q&A archive Editor's Note: Paul Claxton is heading back to the PGA TOUR after finishing 12th in the Nationwide Tour money race in 2007. Claxton won the Melwood Prince George's County Open in late May and became the first player to break the $1 million career earnings barrier on the Nationwide Tour. Claxton sat down recently with PGATOUR.com's Dave Lagarde for a game of 10 questions.  (Greenwood/WireImage)
1. You have the power to alter any rule in the game of golf. What is it and why do you want to change it? Claxton: The rule that really bothers me is having to play a ball as it lies when you hit it in the fairway. That should be ground under repair. 2. If the PGA TOUR allows music on the first tee, which song will be used to introduce you? Claxton: The theme from Rocky. It's inspirational. I love it. 3. What was your most embarrassing moment on a golf course? Claxton: I was playing in my first NCAA Championship for the University of Georgia. I topped the ball off the first tee. I've never forgotten that. 4. Who would you most like to hit balls next to next year, and why? Claxton: "I'd say Tiger, but I really need to stay in my weight class. I'd probably feel inferior hitting balls next to him.'' 5. Do you have any oddball superstitions? If not, what's the strangest one you've heard of? Claxton: I don't believe in that kind of stuff. I really don't understand the guys who want to change a ball when they make birdie. I make a birdie and I want to stay with that ball. 6. When your putt rolls in to win your first PGA TOUR title, will you go with the Tiger fist pump, the Mickelson mini-vertical jump or something a little crazier? Claxton: I know I'll be excited, but I'm not sure. If I make a long putt on the last hole it will be different than if I have a four-shot lead and I'm coasting in. But I'll take either one. 7. Other than winning a tournament, what would make next year a success? Claxton: I've been out there before and I've never stayed in the top 125. To do that next year would be huge for me. 8. You've been granted a 60-minute sit-down with any figure in the world of golf, living or dead. What's your first question and to whom would you address it? Claxton: Tom Watson. I'd love to talk and play a round of golf with him. I'd want to know what it felt like to beat (Jack) Nicklaus down the stretch and how he always managed to play so well when the weather was awful.'' 9. What is your wildest golf dream? Claxton: Win a major. That would be wild. 10. What is the most valuable lesson about your profession you learned on the Nationwide Tour? Claxton: How to behave on a golf course. That says a lot about you. When I was young I didn't realize the impact we can have on anyone who is watching. |
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