New Game, New Thinking: Richard Johnson profile

text size

As part of the New Game, New Thinking series, Richard Johnson, one of 25 rookies on the PGA TOUR this season, recently spent some time with PGATOUR.com freelance writer Rudy Klancnik. Johnson, not to be confused with fellow PGA TOUR player Richard Johnson, discusses his thoughts on sharing a name as well as Waffle House and Wales.

PGATOUR.COM: Would it be too confusing if you were paired with Richard S. Johnson?

RICHARD JOHNSON: Well, I think we'd be OK. We don't look anything alike. And I'm from Wales and he's from Sweden so I don't think there'd be any conflicts.

PGATOUR.COM: That's a good point. After all, you stand, what, about 6-5? Richard S. Johnson is more like 5-7 if I'm not mistaken.

JOHNSON: I'm 6-4, but height doesn't make much of a difference on scoring well.

PGATOUR.COM: We noticed Richard S. Johnson has a cool nickname - Little Richard. What's your nickname?

JOHNSON: Sorry, don't have a good or bad nickname. Don't have a nickname.

PGATOUR.COM: Richard S. Johnson told us he'd be an X-Games contestant if he wasn't out here. What about you?

JOHNSON: I worked at the Waffle House once. That must count for something. Actually, I'd probably be a car salesman if golf hadn't worked out.

PGATOUR.COM: As a four-time winner on the Nationwide Tour, you've obviously had success against some solid competition. What's the step up to this level been like thus far?

JOHNSON: Challenging. Everyone out here is the best of the best. They're fantastic golfers playing the best and most demanding golf courses in the world. You must bring your best game every week or you'll be left behind.