New Game, New Thinking: James Nitties profile

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As part of the New Game, New Thinking series (click here to learn more), PGATOUR.COM freelance writer Rudy Klancnik profiles James Nitties.

So far, so great for young James Nitties. The cool Australian has put together a fabulous rookie season on the PGA TOUR. He's led big tournaments, played consistent throughout the first part of the year and is a couple of shots here or there from the winner's circle. Too bad he still is homeless (we'll explain below). We caught up with James en route to Hilton Head for this week's event.

PGATOUR.COM: So, were you glued to the TV last weekend with the rest of us watching the Masters or did you purposely stay away from any highlights?

JAMES NITTIES: I didn't go out of my way to watch it, but I'm a big fan of Tiger, so when he's playing well, I want to watch. But, honestly, it's kind of boring when he's not in the lead. I was rooting for Kenny Perry at the end since I had the chance to play with him earlier this year and really found him to be a great guy. Very nice and I loved his personality out there. I feel terrible for him to lose it the way he did on the final couple of holes.

PGATOUR.COM: If you keep playing the way you've started, James Nitties could be playing at Augusta National next April.

NITTIES: No doubt. That would be quite a thrill. I'm very happy with my start to the season. When you're a first-year guy, you do wonder how you're going to stack up against these great players. Getting off to a positive start and putting in some really good results has helped my confidence tremendously. Everyone hopes for a good start and I'm fired up to be in this position at this point in the season. I'm no longer just sweating the cut line every week. I'm focused on fine tuning my game to take the next step on Sundays. It's a nice feeling.

PGATOUR.COM: You've certainly experienced some other tours, but has anything caught you off guard in your first few PGA TOUR events?

NITTIES: Not too much. Actually, a couple of events were smaller than I imagined. Of course, a tournament such as the FBR (Open) in Phoenix was massive. I think the biggest crowd I could remember on a Sunday on the Australian Tour was around 30,000. We had 270,000 at the FBR. I loved that atmosphere. It's been my favorite place to play thus far.

PGATOUR.COM: What about your competitors? Has anything about the skill set on this level surprised you?

NITTIES: On TV, these guys look like supermen who never miss a shot. In reality, you figure out pretty quickly that you can hit the ball off the tee with them all day long. But from 100 yards in, that's the difference maker. I'm putting it within 15-18 feet. Most of these guys are sticking in to within 8 feet or less. It's definitely part of my game I need to refine. I'm a streaky putter and that's not very helpful out here. You've got to roll it consistently for four days, not just a couple.

PGATOUR.COM: Hitting shots under pressure this year, something you've had to do several times on Sundays, can't hurt from an experience standpoint.

NITTIES: It's been a tremendous learning experience. The best thing for me to take away is that I really haven't played my top game and yet I've contended for a couple of titles. That gives me a ton of confidence for the future. But I really need to focus on my short game to get there.

PGATOUR.COM: Is working on the short game harder or easier than your tee ball?

NITTIES: It's actually my favorite part of the game, so I'm looking forward to improving there and working hard to get it done. I'm not a big practice tee guy, but I know I need to work hard from 100 yards in to clean up some loose shots that are costing me tournaments. Great players get the most from every round. I'm still leaving some shots out on the course. That can turn some good results into great results.

PGATOUR.COM: So when you're off as you were this past week while the Masters was going on, where do you call home?

NITTIES: Actually, I don't call anywhere home right now. I'm just going from hotel to hotel on the TOUR.

PGATOUR.COM: So, you're a nomad?

NITTIES: It's nothing new for me. I've been living out of a suitcase for so long now it's become second nature. But it does have its drawbacks. When I travel, I have to take all my possessions each time. I've got nowhere to just dump stuff off. My clothes and my sticks are basically my worldly possessions.

PGATOUR.COM: Now that you're on your way to riches on the TOUR, you must be looking to settle down and find a permanent residence, right?

NITTIES: Yeah, I'd like to have a little place on the East and West coasts. Maybe Scottsdale, maybe the Dallas area. Not sure yet. I've got four criteria that I'm looking for: airport, weather, practice facilities and nightlife. I stayed with some friends in Jacksonville recently and that city had three of the four. But the nightlife is pretty rare there so it's out. I definitely enjoy going out so that will remain one of my key criteria.

PGATOUR.COM: Other than finding an address to call your own, what are your other goals for the remaining events this season?

NITTIES: I set achievable goals and then meet them. I'm not one of those guys who says they're going to be No. 3 in the world after their first season. That's ridiculous. I wanted to top the $500,000 mark by Bay Hill and we got to $490,000. I definitely want to make THE PLAYERS Championship and get into the top 10 of the FedExCup, both of which are doable.

PGATOUR.COM: What about winning?

NITTIES: Sure, but that's a goal for everyone so it goes without saying. I've felt very comfortable playing with the lead and I know I can handle the pressure. I know if I keep putting myself in those positions that I'll eventually look up and win one. The pressure of the moment will get less and less when you do it more and more.