Q&A: Fox doesn't pretend to compete, just enjoys game

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Stan Badz/PGA TOUR

Michael J. Fox (left) with pro-am partner Tim Simpson

Apr. 18, 2010
By staff reports

Editor's note: Emmy --Award winning actor Michael J. Fox is one of the amateurs playing in the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am this week. Fox, who has Parkinson's Disease and has become an advocate for research, took time out from his preparation to chat with PGATOUR.COM contributor Rick Odioso.

PGATOUR.COM: Have you been a golfer for a long time?

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FOX: No, I started about four or five years ago. People had fund-raising golf tournaments for our foundation and I went out just to show support. They put a golf club in my hand and I started hitting it. It just seemed like a ridiculously optimistic thing for someone in my situation to do, to take up golf. It's optimistic to take up golf in your 40s anyway. I've come to just love the game. It's turned into a big part of my life, to get out and get exercise.

PGATOUR.COM: How often do you play?

FOX: In the summer, about twice a week. During holidays, I try to go someplace where there is a golf course. I'm just starting to play even more.

PGATOUR.COM: Prior to starting to play, what was your impression of the sport?

FOX: I used to think it was for old guys. We used to joke and say there is plenty of time for that when I'm dead. But in the last 10 years or so, with Tiger, Phil, Garcia and Kim you say, "Hey, they're young and athletic."

PGATOUR.COM: What is it like to be out and competing with these guys?

Q&A: Tim Simpson

Editor's note: Champions Tour pro Tim Simpson is Michael J. Fox's pro-am partner this year.

PGATOUR.COM: Were you especially looking forward to playing in this tournament after playing with him last year?

SIMPSON: Definitely, definitely. He came to Des Moines and played with me last summer in the (Principal Charity Classic) pro-am. We've just become such good friends. I have such respect for him. He's just someone that everyone should look up to. He just chooses to be happy every day of his life, no matter how bad his condition or whatever adversity is put in his path. He's just an inspiration.

PGATOUR.COM: Has being around him had an effect on you?

SIMPSON: Oh, sure, it rubs off. I mean today I lit up from tee to green and kept missing putts, hitting good putts and theyd find a way to lip out. But you just cant get upset because this guys over here smiling saying, 'Great putt.' I mean what am I supposed to say, 'No, the damn thing lipped out?' He's just incredible and as I told him on 18 green when I hugged him, 'I'm lucky to have you as a friend.'

FOX: Well, the thing is, I don't even pretend to compete. I'm enjoying myself. It's great to just be out there and see these guys play and have a front row seat. The way I justify taking up the space is that I think folks who have physical challenges may feel better about taking a shot, taking a risk. I think it's worth it.

PGATOUR.COM: What about performing in front of crowds?

FOX: It's a great feeling when you have a gallery and you put your drive in the fairway or make a putt. And they are so forgiving and encouraging when you don't. But as I said I don't try to compete. I'll just put the ball in my pocket. The biggest thing is staying out of your guy's way and helping him get a check.

PGATOUR.COM: Who is your pro?

FOX: I'm playing again with Tim Simpson, who is a great guy. We have something in common. He had brain surgery -- deep brain stimulation, surgery for a benign essential tumor. So we have that in common. So for me, it's have a good time and don't mess up Tim.

PGATOUR.COM: How many tournaments do you play in?

FOX: Not that many. This one here in Tampa and last year I played the Champions Tour event in Des Moines.

PGATOUR.COM: What were your thoughts about the Olympics?

FOX: I did some things for Canadian television, so all my family -- my mom, my dad and my sisters -- I was able to get up there and take them to all the hockey games. I was there at both gold medal games, as well as Canada vs. Russia and Canada vs. Slovakia.

I played hockey my whole life, not golf. My dad played a little bit, but I never had any interest in it. Now, I'm obsessed with it.

PGATOUR.COM: Do you feel like golf was hiding there in plain sight?

FOX: I think when you're younger you're going so fast. Now, you need a game where you take your time, where you can slow it down. In golf, you deal with disappointment. When I was 18 or 19, that wasn't what I was doing. But now, I really enjoy the game. It takes time to understand it.

But if you could start at 13 or 14 and know your way around the course at 21 - how great is that?

PGATOUR.COM: Do any of your kids play?

FOX: My son Sam plays a bit. He's a lefty. He's 20. I got him a set of clubs last December.

PGATOUR.COM: One last thing, people who see you out there might be wondering if it is hard for you to get around all 18 holes?

FOX: It's not a hard thing. It's just funny. You have to be very accepting. You may think you've lined everything up the same way, but it's just not going to be the same. So to me golf with Parkinson's is just a version for golf for everybody. Whatever you bring to it, it is going to screw you up sometimes and it is going to help you sometimes. You never know what you got. So in that way it isn't any different than any other golfer. You take your shots and you take your chances.