Exclusive interview: Ryan Moore

Last updated: 17th June 2010

One of Golf365's favourite players Ryan Moore talks to Dave Tindall about his new shoe company, TRUE linkswear, his hopes for a big show at Pebble Beach and his love of Seattle music.

GOLF365: Hi Ryan. You caused quite a stir with your clothing at Augusta. We thought you looked great but conservative America recoiled somewhat. David Feherty even said it looked as if you had covered yourself in glue and ran through a thrift shop. Tell us a bit about your choice of clothes and what comments you received from the players and fans.

Ryan Moore: First of all that comment was not made at Augusta this year, it was made by David Feherty at the FBR Open two years ago. I received all very positive comments from players and fans. David Toms jokingly introduced me to his son as Bobby Jones, so that is a very positive thing to me because I think he is the essence of the gentleman's game that golf is.

GOLF365: Augusta was obviously pretty special for you as you aced the 16th and, as far as we know, became the first man to score a hole-in-one in a major wearing a tie! Pretty special eh?

RM: I would have to guess that, as everyone used to wear ties, I might not have been the first one. The hole in one was the most important thing to me, not the clothes. It got me back into the tournament for 2011.

GOLF365: We actually tipped you at 150/1 to win at Augusta this year after reading that it was your favourite major and you loved the fast greens. We noticed you topped the putting stats for the week so that bit proved right but were you happy or a little disappointed with tied 14th?

RM: I was very happy with how I played there this year. I was very close to getting myself in contention, however there was just a few things, here and there, that prevented me from getting over that edge. Overall to play there for the first time in five years and to finish top 16, I'm very happy with the overall result.

GOLF365: Moving on to the US Open, you finished tied 10th at Bethpage Black last year but what are your hopes for Pebble Beach? Do you have much experience of the course and does it suit your game?

RM: I have played the course a fair bit. I enjoy it a lot. US open courses I feel do suit my game and I am driving the ball well this year and my putting has really come around the last couple of weeks. Those are the two most important things for a US Open. So I feel good this week and look forward to hopefully having a late afternoon Sunday tee time.

GOLF365: And, of course, the big question... do you have a special US Open wardrobe planned?!

RM: Honestly, not really. I have some great new shoes that me and a new shoe company, TRUE linkswear, have created that are awesome and should stand out a bit. But there is pretty good chance there might be a tie or two out there.

GOLF365: Tell us a bit about the Players Championship. You came home in 31 on Thursday, went out in 30 on Friday but closed with an 80.

RM: It was an up and down week. It happens

GOLF365: I used to have a fantasy about being a student in Las Vegas and paying my way through college by card counting. Did you make many trips to the Strip when you were at UNLV?

RM: I was very focused on golf when I went to UNLV - fortunately! I rarely went down to the Strip and if I did it was for a buffet not gambling.

GOLF365: You grew up near Seattle - the home of grunge. Were you into Nirvana or did you prefer the mellower sounds of another Seattle band, R.E.M? Or do your musical tastes lie elsewhere?

RM: I'm very much a Seattlite as far as music taste goes. I can go for the hard or soft. What I'm listening to at the moment: MEW, Fleet Foxes, Phoenix, Manchester Orchestra, The Night Gowns.

GOLF365: Tell us about Scratch Golf.

RM: Their wedges and irons are the best I have ever had in my bag. The way they grind each club individually for you is an amazing process and I now see the benefits of having a club specifically made for me.

GOLF365: And you have a new business venture - TRUE Linkswear. How did that come about?

RM: I met them through the people at Scratch Golf. We arranged a meeting early this year and I was immediately impressed with the concept, the product and, most importantly, the people involved. This will be my third tournament playing In the shoes and I can't imagine wearing anything but them.

GOLF365: Do you ever discuss fashion with Ian Poulter?

RM: No!

GOLF365: Are you a soccer fan? Will you be cheering on the USA in the World Cup this summer and do you know which team they'll play in their first match?

RM: Not a big fan, but of course I will cheer on the US.

GOLF365: You played great in the HSBC Champions in China, finishing third behind Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. Ever thought about signing up for the European Tour's Race To Dubai or playing more globally?

RM: Yes, I have contemplated it and it's a distinct possibility for the future.

Finally, some quickfire questions..

GOLF365: Mac or PC?

RM: Mac

GOLF365: Elvis or The Beatles?

RM: Beatles

GOLF365: Lost or 24?

RM: Neither

GOLF365: Simon Cowell or Ricky Gervais?

RM: Ricky Gervais

GOLF365: Woody Allen or Woody Harrelson?

RM: Woody Allen

GOLF365: Roger Moore or Demi Moore?

RM: Roger Moore

Thanks very much for your time and good luck at Pebble.