- Title: USA: GOLF - South African Trevor Immelman prepares to defend his Maters title
- Date: 25th March 2009
- Summary: ORLANDO, FLORIDA. (MARCH 23, 2009) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) TREVOR IMMELMAN SAYING: "It's been a great year for my family. Obviously we've had a lot of great opportunities come our way and I've tried to take it all in stride as much as I can, Not overexert myself too much but I've had a fantastic time in my reign as Masters Champion and it really has been a fantastic time. I've really enjoyed every step of the way and I really look forward to getting back to this year's tournament, competing again and hopefully starting a new phase of my career."
- Embargoed: 9th April 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVAJ7PZ71FWJ7BQ3NHV4FMG1PVQ
- Story Text: South Africa's Trevor Immelman looks back on his reign as Masters champion as he attempts to defend his Masters's title in less than three weeks Defending Masters champion Trevor Immelman is preparing to do what only three golfers, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo have ever accomplished. The South African will try to win back-to-back green jackets at Augusta National Golf Club. He spoke to Reuters on Monday (March 23) while promoting a new adjustable driver.
"It's been a great year for my family. Obviously we've had a lot of great opportunities come our way and I've tried to take it all in stride as much as I can, Not overexert myself too much but I've had a fantastic time in my reign as Masters Champion and It really has been a fantastic time. I've really enjoyed every step of the way and I really look forward to getting back to this year's tournament, competing again and hopefully starting a new phase of my career."
Immelman was not given much chance to win the Masters in 2008 as he was coming back from surgery to remove a tumor from his ribcage. When asked if he has commiserated with Tiger Woods, who is working his way back to form, Immelman was certain Woods won't need any sympathy.
"I don't think anybody has to commiserate with Tiger Woods. He's the greatest athlete on earth. The last nine months he's really had to rehab that knee and make sure it's nice and strong and ready to come back. I think he's done that and he's starting to play some great golf. I expect him to be ready to go in two weeks and compete for his next green jacket."
Woods finished three shots back in second place at the 2008 Masters.
"You know, I need to understand that he's going to be 100 percent ready but I can't concern myself with that. I've got enough on my hands trying to get my own game in shape. I'll be working my best to do that and go into Augusta to have a great week," Immelman said.
In addition to preparing for the Masters which starts on April 9th, Immelman is currently promoting a new Nike adjustable driver called the Str8-fit.
"I was using a prototype phase last year. I was able to put it to the setting I wanted and then glue it in to that setting but this is the version that just went to the consumer last week. You buy the club, the driver and you get the wrench with it and you can go ahead and unscrew it.... you can take the head right off the shaft and you have eight different settings you can set it at that, change the loft, lie and face angle of the club."
The technology was inspired by professional golfers who are able to utilize high-tech tour vans which can make ajdustments at will. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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