Phil Bundy: Not Afraid to do Heavy Lifting for Tour

Many of us dream of making the tour; few of us have the talent and the guts to try. Phil Bundy has both. Phil is an older more mature player who was inspired by his son to try to make the tour. He has dedicated this year of his life to going after his dream and he has assembled a team to help him do it. Phil has also taken his quest “live” using social media to promote his cause.

Phil Bundy started golfing at age nine. He went on to become a junior golf champion won the 1984 Maryland State High School Championship by a record breaking 10 strokes. He played at Wake Forest University, but instead of trying to qualify for the PGA Tour, he earned an MBA at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. Over the past 17 years, Phil has been a golf instructor, course manager, tournament director, agent, manufacturer, distributor, marketer, and publicist.

Golf can be a very lonely sport when competing, but Phil has assembled a “dream” team that would almost fill a gallery. This group includes Fred Funk as a mentor and Jim McLean as his swing coach. Also on the team are his nutritionist, publicist, social media consultant, fitness “guru,” caddie and sponsors. Pretty good considering most guys vying for the tour don’t even have their own caddie.

“I believe in mentors and advisers,” Phil told me. “I knew if I tried to this alone, I had absolutely no way to have success.” He also explained that while it’s important to reach out and tap the expertise of others, he knows not to “over-ask.” The team may be a means for helping Phil land his Tour card, but his inspiration comes from his young son, Charlie.

When Phil hits the course, he has the focus and drive of a champion. Phil shared a great story with me about the Virginia Beach Open in 2007 where he decided not to ride in a cart like most of the other players. Apparently even players with caddies ride in carts.

Phil told me he plays better when he walks. So he grabbed his bag out of his car, threw it on his back and walked the tournament. Phil’s renegade behavior received a few looks from the other players, but it worked for him. He went on the win the tournament, his first professional victory. As Phil put his bag away he realized he had four dozen extra practice balls deep in the apparel pocket, adding at least five pounds to his 20-pound load.

I can’t help but like Phil. We both lived in the Washington, D.C. area, we both have competitive golf goals (his appropriately loftier than mine), we are inspired by our children, and we’ve both unknowingly carried extra golf balls in our bag when we’ve walked the course.

Phil is still finalizing his schedule, but hopes the Zurick Classic of New Orleans in April will be his first qualifier.

Hybrids, yes or no?
Yes

Vardon or interlocking?
Vardon

Visors or hats?
Hats

iPhone or BlackBerry?
Holding out for Nokia N97

Beach or mountains?
Beach

Martini or beer?
Neither

Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter

Skins or Ravens?
Skins

ProV1 or Callaway?
Bridgestone B330

Argyle or plaid?
Argyle

Belly putter or standard?
Standard

Favorite course?
Pinehurst

Dream foursome?
Arnold Palmer, Fred Funk, and Tiger Woods

Any interest in playing with John Daly?
I'd love to play in a PGA Tour event with him. I'm rooting for him. He is one of the most talented players out there.

Do you think players should be allowed to wear shorts on the PGA tour?
No

*Editor’s note: Phil is the one who convinced me to Twitter. All compliments or complaints should be directed to him.