Interviewed By Matt Ginella
Illustration by Andy Friedman
June 9, 2009
Long one of the game's great putters, Brad Faxon, 47, has eight PGA Tour victories and played in two Ryder Cups. In a recent conversation, Faxon talks about skiing bunny slopes, where you can find a good date spot in Manhattan, and explains how he passes the time on a long flight.
How often do you fly commercial?
All the time.
When was the last time you flew in the back of the plane?
Two days ago. There are times I fly private. Less and less now. I travel more by myself now. It's nice to fly private. I like friends with heavy metal. [Laughs.] But I have no problem getting on a commercial airline.
Do you have an airline of choice?
No. I'm more about convenience. I've flown a lot on Jet Blue and Southwest, and they do a great job. I can see why they're winning, if they're winning. I've also flown a lot on Delta and American. I try to get there as quick as I can. I'm not a super-saver fare guy. I hate to pay penalties and fees so I don't mind spending a little more for convenience.
In terms of travel habits: are you more likely to read, watch a movie or listen to music?
If I'm by myself, I read. I always have books and magazines. For some reason I always fall asleep on takeoff and landing. I can get some work done on a computer, too.
If you could only watch one movie on a long flight?
I download the TV show "24." I'm a "24" hound.
What do you load your iPod with? One album on a long flight, what would it be?
It would have to have a lot of songs on it. My favorite band is U2 so I'd take some compilation of their greatest hits. But I love all kinds of music. I listen to the Eagles, Hootie and the Blowfish, alternative REM stuff. Hard rock. I was a big Who and Springsteen fan growing up. If I had to listen to one guy, Elton John is a guy you could listen to all day and never listen to the same song twice.
Aren't you a big skier and snowboarder?
Prior to knee surgery -- yes. Now I have to watch my kids ski. I'll stick to the bunny slopes. But I love the outdoors. I love the winter. To go up in the mountains and ski, I think that's the best thing.
What's your favorite winter destination?
Sun Valley, Idaho. I used to have a place out there. My old caddie, Cubby Burke, he's from out there. I have some other friends out there. I just love that area. But I've been to Vail and Aspen, they're fantastic.
Were you a pure skier or have you tried snowboarding?
I tried it once in Sun Valley. I have no problem with that. I did it once. I haven't been back enough to make that something I feel comfortable doing.
Did I read you're in the restaurant business?
My family has a restaurant in New York City, right in Manhattan. It's called La Masseria. It's authentic Italian cuisine on 48th Street and 8th Avenue. It's close to the theaters so the place cranks. My brother-in-law got the idea going, with some guys who've been in the restaurant business who from the island of Capri. The restaurant has been killing it. Even now. It's been four years now and it's full every night.
And I'm guessing it's not overpriced?
It's not overpriced, the wine list is good, the service is fantastic and the food, you feel like you're in Italy -- it's that good.
Is it a good date spot?
Oh yeah. It's great. You go sit at the bar and have a drink. You can wear a pair of jeans. In the summertime you can sit outside.
Do you have a favorite city in the United States?
I love Boston. It's got so much to offer: Close to the water; so many different cultures; great sports teams. I love Chicago. I'm friendly with Jeff Sluman and I've spent a little time in Chicago. I like everywhere. My brother-in-law's in West Hollywood. I love that area. We like Southern California. My wife and I have a favorite spot: we like to go to St. Regis on Monarch Beach. It's not really city-like, but it's nice.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
I've done trips to Scotland and Ireland with Davis Love and a friend of his from American Express. We used to do that. I'm a member at Pine Valley and I take people there -- that's as good a trip as you can take.
Is there one particular trip to Scotland or Ireland that stands out?
The vice-chairman of American Express, John Linen, was Davis Love's good friend, he invited myself and Tom Ryan, who was the CEO of CVS Pharmacy, and for a couple of years we'd fly over there. My favorite was going up to Northern Ireland and playing Royal County Down and Royal Portrush. And it was always before the British Open. It was fun to go with those guys, but it was also great preparation to play links golf.
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