Twice the Class A state high school champion, Hamilton went to Oklahoma on a golf scholarship and became an All-American. He turned pro in 1997, but after struggling to earn his PGA Tour card, Hamilton learned how to play the pro game and how to win in Asia.
Those kind of experiences are what Hamilton says helped him years later at Troon.
"Sure, you've got to have that first win, but once you do that . . . and if you're not so caught up in the moment and you can look back on [being in the hunt] so when it happens again, it definitely helps you. In Japan, they didn't want me to win. So that probably helped."
Hamilton said he didn't reap a lot of financial benefits from Troon, although his equipment deal was redone. As for inside, Hamilton said he didn't feel any different, although others said they noticed some changes.
"A buddy of mine told me, 'You know, you won that tournament, seemed like you got two inches taller, you got 5-10 more IQ points higher, you got a little better looking and everybody wants a piece of you.' I giggled, but he was right.
"I still see it, with the British Open flags, they're trying to get all the guys that they can to sign. I don't think winning at Troon changed me as a person. I've got some friends who wouldn't let that happen."
Fred Couples said Hamilton is still Hamilton.
"The same guy telling the same jokes," Couples said.
Hamilton is known as one of the top storytellers among his peers. Next time you see him, ask him about the two guys walking their dogs. Ask him about the monkey that understands English. You can even ask him about Troon, but everybody probably knows that one. That was no joke.
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