February 17, 2006

TROY, NY — We all can look into the eyes of a hacker. But what about looking out with eyes of a hacker. Those amateurish or inept golfers who struggle and receive points for triple bogey.

That was the goal of Matt Davis when he went out with pencil and paper to sit down for new series of interviews conducted by the Captains Club. A lengthy interview with Spackler's current rookie of year -- Surinder Punia, who signed late to play in the 2006 Carl Spackler Open for a second year in a row.

Matt Davis, a.k.a. Pokey returned with lots of answers.

Pokey: "Surinder... What did you shoot at Mountain Valley last year?"

Surinder: [Punia folds his arms] "A lot. At least 130."

Pokey: [Matt picks up his notepad] "It says here you shot 210 strokes over par in the tournament. That is 70-over par each day. Is this accurate?"

Surinder: "I do not remember exactly. My scorecards were submitted accurately. If those are official numbers, then yes. I do remember playing really well on Friday."

Pokey: "Does it bother you that no matter how cool you become over time, you might always be remembered as a hacker?"

Surinder: "No, I'm comfortable with that. I'm sure there are a number of people who hack, but I think more people know me now as 2005 Rookie of the Year. I know me, and I'm comfortable with where I'm headed."

Pokey: "Do you have dreams of not being a hacker?"

Surinder: "Absolutely. What did you shoot at Mountain Valley last year?" [Punia chuckles]

Pokey: "I am asking the questions. Why do you think you struggle so much on the course?"

Surinder: "I simply put too much pressure on myself and cannot take the heat. What is your excuse Pokey?"

Pokey: "I've only got 7 working fingers. Look at these. [Davis fans his left hand in front of Punia] Do you think that the fact that you are a vegetarian may contribute to your hacking? Like a boost of fresh protein would help?"

Surinder: "No. I can and do get protein from other sources, meathead. Plus, look at me. I'm a vision of fitness compared to the majority of the slobs that attend."

Pokey: "You came in last year talking a bunch of smack. Are you going to have a different strategy this season?"

Surinder: "No way. See, I'll let you in on a little secret...I know I suck. However, when I'm able to get inside of people's head by talking a little bit, I'm able to make them golf worse resulting in me looking soooo much better."

Pokey: "I would have to say that you are one of the sharpest dressers on the course. Do you feel that may reflect your scorecards?"

Surinder: "Potentially. When you look as good as I do, [Punia removes a piece of lint from his shirt] people, especially women seem to notice. It is hard to concentrate on golf when I am continuously being oogled by the ladies in the clubhouse and coming across fairways to say hello."

Pokey: "Yea, whatever. So what part of hacker's game gets targeted first for improvement?"

Surinder: "Putting. There is nothing any guy likes more then sinking it in a hole."

Pokey: "I know what you mean, but are those penalty strokes must be killing you?"

Surinder: "Sure. But the hole is main goal right now."

Pokey: "One last question"

Surinder: "OK."

Pokey: "Do you think I am the smartest person in the world?"

Surinder: "Nope. I saw your Williamburg golf shirt."

Pokey: "That was not a very kind answer. Thanks for the interview Punia."

Surinder: "Do you want me to lie? Your welcome Matt."

The 2006 Carl Spackler Open begins play in 111 days.