Q&A with Nationwide Tour player Jim Herman

The Nationwide Tour, the PGA Tour's proving ground, produces top talent year after year that make their way to the big show. Last year we saw players like Troy Merritt, Matt Every, Michael Sim, and Alex Prugh make their way from the Nationwide to the PGA. This year the Nationwide is stacked with talent that is sure to make an impact on Tour next year. Among these players is Jim Herman, who earlier this year won the Moonah Classic in Victoria, Australia to capture is first victory. He currently sits at 13th on the money list (with the top 25 getting Tour cards), and looks poised to be teeing it up with the big boys next year.

I recently had a chance to catch up with Jim and talked about a variety of topics including this year's U.S. Open, where he qualified and made the cut, to the state of his bowling game.

First of all, congratulations on qualifying AND making the cut at this year’s U.S. Open! Can you talk a little bit about what that experience was like and what you took away from it?

Jim Herman: What a week. It was my first PGA TOUR event and my first major and to have that all come together at Pebble Beach, which was my 1st time at Pebble Beach as well. I was very excited for the whole experience and to play well and Tie for low round on Sunday was amazing. I took away a feeling of confidence that I can play at the next level.

What was your favorite hole at Pebble Beach, and alternatively, the least favorite?

Jim Herman: I would say that my favorite Hole was number 4. A great short par 4. A risk reward hole on the edge of the ocean. My least favorite was number 11. I struggled with that tee shot everyday and consequently my approach shot was not ideal to a brutally tough green complex.  Another short hole but a very difficult one.

At the U.S. Open you bounced back from a tough Saturday (81) with a 68 on Sunday, which tied for the lowest closing round. That must do wonders for your confidence level heading back to the Nationwide?

Jim Herman: What a day! Two eagles, having a chance to tie for the low round at a US Open at Pebble! Just knowing I can go low at the highest level is a confidence boast. I know I was capable of it but until you do it you never know.

I know that you have some serious bowling skills to go along with the golf ones as well. What’s the best game you’ve rolled?

Jim Herman: I love to bowl but I try not to bowl at all during the golf season. I have never had a perfect game of 300 but I was close with 11 strikes and a 9 spare in the 4th frame which adds up to 279.

You’re currently having your best season on the Nationwide, is there anything you can point to in your game as a reason for the success?

Jim Herman: Just experience. Learning how to play consistently week to week. How to deal with the highs and lows of a long season.

You’re currently ranked 2nd in driving distance at a mind boggling 317.3 yards (I don’t know how that’s not 1st!). Have there been many courses on Tour this year where you’ve really been able to take advantage because of your length?

Jim Herman: I am now 5th but no worries. Length is important if you take advantage of it. reaching par 5's or driving par 4's but you have to capitalize on a great drive and feel like I have but not as well as I could. A 317 yard drive and a 3 foot putt count the same so I have make sure the rest of my game is in line.

If you could put together your dream foursome, who would be in that group with you?

Jim Herman: I love playing golf with Donald Trump so he would be in the group with two guys I love to watch on Sundays... Tiger and Phil.

For more posts and interviews by Jeff Palopoli, visit: www.goodwalkgolf.com