Five Questions With PGA TOUR Champions Player, Dick Mast

After turning pro in 1972, Mast has spent the last 45+ years competing on the PGA TOUR, Web.com Tour, PGA TOUR Champions and European Seniors Tour. He has accumulated more than 650 starts in his professional career, including four wins and 46 top-ten finishes. Since earning status on the PGA TOUR Champions in 2001, Mast has collected 52 top-25 and 16 top-ten results. In addition, he serves as PGA Professional Emeritus and Director of Instruction at Poplar Grove Golf Club in Amherst, VA.

You have spent 45+ years playing professionally. Which event is your favorite on each tour and why?

PGA TOUR: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (Pebble Beach, CA) – This event and venue has always been special for me. Their history and scenic views cannot be matched!

PGA TOUR Champions: Dick’s Sporting Goods Open (Endicott, NY) – I’ve been playing at En-Joie Golf Club since my early days on TOUR, where I’ve met many lifelong friends here in the years I’ve played.

Korn Ferry Tour: New Mexico Classic (Santa Ana Pueblo, NM) – I won by seven shots in 1999 at the age of 48!

European Seniors Tour: The Senior Open Championship (Scotland) – I love the challenges of links golf. Thus far, I’ve earned two 3rd place finishes in this championship.

What advice would you give young players looking to play professionally?

To find out what they do well and perfect it. Focus on the scoring clubs. You also have to learn how to compete. Have a routine of good balance between practice, playing, competition and rest. If you are drive and perform these aspects well, you can reach the next level of professional golf.

You also serve as PGA Professional Emeritus and Director of Instruction at Poplar Grove Golf Club in Virginia. What is your favorite part about teaching?

I enjoy seeing players learn how to hit shots they never knew they could hit. Observing a 15-handicaper hit a solid iron shot that draws 5 yards when all they’ve hit were weak slices is a fulfilling moment.

Your son, Jacob, is the Head Golf Professional at Poplar Grove. What do you enjoy most about working in golf together?

Not many father/sons get to work together on a daily basis. Often what I enjoy most is a late evening 9-hole round, or simply hitting a few balls together on the range after work. We bounce ideas off each other and talk golf swing, what’s new on TOUR and the latest new swing theories.

Your father taught you the game, and you have since brought Jacob into the sport. What key elements help parents make golf fun for children?

Keep it simple! Parents should be positive when guiding their children into golf. If a young player doesn’t enjoy the game, it may be hard for him/her to stay with it. Encouragement is key.

Start the kids out with short game and hitting drivers. Tell them to hit as far as they can. Tee it high and let it fly!