Jeff Gove: Driving Long With Family, RV On The Pro Golf Scene
http://www.golftribune.com/articles/41/1/Jeff-Gove-Driving-Long-With-Family-RV-On-The-Pro-Golf-Scene/Page1.html
James Raia
By James Raia
Published on 12/4/2007
Five seasons ago, Jeff Gove joined a small but growing corps of pro golfers who prefer the comforts of home while traveling.
So, with rare except, Gove and his wife Heather and their two small children travel tournament to tournament in the family motorhome.
Gove's wife wasn't keen on the idea, with her only reference, according to the nomadic, golfer, "Grandma's Mini-Winne." (Winnebago). But once the couple investigated new models, however, it wasn't long before they owned a 45-foot Travel Supreme.
Five seasons ago, Jeff Gove joined a small but growing corps of pro golfers who prefer the comforts of home while traveling.So, with rare except, Gove and his wife Heather and their two small children travel tournament to tournament in the family motorhome.
Gove's wife wasn't keen on the idea, with her only reference, according to the nomadic, golfer, "Grandma's Mini-Winne." (Winnebago). But once the couple investigated new models, however, it wasn't long before they owned a 45-foot Travel Supreme.
Five seasons ago, Jeff Gove joined a small but growing corps of pro golfers who prefer the comforts of home while traveling.
So, with rare except, Gove and his wife Heather and their two small children travel tournament to tournament in the family motorhome.
"When I was on the Nationwide Tour full-time in the late 1990s, I was driving everywhere," says Gove. "So one day I mentioned to my wife, 'Hey, let's go look at a couple of these."
Gove's wife wasn't keen on the idea, with her only reference, according to the nomadic, golfer, "Grandma's Mini-Winne." (Winnebago)
Once the couple investigated new models, however, it wasn't long before they owned a 45-foot Travel Supreme.
"She (Heather) wanted to get a dog, and it all made sense," said Gove. "It's not for everybody, but it makes sense to us. It's just a better quality of life. You have all your stuff, especially with kids. You don't have to pack and unpack. You've got your own germs and the kids have their own toys."
One component of motorhome travel Gove hopes to make more consistent is knowing his destinations.
Since touring pro in 1995, the former Pepperdine University standout has rotated between the Nationwide TOUR and PGA TOUR.
The 2007 season was his fourth PGA TOUR season dating to 2000. He's finished as high as sixth twice, including at the 2007 John Deere Classic. But in 30 events, his $526,664 in earnings positioned him only 144th in then Money List and prompted another return to the final round of Q-School in early December. He didn't fare well, but will have full-time exempt status on the Nationwide Tour in 2008.
Gove has already spent three seasons primarily on the Nationwide TOUR, and for motorhome enthusiasts that meant a sustainable adjustment.
While playing on the Nationwide Tour, he towed a vehicle for transportation during tournaments.
"On the PGA TOUR," said Gove. "We're lucky enough to get a courtesy car almost every week."
WHAT'S IN GOVE'S BAG
DRIVER: Taylormade Burner (8.5 degrees) with Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana 73X Flex Shaft
FAIRWAY WOODS: Taylormade 3-wood (14.5 degrees) with Fujikura TP 85X Flex Shaft
HYBRID: Taylormade (19 degrees) with UST Proforce V2 shaft
IRONS: Taylormade (3-PW) with forged TP Rac Blades X-100 shafts
WEDGES: King Cobra Phil Rodgers (56 and 60 degrees) with S-200 shafts
PUTTER: Scotty Cameron (Circa 62, model 2)
BALL: Titleist Pro V1x
So, with rare except, Gove and his wife Heather and their two small children travel tournament to tournament in the family motorhome.
"When I was on the Nationwide Tour full-time in the late 1990s, I was driving everywhere," says Gove. "So one day I mentioned to my wife, 'Hey, let's go look at a couple of these."
Gove's wife wasn't keen on the idea, with her only reference, according to the nomadic, golfer, "Grandma's Mini-Winne." (Winnebago)
Once the couple investigated new models, however, it wasn't long before they owned a 45-foot Travel Supreme.
"She (Heather) wanted to get a dog, and it all made sense," said Gove. "It's not for everybody, but it makes sense to us. It's just a better quality of life. You have all your stuff, especially with kids. You don't have to pack and unpack. You've got your own germs and the kids have their own toys."
One component of motorhome travel Gove hopes to make more consistent is knowing his destinations.
Since touring pro in 1995, the former Pepperdine University standout has rotated between the Nationwide TOUR and PGA TOUR.
The 2007 season was his fourth PGA TOUR season dating to 2000. He's finished as high as sixth twice, including at the 2007 John Deere Classic. But in 30 events, his $526,664 in earnings positioned him only 144th in then Money List and prompted another return to the final round of Q-School in early December. He didn't fare well, but will have full-time exempt status on the Nationwide Tour in 2008.
Gove has already spent three seasons primarily on the Nationwide TOUR, and for motorhome enthusiasts that meant a sustainable adjustment.
While playing on the Nationwide Tour, he towed a vehicle for transportation during tournaments.
"On the PGA TOUR," said Gove. "We're lucky enough to get a courtesy car almost every week."
WHAT'S IN GOVE'S BAG
DRIVER: Taylormade Burner (8.5 degrees) with Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana 73X Flex Shaft
FAIRWAY WOODS: Taylormade 3-wood (14.5 degrees) with Fujikura TP 85X Flex Shaft
HYBRID: Taylormade (19 degrees) with UST Proforce V2 shaft
IRONS: Taylormade (3-PW) with forged TP Rac Blades X-100 shafts
WEDGES: King Cobra Phil Rodgers (56 and 60 degrees) with S-200 shafts
PUTTER: Scotty Cameron (Circa 62, model 2)
BALL: Titleist Pro V1x