 If you don’t think Ed Moses doesn’t strive to be the best, just sit down with him for a few minutes. You’ll quickly learn that the swimmer who won Gold and Silver in the 2000 Olympic Games is as driven as they come. Moses is a 2008 Player Advisory Board member and played as a celebrity on the 2006 U.S. Pro Golf Tour, returning to his roots while embarking on a journey he fully expects will be as challenging and fulfilling as all those World, American and Olympic records he either owns or has broken.
However, don’t let Moses’ celebrity status fool you. He’s light years ahead of just shaking hands and signing autographs, and even though he gladly accommodates any request for his time, Moses is on tour for one reason and one reason only…TO WIN!
I sat down with Ed to talk about golf, the Olympics and his passion to be the best.
First of all Ed, let’s talk about golf and why you’re here.
Actually, I was a pretty good golfer growing up in Virginia, but I basically put the clubs away for eight years while I swam. My goal has always been professional golf, and the U.S. Pro Golf Tour is giving me the opportunity. This is a great tour with unbelievable potential. We’ve got something going on here that’s really special, and I’m looking forward to the season.
So how does one go from Golf to Gold, and please don’t say they’re only two letters away?
When I was younger and playing a lot of golf, I was looking for a way to stay limber and in shape for the Virginia golf seasons. Some of my friends were swimmers, so I gave it a shot. I didn’t start swimming year round until my senior season. I must have done well, because I got a slew of college scholarships, but chose the University of Virginia.
And even though I know the rest is history, you made a little history in the process. Tell me about the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
The most incredible experience of my life! Going to Sydney and representing my country is something that’s difficult to put into words, but when I won gold as part of the 400m medley relay – standing on that podium and hearing the National Anthem played, knowing you were part of it, wow. I get chills to this day thinking about it.
And you also won Silver in the 100m breast?
That’s right. And last year, I finished 5th in the 100m breast at the World Championship Trials. I’m also the former world record holder in the 100m breast, and in 2002, I was able to break three short course world records over two days, the first American to ever do it.
And how many U.S. National Titles do you own?
11.
We all know so much about your accomplishments as a swimmer, but we know relatively little about you as a golfer. Talk about your preparation for this tour.
Right now, I play out of Bay Hill in Orlando, and it’s golf, sun up to sun down. Working that hard is the only thing I know. The players on the U.S. Pro Golf Tour are really good, and I have to be at the top of my game, to be at my best to compete and win. But I know me and I know what it feels like to be the best in the world at something, and just because this is golf, that doesn’t change a thing.
Finally, what are you hoping to accomplish on the U.S. Pro Golf Tour?
This tour will allow me to play in the same atmosphere as the big tour, with national television coverage on FOX Sports Net, gallery, media, sky box seating, the works. It will prepare me for the next level with an unreal “inside-the-ropes” golf experience. I want my game to grow each day – each week – each month. This is the perfect tour for me and I’m looking forward to a great 2008…and beyond.
We are too, Ed.
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