Jeff Gove has won before — three times on the Nationwide Tour. He won the Washington Open twice, including a record 11-stroke victory last May at Bellevue’s Glendale Country Club.
“I had a lot of opportunities to play with some of the best players in the world in the ‘80s,” says Uncle Mike, “And Jeff struck the ball (in winning the Washington Open) like no one I’ve ever seen. He’s got wonderful ability. Just what makes that guy out there a steady money-winner versus the guy you see five or six times then he’s gone, it’s hard to put a finger on it. It’s tough to determine what’s really holding someone back.’’
For Gove, inconsistent putting — particularly the intermediate putts — has been problem in the past. Last year, however, Gove worked with noted instructor and Lakewood native Brian Mogg in an effort to improve that area.
His father, Gary Gove, admits that it’s hard to see his son struggle to make enough money to pursue his dream.
“You don’t know how tough it is for parents to watch,” he says. “[We] live and die with every putt.”
Gove has finished sixth twice and has 17 finishes among the top-25 on the PGA Tour. He has made 73 cuts in his career, so he can be competitive with the big boys.
“There is a reason he continues to do it,” his father says. “He believes he can do it.”
Is it just a matter of time before he’s in position to win? Or is time running out?
“I need to stay aggressive and focus on the things I’ve got to do,” Gove said. “I’ve got to compete on the first day like it’s the last day, instead of teeing if off Thursday and seeing how things unfold.”
Gary Gove says he doesn’t talk much with his son about his game, not wishing to touch on any negatives. He admires his son’s doggedness, but what makes him most proud is the respect accorded him by his peers. Gove was not only voted the player representative on the Nationwide Tour, but also has been selected by the PGA Tour players to be on the influential Player Advisory Council.
“He’s one of 16,” Gary Gove said, “and he’s the no-name.”
Regardless of what happens this season, Jeff Gove’s competitive spirit will not be tempered. His goal is to make enough money and points to qualify for the FedEx Cup — and earn his Tour card for 2014. If not, it’ll be one more go around the Web.com.
“If everything works out, in nine years I hope to compete on the (50-over) Champions Tour,” he added. “I feel very healthy.”
That’s the thing about dreams, and those who chase them. When you believe in them, they can take you anywhere you can imagine.
Bob Sherwin is the co-founder of Northwest golf website GolfersWest.com, and a freelance writer for the New York Times and Associated Press. He last wrote about the challenges of bringing a PGA Tour event to Seattle for the August 2012 CG.