10 Questions with Jim Salinetti
One week before attempting to defend his crown at the Cape Cod Open, Jim Salinetti, a former All-Berkshire standout at Lee High
School, took time out of his playing and practice schedule to answer 10 questions on a myriad of subjects. A three-time Mass. Amateur champion and two-time New England Amateur champion, Salinetti recently returned to New England for his sixth summer as a professional.
1) How did you spend your winter…where’d you live, work…roommates?
I lived in West Palm Beach, Fla. in a nice apartment overlooking a golf course with my roommates and fellow golf professionals Matt Donovan and Scott Hawley. We have the place all year long so we can get away to West Palm Beach any time. I work at the Breakers Rees Jones Course in West Palm Beach. I’m lucky to have a pretty good set up at a great golf course with a nice practice facility. My boss, Dan St. Louis, is a good player himself and he really understands the life of a mini-tour player. He puts very few restrictions on his golf staff’s practice privileges and we can play any time of day.
2) Why didn’t you commit to playing full-time this winter…risk/reward?
Two years ago I really wanted to get away from playing tournaments week in and week out during the winter. I had been struggling with my game and I thought a winter working at a golf course might do me some good, physically and mentally. This past winter I had planned to play full-time, but I came up a little short financially and couldn’t quite put up the money to have a full winter schedule. So instead I went back to the Breakers, worked and played a few tournaments, but mainly tried to get myself prepared for this upcoming summer season in New England.
3) What does your schedule include this summer?
This summer I plan to play a full schedule on the New England Pro Golf Tour as well as several state opens, invitational events and pro-ams. I will also try to play as many PGA TOUR and Nationwide Monday Qualifiers as my schedule allows. And of course, PGA TOUR Qualifying School in October and November.
4) What goals have you set for the season?
To get my 2007 PGA TOUR card.
5) Last year you had several hi-low/low-hi rounds. Can you explain your inconsistencies?
It could be a number of things; lack of confidence, inconsistent ball striking, setting my expectations too high. I wish I could explain it, so I could avoid it this season. Basically I need to become more consistent, physically and mentally.
6) At what point would you pack it in and move on to something else? Does the fear of failure motivate you or do you block it out?
I will “pack it in” if the time comes when I don’t think I could make in on the PGA Tour. When I choose this profession I knew it could be a long work in progress, so I have been prepared for all its ups and downs. The fun part of this job is that you can go from rags to riches in the matter of weeks. That’s what motivates me.
7) Identify the weaknesses in your game:
Inconsistent play, usually resulting from poor driving.
8) To this point, what’s the biggest accomplishment of your career? Why?
Winning the 1992 NENY PGA Junior Championship. When I won this tournament I was 14, just about to start my freshman year in high school and I didn’t even know what my favorite sport was. But by winning, I qualified for the National PGA Junior in Florida and it really got me excited about competitive golf. After that tournament I knew I wanted to focus on golf and maybe someday make it my career. It might not be my biggest accomplishment in golf, but it is always the first thing that comes to mind when that questioned is asked because it was such a significant moment in my life.
9) What do you miss most about junior golf?
Traveling. I guess I’m still traveling all over the place now, but it was so fun to travel the country with your friends at a young age. I was pretty lucky to qualify or get invited to some great junior tournaments all over the country. Actually, I was really lucky that my parents would foot the bill for most of those tournaments. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) When I look back at those days I can hardly remember what I shot or how I played in a particular event, but I still recall all the funny stories and memories from so many trips.
10) What advice would you give aspiring Berkshires junior golfers who want to play professionally?
I think junior golfers should play golf as much as they can. If you aren’t playing a tournament you should be playing 36 holes a day. The best way to learn the game, whether it be shot-making, scoring, etiquette, etc. is by teeing it up as much as you can. And don’t be afraid to play with older golfers. Challenge the club champ at your golf course to a match; it will only make you a stronger competitor. If you are lucky enough to have the chance to play in college, pick a program that will make you a better player, but one that also gives you a chance to play right away. After all, you only have four years there; you don’t want to spend it sitting on the bench. And way down the road if you have the ability and desire to play professional golf go at it with all your efforts and believe that you can reach the highest level. But the best advice I could give to all junior golfers is to enjoy the people you meet along the way. Have fun with your fellow competitors or friends you meet at golf camp. Get to know the members at your club and the adults who organize each tournament. You will be surprised how helpful these people may be someday in the future, no matter where life leads you.