Issue link: http://pgaofcanada.uberflip.com/i/322794
36 | PGA Pro:ForMANCE Pro:fiLe "I'm rarely really impressed by other guys," he says, confidently, without any suggestion of arrogance. "When I play with rory, who hits it really well, or Justin rose or Lee Westwood, they hit the shots that I try and hit it really, really well. other guys might not have the shots or don't try to hit the shots, but for me that's what is exciting—to try and hit a big cut into a back right pin. at's the game and how I play and it is cool to see other guys try that. "I'm a way more patient player than I used to be. My greens in regulation are good, but not because I'm the best ballstriker. It is more that I play for the fat side of the green. You keep yourself in the tournament and once the weekend comes along, you can take some risks. But the point is to be around for the weekend—and you never know." So far that's paid off well for him. Several of his Top 10 finishes in the 2013–14 season have come by squeaking into the weekend and battling his way up the leaderboard with low scores on Sunday. At press time he had five Top 10 finishes in 12 events, despite missing the cut at his first Masters. For DeLaet, there's a real sense that it's his turn to be in the spotlight, something Canadian golf hasn't seen since the glory days of Weir a decade ago. "I'm playing with a lot more confidence—I really be- lieve in myself," he says. "A championship for me is some- thing that is going to happen; it's not an if any more. I really believe that. Before I probably had what it took, but I wasn't 100% sure. And now I've been within a playoff four times and I thought I'd played well those times. And I've realized it doesn't take perfect golf to win every week. It is holing a few extra putts or getting a few extra bounces. I think that's what has separated me from winning." Based on his performance in the past year, no one will be surprised if that result comes sooner than later. My greens in regulation are good, but not because I'm the best ballstriker. It is more that I play for the fat side of the green. —Graham DeLaet " "