With Mike Lorenzo-Vera's first Major Championship on the horizon at Royal Birkdale, the Frenchman discusses what it means to play The Open, his friendship with Beef and his love of cars.
I started to get excited about The Open last week, because I was playing on links courses.
I used those weeks to start to work on my game. There were big crowds in both places and they were awesome to play for. It’s just a dream that’s coming true to be playing my first Major, so I’m really excited. I played the British Amateur at Royal Birkdale a long time ago and it’s going to be a big test. If I could pick two players to play with this week I would pick Lee Westwood and Phil Mickelson. I’m a big fan of Phil’s game and every time I play with Lee I beat him – it would be good for me!
The week at the HNA Open de France was very positive, particularly in terms of attitude.
At the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth I had a lot of expectations and I tried to be aggressive on the course and the course beat me big time. This time around at Le Golf National, I said ‘OK, take it easy, try to catch the good zones and be patient on the greens.’ Everything paid off. It’s quite similar to Wentworth in that it’s very hard and almost like a Major course, so you need to bring the perfect attitude on this kind of course.
It used to be a challenge to do all the interviews and things people want you to do when I played in France, but this year I made a management company with my best friend and he took care of everything. It made me really relaxed and it was easy to play this year with less to do.
I like to spend time with Beef and Rafa Cabrera Bello when I’m on tour.
Beef is just a pure nice guy, nothing wrong in him and he likes the good things in life, like a drink and a good meal – very simple!
The Trick Shot School was fun, but it was a nightmare because I’m really bad at it and Romain Bechu is just so good at it.
The trick where he flicks the club in the air is just absolutely insane, but maybe I can do it one day. I like to practice those kinds of things, like sending the ball in the air and catching it with the club and I try it almost once or twice a week.
I moved five years ago to Montpellier, but I grew up in Biarritz.
Growing up there is a dream – there are golf courses everywhere and there’s a special culture. I have big roots there and I’m very proud to be from that part of France, because it’s just the best. The way the rugby players there play too is fantastic, with a lot of respect. I’m a big rugby fan, but I don’t get to see much of it live.
I started growing my moustache when I was about 25.
My girlfriend liked it, so I thought I should keep it! If I shave it, though, I honestly look really young, so maybe I’m trying to be a bit more of an adult. It seems to look right, so I’ve just decided to keep it. When I’m home I try to spend time with my family and I love looking after my baby. I also enjoy trying to find some good wine to share with my friends and that’s one of my favourite things to do.
I’m also a big car fan, so it’s always a pleasure to take my cars out for a drive.
Right now I have a BMW M6, but right after The Open I’m going to look at a Lamborghini – I don’t know if I’m more excited to play The Open or to take the new car!
