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Interview with John Hoskison, author of No Hiding in The Open

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The book is about my journey to make it as successful golf pro on the European PGA Tour.  At first I really struggled on the ‘Rock and Roll’ tour and encountered some very embarrassing moments; topping shots in front of Seve Ballesteros, shanking in front of Sandy Lyle and almost killing Greg Norman with a monumental slice!  Eventually I found success but the journey was tough and quite humorous.  In the days when coaches didn’t exist, young players would literally try anything.

You played golf with Seve Ballesteros?! And Greg Norman? You’d better tell us who you are.
As a young man I dreamed of making it on the golf tour.  Through trying many different, sometimes ludicrous things, I managed to build a swing I could trust which led to eventual success. My crowning glory was leading Europe in the PGA Cup matches.  But one day I made a terrible mistake which I wrote about in the book Inside

Over the last few years I have written several bestselling books, I have spoken at many schools, currently to over 80,000 pupils, and occasionally I compete in tournaments.  The Seniors British Open is at Royal Birkdale this year and I’m debating whether to enter!

We interviewed you about Inside. For anyone who has not yet read that book, would you advise that they read this one first?
No Hiding in The Open allows the reader to understand my character.  In many respects I use what I learned on tour to help me through the hard times.  To achieve success on the golf course you have to be able to take life’s ups and downs. It’s a prequel to Inside although it is set in the golfing world.

So what genre is this?
Sports biography.

We love to play a little golf every now and again, but have stopped dreaming of becoming the next Tiger Woods.  Is there anything in this book for us? Who is this book aimed at?
The book is aimed at anyone interested in sport and anyone who longs to achieve something which initially seems impossible.   The book’s about dedication and perseverance.

Seve Ballesteros was a hero of ours. What was he like? Tell us something about the top golf superstars.
Ballesteros was a magician on the course and the hero of any young pro on tour.  He had so much charisma he used to make me nervous just taking the lift with him to the breakfast room!  The top players command so much respect it’s difficult to relax in their company, but after travelling with them and practicing next to them, they eventually become human. 

We’re curious, what’s the difference between a very, very good golfer and a pro?
A pro is more capable of controlling the ball under pressure.

Do you have one, simple tip that would improve the game of the average casual golfer?
Start the downswing smoothly.

The tabloids and gossip columns are full of the exploits of other professional sportsmen, but – with the exception of Tiger – you never hear anything about golfers. Are pro golfers really just a bunch of boring choirboys?
When I first went on tour I couldn’t believe the partying that went on but nowadays pros are much more responsible.  That’s understandable when you realise they might have to compete at 7am!  When they are at home they are like any other young men relaxing.  They are definitely not choirboys!

Do you have a website? How can we follow you on social media?
Johnhoskisongolf.com and my Twitter account is @hoskison51.

What’s next?
I’m currently writing a follow up to my novel Name and Number which has done very well.  In the future I plan to write a follow up to Inside.

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