Philip Bailey

Lead Singer – Earth, Wind and Fire

By Sam Adams

What’s your handicap?

I’m a 13.

When did the golf bug bite?

I was in Atlantic City, doing nothing before a gig. I thought, if I played golf I could see some amazing country, so I asked my road manager to hook me up with some lessons. From that very first day I’ve never regretted it. The biggest thing I’ve had to do is to forgive myself for not starting earlier.

You grew up in Denver. What’s your favorite Colorado course?

Oh, man. Castle Pines is pretty, and in that thin air you feel like you can really hit the ball a long ways.

What’s the best part of your game?

Mid-irons and hybrids. Any time I have to hit a three iron or four iron, I use hybrids. You can get your club on the ball really nice.

How often do you play?

At least once a week. But with the touring, it’s tough. I’m always taking lessons wherever I am. The game is so darn hard. I spend so much money on it—and so much time at it—that it stinks not to get better.
 
Do you play in celebrity tournaments?

I played in Michael Jordan’s event in the Bahamas last year. (Miami Dolphins defensive end) Jason Taylor was in my foursome. Lord, those ballplayers hit it long! But I’ll tell you someone else who can hit the ball: Kenny G with his itty-bitty self. He can flat-out play.

Ever cross paths with Tiger Woods?

I played in his Target Challenge—saw him on the range and in the gym. But I know how it is when people approach a celebrity, so I didn’t bother him.

What’s your most memorable shot?

At the pro-am in last year’s American Century Celebrity event in Lake Tahoe I hit a magic approach shot just off the green. It felt so good, with all the people looking at me. But my next shot didn’t leave me a stance, so I had to turn the club and flatten it out. That shot was magic. The ball stopped two inches from the hole—with the cameras on me.

What’s more nerve-wracking—playing golf in front of a gallery or singing in front of an audience?

Oh, definitely golf, c’mon! Doing my thing, the audience comes with the territory. But golf…whew.