Doug Bybee is one of the most successful amateur golfers ever to come out of Utah. He has won three State Amateur titles (in 1990, '91 and '96), lost in the finals twice and has played in more matches (46) than anyone in history. Although he lives in Atlanta, he returned to play in this year's State Am and found time to sit down with our Mike Sorensen.
Question: So tell us, what are you doing these days?
Answer: I live in Atlanta and work for Mizuno Golf as the national accounts manager. Basically, I'm responsible for all the distribution, pricing, promotion and the marketing activity for all the print media and television. It's similar to what I used to do in the food industry, but now it's golf. It's a great company, family owned, 105 years old. I get back here to Utah three or four times a year.
Question: How do you feel about coming back to play Alpine, the site of one of your biggest wins and toughest losses?
Answer: It's a great place and a great facility. The memories are fantastic. The tough loss (in 1982) was heartbreaking, and then to come back here a few years later (in 1990) and end up winning was kind of fitting. Selfishly, I love this tournament. And it's a good time for me to come back and visit and play golf and do a little bit of everything.
Question: You have the record for the most matches in the history of the State Am. What is the secret to being such a great match player?
Answer: I've had a lot of people ask me that. I'd have to say, the game that I used to play was to par people to death and throw in a few birdies. But the game has changed and these kids make so many birdies and hit it so far, it's harder to do that now. I was never a long hitter, but there is an advantage to hitting first (on approach shots) if you hit it close. So on every hole if you hit it closer, you keep putting pressure on your opponent and it kind of wears them down. Also, I was very consistent. Some people are hot and then they have an off day, but I was always pretty consistent.
Question: Of all the matches you won and all the golf highlights you've had, what stands out to you?
Answer: I think finally winning my first State Amateur. I had lost back-to-back years in the finals (in '81 and '82) and then in the semifinals the next year. But to finally get one — because I never thought I ever would — was the most meaningful just because I had been so close. The others were like the cherry on top of the whipped cream. A lot of very good players never get there. I was very fortunate and lucky to get to the finals five times.
Question: You turn 50 this year. Do you have any aspirations to join the Champions Tour?
Answer: No, no, I'm not going to do that. I'll start playing some senior (amateur) events, but I don't have any desire at all. I'm not na?e enough to think I could make it. I just don't play tournaments any more. This is the first tournament I've played since I played here last year. I have aspirations to jump into a major management role (at Mizuno). I'm going to put golf on the back burner for now and try to work on my career.