Adrian Meronk: “I broke my wedge across my back and put it back in the bag”

Adrian Meronk, who holed the winning putt for Continental Europe in the 2023 Hero Cup, bares his sould to Today's Golfer.

DP World Tour star Adrian Meronk missed out on a spot in Europe’s Ryder Cup team for Rome, but he’d still choose holing the winning putt in a future event over winning a Major.

We caught up with the Polish star and three-time DP World Tour winner for our ‘Bare My Soul’ feature, discussing everything from playing with Tiger Woods at St Andrews and chasing a PGA Tour card, to embarrassing moments and why he’s got one eye on the Olympics next year…

What was your first job?

A golfer! I never had any other job because I turned pro straight after college.

What would have been your fallback option if golf hadn’t worked out?

I would definitely have played another sport, either volleyball, football or basketball. Most likely volleyball.

What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve had on the golf course?

Hitting an air shot in South Africa. My ball was up against a tree and I tried to hit it left-handed and missed the ball completely. That wasn’t great.

Have you ever had a shank during a competition?

I have, yes. A couple of times from a bunker. There was one in my first DP World Tour Championship last year. It stayed on the green, it was a safe shank!

What’s the hardest day you’ve ever had on the golf course?

Probably playing the Alfred Dunhill last year at Carnoustie. It was seven or eight degrees, the rain was super heavy, and the wind must have been 50 kilometers per hour. I ended up shooting one under. Only four people broke par, so that was a great result.

When was the last time you broke a golf club in anger?

On the Challenge Tour in Sweden in 2018. It was funny because my dad was caddieing for me. I hit a bad shot with a pitching wedge and broke it across my back. I put it straight back in the bag and my dad never even realised.

When were you last starstruck?

Probably meeting Tiger Woods on Tuesday at The Open last year. He was on the putting green and I plucked up the courage to ask him for a picture. The next day we played nine holes together. I didn’t really know what to say, but he gave me a lot of advice on how to play the course. He was very kind to me.

Who’s the most famous person in your phonebook?

Either Luke Donald or Jerzy Dudek, the ex-Liverpool keeper.

At 6ft 6in, have you played with anyone who is taller than you?

I think I’ve played with two players taller than me. Sebastian Heisele (also 6ft 6in) and Jonathan Thomson (6ft 9in).

Have you had to make many adjustments to your game because of your height?

It’s always a struggle with my short game and wedges, being that tall. The last three years I spent a lot of time improving that.

Where’s your favorite city to play golf?

I really enjoyed playing in Melbourne recently. We played Victoria and Kingston Heath, but I know there are plenty more in the area which are highly rated.

Which course would you like to see host the Ryder Cup in the future?

I’d go for Valderrama.

If LIV Golf came calling, would you consider joining?

At this point in my career, I’m happy where I am. I am just focused on making it to the PGA Tour and playing in the Ryder Cup and the Majors.

As the best golfer in Poland, how much of a focus is representing your country at the 2024 Olympics?

I already played in Tokyo, which was amazing. I absolutely love the Olympic Games. To be able to represent Poland in Tokyo, staying in the village, it was a dream come true, so I’m looking forward to Paris.

What would you prefer to do: Win a Major or hole the winning putt in the Ryder Cup?

Oh wow… probably winning the Ryder Cup. It’s a different kind of pressure and the team environment is really special.

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About the author

Michael Catling – Features Editor

Michael is an award-winning journalist who specializes in golf’s Majors and Tours, including DP World, PGA, LPGA, and LIV.

He joined Today’s Golfer in 2016 and has traveled the world to attend the game’s biggest events and secure exclusive interviews with dozens of Major champions, including Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Gary Player, and Justin Thomas.

Michael uses a Ping G driver, Ping G 3-wood, Ping G Crossover 3-iron, Ping G Series irons (4-PW), Ping Glide wedges (52º, 56º, 60º), TaylorMade MySpider Tour Putter, and Srixon AD333 golf ball.

Get in touch with Michael via email and follow him on X (formerly Twitter).