Furyk & Friends: Brett Quigley comes to Timuquana filled with good vibes from 2023 victory

Brett Quigley brings a sore hip but good feelings to the Constellation Furyk & Friends this week.

The defending champion said he will do what it takes to get ready for each day as he defends his 2023 title, won with four gutsy pars to close out a final-round 71 at the Timuquana Country Club to beat Steven Alker by one shot.

His only regret is that treatment for a hip labrum issue involves not grinding as much as he would like.

“I’m doing [physical therapy] stuff every day,” he said on Wednesday at Timuquana of his trips to the PGA Tour Champions therapists. “I’ve already hit some, done an hour with the guys, rest, try to hit a few more this afternoon. That’s been the frustrating part in the last three months. Haven’t been able to practice like I want to.”

Quigley had to withdraw from his last attempted start, the Sanford International, the second time he’s had to withdraw this season because of pain in his hip. He’s still managed a couple of impressive outings this summer, a tie for 10th at the Ally Challenge and a tie for 21st at the Kaulig Companies Championship.

Furyk & Friends fan guide: How to arrive, how to enjoy PGA Tour Champions event

“I need to spend the time I need to feel like I’m mentally and physically ready,” he said. “When I’m physically ready, then I know I mentally can accept that, hey, whatever happens, happens.’ It’s just frustrating not to have the physical part because it just affects everything.”

Quigley said he’s planning on surgery after the PGA Tour Champions stop in Little Rock, Ark., later this month, then six weeks of rest.

Brett Quigley’s Uncle Dana had his thoughts

He’s also considered some old-school advice from his uncle, Dana Quigley, who won 11 times on the PGA Tour Champions and still plays almost every day at the age of 77.

“I skipped Pebble Beach two weeks ago and he called me every day to give me a hard time,” Brett Quigley said. “‘How could you possibly skip? I don’t care if you’re hurt. Take more Advil and get in there and toughen up.’ He gives me a hard time because I’ve only won twice. Got a long way to go to catch him.”

Brett Quigley rallied after late double-bogey

Quigley had a three-shot lead with five holes to play last year at Timuquana, then double-bogeyed the par-3 14th hole. He parred out, a steady performance under pressure in which he takes great pride.

“I remember being in control and having a three-shot lead and all of a sudden it was a one-shot lead,” he said. “I was like, ‘oh, gosh, what just happened?’ Overall just great memories of the week and obviously making that putt on the last hole meant a lot.”

Brett Quigley loves Donald Ross courses

Quigley’s victory came after two ties for 19th in 2021 and 2022. He said Timuquana is similar to many of the Donald Ross courses he grew up playing in New England such as the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, where he resides.

“[Timuquana] has similar areas around the greens where your short game has to be pretty darn good,” he said. ” I think growing up at Rhode Island Country Club … Brad Faxon grew up there; great short game. Billy Andrade grew up there; great short game. I grew up playing there; pretty good short game. This has a lot of similar feel to that growing up, and really need a useful short game. It saves you a lot out here.”

Where can fans get Furyk & Friends tickets?

The Furyk & Friends competitive rounds will begin Friday, with gates open at 8 a.m. Tickets are available at constellationfurykandfriends.com.

Among the players are Charles Schwab Cup points leader and four-time major champion Ernie Els, two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen, two-time major winner John Daly, tournament host Jim Furyk and two-time Players Championship winner Fred Couples.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Brett Quigley feels right at home on Donald Ross-designed golf courses