WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Jimmy Walker owns three top-five finishes on the Old White TPC worth nearly $900,000.
But what’s most attractive to him about the Greenbrier?
“The long, giant hallways,” he joked.
Walker has a 4-year-old son and another 16-month-old who are on the move upon rounding every corner of the resort hotel.
“Anything with carpet and long runways they love, because running is fun,” he said.
Walker has made his own fun at the Greenbrier, tying for second at 11-under last year after consecutive fourth-place finishes in 2011 and 2010.
His only dry trip was a missed cut in 2012, but it would be a shock if Walker wasn’t around for the weekend this time. He’s ranked 17th in the world and perched atop the FedEx Cup rankings after posting three PGA Tour victories this season.
The 35-year-old Walker has earned more than $4.9 million this season, ranking second behind Bubba Watson.
“I’m playing with bigger names and guys who have been winning on the tour, so the galleries are a little bigger,” Walker said. “I’m not going to say they’re bigger for me, but I get more congratulations and we’re-pulling-for-you’s than there ever has been.
“It’s definitely more electric when you play well.”
He shot 9-under and 2011 and was 15-under in 2010 only to finish six strokes behind Stuart Appleby. Walker was among the favorites this year even before Jason Day pulled out with a thumb injury.
“You need to make some birdies and get the putter rolling,” Walker said. “I played with Stuart Appleby when he shot 59 on Sunday and it sure seemed like everybody out there was making a lot of putts.”
After placing ninth at the U.S. Open, Walker tied for second at the CVS Caremark Charity Classic two weeks ago.
Momentum is key,” he said. “The last three or four events I’ve played really well and would to carry that over. I’ve rally enjoyed this place, so I’m looking forward to playing here.”
Meanwhile, his kids will enjoy the long hallways and the resort pool, though some of the amenities are off-limits.
“Falconry and my 16-month-old, I’m not sure it quite fits,” Walker said. “Maybe down the road.”