Interview With Joshua R. Doxtator Head Golf Professional/Golf Operations Manager BlueStar Resort and Golf

Below is an interview with Joshua R. Doxtator Head Golf Professional/Golf Operations Manager BlueStar Resort and Golf. He moved to Arizona after college in 2004 and started his career in golf at the Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia. He entered the PGA PGM program in May of 2005 and was elected to Membership in December 2010. Over the past 8 years he has developed numerous player development programs at the club and all have become a great success. His goal is to leave a legacy and be as uncommon as possible through innovative and industry leading programs.

The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.

When did you start golfing and who introduced you do the game?
I started golfing at 3 but really got into it around the age of 5. I started playing competitively at 8 and played in numerous PGA Junior Championships; several National events and local championships. I never had a lesson growing up but learned everything from my Father and Grandfather. One of the earliest memories I have is begging my Dad to take me with him when he went to play. I remember riding on his pull cart late in the round and even falling asleep on the bag, I just wanted to be around the game.

What is your current home course?
I am currently managing the golf operation and instructing at the Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia in Peoria, AZ.

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
I think being on the cover of Golf Business Magazine in July has been a highlight in my career. Remember, I'm only 29 so I know bigger things are to come. I have had the opportunity to do so much and see so much through this exceptional game, I am blessed.

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course?
I'm not a picky guy but I think what irritates me the most is the "delusional" golfer. This golfer knows that if he pures his 3 wood he can get home in two but he's actually "pured" his 3 wood only 4 times in his life and they all came on the range...my advice, "HIT."

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
This is a toss up, but I must say my putter. I consider myself as being one of the best putters in the world and most days I confirm that thought!

What is your favorite golf destination?
I have fond memories of Myrtle Beach so it's always a great choice. Otherwise Hilton Head is exceptional, laid back, great golf and good weather....usually.

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet?
CYPRESS!!!

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play?
Bethpage, definitely Bethpage.

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why?
I would change what is considered par. So many golfers get caught up on this number that it inhibits them from playing their best. Instead of worrying about a bogie or double just play without par in mind, the less strokes the better. It's kind of like bowling, you want a strike but would be happy with striking 9 pins and picking up the spare. When we focus less on score and more on each shot and the goal for that shot we can open doors and scores we never thought possible.

Dream foursome (living)?
Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro...Nicklaus and Palmer would keep me in the game but Pacino and DeNiro would make me laugh.

Dream foursome (living or dead)?
My Grandfather, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan...

18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions

1) Hitting Long Drive OR Sinking Long Putt?
Always making the putt, length is fine but nothing beats holing the ball.

2) Having Round of Life OR Hole in One?
Have to be round of a lifetime...like 58 or something stupid. Hole in One's have so much luck involved...58's don't.

3) Golfing at the crack of dawn OR twilight?
Twilight, nobody to worry about, can work on your game and enjoy the sunset.

4) Hit a power fade OR power draw?
I can hit the fade all day but sometimes the draw turns into a snapper...got to be the power draw

5) Beverage cart OR halfway house?
Beverage Cart without a doubt, halfway houses slow play especially if the attendant is attractive. Do these guys really think they have a shot!?

6) Bathroom OR bushes?
I'm old school, I prefer bushes but it's hard in Arizona...developments and rattlesnakes!

7) Hot dog OR wrap?
Wrap, I'm on a health kick right now

8) Around the green, being in sand OR thick rough?
Sand, easy to spin it and get it close if not in

9) Walking OR riding?
I would love to walk but it seems to be going away, in Arizona anyway...most holes are not close in proximity so it makes it tough

10) Do you carry traditional 3 iron OR hybrid?
Hybrid, technology...use it!

11) Do you prefer long par 3 OR long par 5?
Par 5, gives me more opportunities to recover if I hit an errant shot, only get one chance on the par 3

12) Pants OR Shorts?
Pants, keep it classy

13) Palmer OR Nicklaus?
Nicklaus, really tough one

14) Beatles OR Elvis?
Beatles, definitely Beatles

15) Play for fun OR play for money? Always money or something that causes the 4 footers to look like 15 footers...something has to make you grind

16) Bump and run OR flop shot?
Bump and run, balls don't go in when they're in the air

17) Lay up OR gamble?
GAMBLE, always...unless your up by 3 and there's a lot on the line!

18) 18 holes OR 36?
36...always play as much as possible. I play 100 holes each year for charity and my personal best so far is 2 under par, 398. It takes around 13 hours but its worth it!