Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
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absolutely uncanny ability to totally blank out the last shot." What do you think is your best attribute golf-wise? LD: I would say the determination to never give up. Even if I'm playing poorly, I look to just get something out of it. It only takes one shot to get you back on track. Even if I am 15 shots out of the lead, I feel like if I can finish off strong, that's going to set me up well for the next event. TD: Talk about what it means to you to play the Ryder Cup in Chicago, the first time it's held in Illinois. LD: It's unique, playing for a European team but also being a local boy. I'm extremely excited about having it in Chicago, and I think the people and the city are, too. It's everything I love about golf. The atmosphere from the first hole to the 18th hole is just electrifying; it's very nerve-racking, but it's great to play for a team with that pride on the line. Being in Chicago is going to be extra special just because I am so familiar with the area, and I'll hopefully have a few of my family and friends supporting me. TD: Will you stay at home or with your teammates? LD: That week is all about team bonding. We'll be at the hotel in the team room every night; it's a very busy week. It'll be strange staying in a hotel 20 miles away from where I live, but it's better for the team, and I wouldn't have it any other way. TD: Will you have time to show them the city? LD: I'm hoping that on Sunday night when it's over—that's the best part, both teams come together and celebrate—we can make our way downtown and enjoy the city. TD: Tell us about some of the charities you've gotten involved in since you settled in Chicago. Black wool peacoat, Ralph Lauren Black Label ($2,695). 750 N. Michigan Ave., 312-280-1655; ralphlauren.com Styling by Justin Min Grooming by Sherri Celis for ArtistsbyTimothyPriano.com "I feel at home in Chicago.... The people are friendly, and I love being a part of the city." TD: You recently introduced a line of wine; how did you get started with this project? LD: I met Bill Terlato [of Terlato Wines International] in college; he was taking lessons from my coach, and we ended up playing quite a bit of golf together. Through our relationship I learned a lot more about wine, and he got a few free golf lessons. Three or four years ago we decided to do a wine together, but for me it wasn't just about lending my name. I wanted to be actively involved with it, so we went over to Napa and did all the blending. I had a particular taste, flavor, style, and varietal that I wanted to explore, and we worked together on how the bottle was going to look, who it's going to appeal to, and so on. TD: You really got involved. LD: That was the point—to come out with a product I'd be proud of, drink a lot myself, and be proud that other people would enjoy. TD: Gary Player's son Wayne once told me, "My dad had an 100 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM LD: I just got involved in Ronald McDonald House Charities. They're doing such great work to give a home for families who have traveled from all over the world. I also have a good relationship with The First Tee; the last four years I've done a wine tasting event downtown and raised some great money and helped the Chicago chapter really stay alive. The organization helps kids learn some of life's lessons through golf. I like what The First Tee stands for, which is teaching core values to these kids who don't have great lives, but they are given a lot more opportunities to go from there. TD: What's your favorite Chicago sports team to watch? LD: My favorite experience is Wrigley. I just love sitting around, having a few hours with some friends. But my favorite team to keep up with is the Bulls. When I was in college the Bulls had just won some championships and were doing tremendously well, and I've gotten to know Michael Jordan quite well, so there's a relationship. TD: You've been in Chicago for several years. Do you feel like a local? LD: I do. I'll always consider myself British, but I feel at home in Chicago. I've been here 15 years now—almost as long as the time I spent in England— and I know my way around the town and have a lot of family and friends here. The people are friendly, and I love being a part of the city. TD: One last question before we sign off, Luke. What tip would you give amateur Chicago golfers waiting through the winter for golf weather to return? LD: You can actually get a lot better by just swinging a club in front of a mirror. There are indoor driving ranges; you can go and see your local pro and get lessons indoors. Or, just put your clubs away. Sometimes that's the best recipe. Enjoy Chicago's restaurants, have some glasses of wine, and pick it up when the sun comes out in May. MA