Johnson Wagner has enjoyed a long PGA Tour career, collecting three wins between 2008 and 2012.
Now 43 years old, Wagner has become a staple in the golf broadcast arena, working both in-studio and on the course for Golf Channel.
As this week’s Subpar guest, Wagner talked shop with his fellow player-turned-broadcaster Colt Knost and co-host Drew Stoltz, covering everything from how he got into golf TV, why his caddie goes by the nickname Pepsi, and the story behind his magnificent mustache.
One of Wagner’s most entertaining reminiscences, though, was when he shared the story of trying to play high-level golf after — ahem — having a bit too much fun the night before.
“This was probably 10 years ago, eight years ago,” Wagner began. “It was Sunday, I’m kind of in the hunt, for top-10ish. Gambled a little bit, had a few too many beers and I felt terrible on the range that next morning. And I come out there, and there’s this short dude, doesn’t hit it anywhere, overhearing my conversation with my caddie about how terrible I was feeling. And obviously, it was you, Colt. And Colt walked over and he said, deadpan, the most serious face ever: ‘Let me give you one piece of advice: Do not sit down today.’ And you walked away. And I ended up eagling the last hole, finishing eighth.”
According to Wagner, the advice has stood the test of time.
“Still to this day, I never sit on the golf course anymore,” Wagner said. “Because if I sit, I’m toast. Even if I’m not hungover.”
For more from Wagner, including his thoughts on LIV and the PGA Tour’s schedule changes, check out the full interview below.
