LDA: Congratulations on your victory at the Desert Duel. What was the key to capturing your second LDA Tour title?
Brooks: I think that the key for me is staying calm. It is very easy in these events to start swinging the golf club out of my comfort zone. Staying calm and just let it happen is a big thing for me.

LDA: You won the first tour event you ever entered, the 2005 Alpha Classic in Des Moines, in dominating fashion. What did you learn from that experience?
Brooks: That was really the experience of my life. A good friend of mine, Jamie Chandler, had encouraged me to enter a long drive event and the Alpha Classic fit right into my schedule. Jamie helped arm me with 3 SMT drivers and off my parents and I drove on a 18 hour trip to Des Moines. After qualifying for the 64 man field with one of my drivers caved in I was on the tee box in Rd 1 with none other than Jason Zuback. Jason had a bad round and I managed to get my last ball in to advance into round 2. After that I sort of calmed down and had some really good rounds and some of the veterans started coming up and talking to me. The best thing to me that has come from this is the friends I have made and really taking advice from some of the guys that has been through all the trials of long drive.

LDA: Did you ever imagine it would take you three years to grab another tour trophy?
Brooks: You know, that is a good question. Last year I had 4 second place finishes in different events and I really begin to question myself as to when it would happen.

LDA: How difficult is it to win a tour event?
Brooks: I see it getting more and more difficult. For just the 3 years that I have been involved there have been 10 to 15 new guys making finals and winning events. We all know that given the competition and all the variables that go along with long drive you are very fortunate to win an LDA event.

LDA: You appear, among the elite long drive competitors, to use one of the shortest drivers. How long is the shaft? The overall club?
Brooks: Shaft: 46" Overall: LDA 47"

LDA: Why did you settle on that length? Have you used the maximum LDA length (50") driver? What were the results and what convinced you to stay with the shorter club?
Brooks: I have always played a shorter driver. I have tried longer clubs, but it always seemed like the longer clubs was a timing issue for me. The 47 inch club seems to be doing the trick!

LDA: People come into the sport thinking they need a 50" driver to be competitive. What advice would you give newcomers?
Brooks: I think the new guys should always keep the options open to anything. With the technology of todays times and as many different golf swings that are on the LDA tour,everyone is different. I personally, do not think you have to use a 50 inch driver to be competitive.

LDA: What head/shaft did you have in your Desert Duel setup? Do you anticipate making any changes to your setup for the RE/MAX world finals in Mesquite?
Brooks: TaylorMade R7 425 TP 5.5 with the UST Proforce V2 LD4 shaft trimmed to 47"overall. No changes for RE/MAX, this setup is really working well for me now.

LDA: You were runner-up to Mike Dobbyn at the 2007 worlds and now you're the 2008 Desert Duel champion. What does that do for your confidence going into this year's RE/MAX finals?
Brooks: Being runner-up in the World Championship has given me very invaluable experience. Just being on stage, the atmosphere, and the pressure to even hit the ball is a life changing experience. I really try to keep things in perspective and not get ahead of myself. I was given some good advice about making it to the finals and I try to focus on it. Stay calm and don't try to hit the longest ball in every round, just advance until the finals.

LDA: What about that $250,000 first prize this year? Will that change your preparation any for this year's finals?
Brooks: I really don't think it will. Every year I have prepared myself the same. The money I think will hopefully bring more credibility to the sport from outside viewers but my main focus is to hold the title.

LDA: What do you do when you're not competing in long drive?
Brooks: I go through a daily workout in the gym and hit the driving range every day that I am home.

LDA: Do you have a "day" job?
Brooks: No day job.

LDA: Do you keep busy with shows and exhibitions?
Brooks: Yes,I travel a pretty good bit!

LDA: Do you get a chance to play much golf? Do you compete in any mini tour events?
Brooks: I usually play 18 holes 3 to 4 time a week. I tried one mini tour event and lets say for now I am sticking to long drive.

LDA: Did you get the nickname "Big Kountry" on the long drive circuit or did that come with you from back home? Who gave you that handle?
Brooks: In 2005 at Sean Fister's first long drive event, I believe it was Bobby Wilson that started the Big Kountry name and it has stuck with me.

LDA: We understand you're a friend, and occasional golf buddy, of Brett Favre. Any chance he'll be back in a Packers uniform this year? Any chance he'll take up long drive in his retirement?
Brooks: Brett is a very competitive person as you can imagine, from football to having to payoff on a $5.00 bet. It would not suprise me at all to see him in a football uniform again. As for long drive, he is better off doing football because Brett has quit playing.

LDA: Any shout-outs to sponsors or supporters? We look forward to seeing you on the tee in Mesquite in October.
Brooks: First I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to compete in this sport. Thanks to the LDA for giving us the avenue. A great big thanks to TaylorMade-Adidas for their support. There are a lot of people that I would like to thank, but if I started naming names I would leave out one so you know who you are and I thank you for all the advice and support.