Broken Joe Golf - You shot a 4 under in the first round of the Winter Classic Golf Championship. At that point did you think you had a chance to be the Champion?

Joe - Chris and Rock were both at 9 under so I knew I that I had my work cut out for me if I wanted to win but I was also happy to be 4 under par in the first round.

Broken Joe Golf - In the 2nd round you shot even par and finished 4th. Were you surprised?

Joe - Surprised? No. I knew where I was and I wasn’t closing the gap on Chris so I knew that I was in trouble throughout the 2nd round. I didn’t know how Rock was doing and, of course, I never expected Matt to shoot a 108, (12 under) in the 2nd round. I don’t think anyone did.

Broken Joe Golf - After week 7, you were the point’s leader and never gave it up. Is there a way to make the points a more important aspect to our golf tournament?

Joe - Last season we saw high handicaps win the top places in the Winter Classic so I think we need something to make people want to win on a weekly basis. Hopefully this will keep the handicaps closer to reality. I think adding a “FEDEX CUP” type point system tied to cash (or something) would make the weekly wins more meaningful. I mean two people shooting 13 under is a crazy number, right?. Of course on the other hand, new golfers will only get better after 30 weeks.

Broken Joe Golf - Your handicap went from 26 in the Winter Classic to 25 in 2016. Are you surprised?

Joe - No, I had been pretty consistent throughout the year. My handicap over the last couple of years has been just over 25. If I want to be a two time champion I need to step up my game and get my handicap lower. I also plan to join the 80s club this year, maybe even the 70s club.

Broken Joe Golf - The trophies were pretty cheesy in 2015. Is there any chance that they will be better in 2016?

Joe - I agree. I needed to pick up the first trophy pretty quick but didn’t realize just how bad it was until I picked it up from the store. Since I had already given out the first “cheesy” trophy, every winner was going to have to get one. We can do better but it will cost each player roughly $5.00 per trophy.

Broken Joe Golf - What changes to your game will you have to make in order to have a chance at being competitive in 2016?

Joe - I have been working hard over the winter in the simulator plus I have been reading the tips in "GOLF" magazine. I am working to create more club head speed because I need to be on the green in two. I am also working hard to make sure I know the distance of each club so that I don’t end up short which just adds extra strokes. You know, being the 2014 WCGC and then coming in fourth in 2015, losing by 11 strokes, has not set well with me. I need to have a good game in 2016 to prove that my championship win was not just a fluke.

Broken Joe Golf - If you had a chance, what rule would you like to see implemented in 2016?

Joe - Probably create a real Competition Committee even though it was pretty funny when the Competition Committee spoke though me. I am going to miss them.

Broken Joe Golf - What was your favorite golf course in 2015?

Joe - Probably Cedar Knob where I should have joined the 80s club. It did seem that I played better when the conditions were less than desirable. With that said, I do enjoy playing all of the different courses throughout the year.

Broken Joe Golf - Who do you think has the best chance to being the Winter Classic Gold Champion in 2016?

Joe - Of course I think that I have the best chance. I’ve worked hard over the winter and I’ve won before so there’s no reason to think that I cannot do it again.

Broken Joe Golf - Who would be 2nd in your opinion?

Joe - Chris would be my second choice. He really came to play at the Winter Classic last year. I think that after tying last year he will have something to prove. Of course that didn’t work so well for Dan in 2015. And following in Matty Ice’s footsteps, I would also like to leave my fellow competitors with a famous quote…

“I”LL BE BACK”