Sure, you know Javier Colon as the winner of the inaugural season of NBC’s hit show The Voice. But, what you might not know is that when Colon isn’t working on his music, it’s a pretty safe bet you will find him at the golf course working on his game.

Yes, like so many of us, Colon is a bona fide golf fanatic.

[quote_box_center]“My first exposure was in 2002 when a producer friend of mine took me out to a short par-3 course while I was out in California working on my first record for Capitol records,” says Colon, whose best round is a 1-under 71 back in 2005 at Woodley Lakes Golf Club in Van Nuys, Calif. “We went out that one day and I hit one good shot. After the round, I bought a set of golf clubs on the spot and went back to that same course the following 29 out of 30 days. I had the bug bad!”[/quote_box_center]

Colon has been spending much more time in the studio than at the practice range lately as he finishes up his new album, “Gravity,” which is slated for release by Concord Music Group in early September.

[quote_box_center]“My game is bad right now,” Colon says. “I haven’t had much time to play so every time I get out, I’m searching/tweaking/tinkering with a swing that’s just not repeatable right now. It’s OK though. I know if I played more I could dial some things in but for now, family and career come first.”[/quote_box_center]

Colon says that once he heads out on the road touring to promote his new album, he’ll probably get to play everyday. In fact, his hotels on tour are selected based upon where he and his band mates want to play, he says. 

[quote_box_center]“Because I have some good friends in the golf world, I’ve been very lucky to play some amazing courses while I’m traveling,” Colon says. “So I’ll golf during the day, do a show at night, and then some poker afterward. It makes for a great day on the road.”[/quote_box_center]

I talked with Colon recently about his music, his passion for the game, the natural relationship between golf and music, dealing with frustration, being recognized on the course, crazy autograph seekers, and much more.

JL: What’s in your bag right now?

JC: I’m very thankful to be on staff with Nike Golf so everything in my bag, including the bag, is Nike. I’ve got the new Nike Vapor Pro Combo irons 4-PW, 2 Hybrid, 3W, 5W, Driver, Method Putter, 54 and 60 degree wedges.

JL: Why have golf and music always been a natural fit together?

JC: Golf and music go really well together. I do a lot of charity golf outings where we play golf and then we do a concert for everyone. It’s a great way to bring people together for a great cause. I also think musicians and golfers get along really well because our lives can be similar in some ways. When you’re starting out as a musician, you have to grind it out and live from paycheck to paycheck trying to get noticed or trying to get on a show or tour that will get you exposure. Golfers sometimes have a similar situation when starting out. They need a sponsor to help them or they need to play well on a smaller tour in order to make it by. Both are just trying to live the dream and it’s a hard road.

JL: Favorite golf movie?

JC: Caddyshack for sure. Happy Gilmore is a close second though.

JL: Favorite courses?

JC: Pebble Beach, Olympic Club, Pinehurst No. 2.

JL: Favorite musician of all time?

JC: Shoot. If I had to pick one, it would have to be James Taylor. His music changed my life. I play the guitar differently and write songs differently because of him.

JL: Favorite song of all time?

JC: That’s a tough one. I would say impossible because it changes for me. I’ll give you my favorite song right now. “Jealous” by Labrinth. He’s from the UK and this song is brilliant. There is so much emotion when he sings it. You’ve got to check it out.

JL: How do you handle the frustration the game of golf brings?

JC: My demeanor is pretty chill, kinda how I always am. If I hit a bad shot, I’ll kinda yell at myself, but I’ve never been a club thrower. I hate that. I’m not good enough to expect that I’m going to hit every shot how I want to. You’re gonna have some good days and bad days so I don’t let it get to me.

JL: How often are you recognized when out on the course?

JC: It depends on the day. I can go a while without getting recognized and then I’ll get recognized five times in a row. I guess it depends on where I am and who I’m with. When I’m out on the road I like to play the morning of a show because I love getting some peace and quiet before going to the venue for sound check. It never bothers me if I get recognized especially on the golf course. People are always friendly and I like meeting people so it’s never a bother. It comes with the territory.

JL: Who are some of your music golf friends and how often do you get together for a round?

JC: There are a bunch of musician golfers I do various events with every year. Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Josh Kelley, Steve Azar, Colt Ford, Branford Marsalis, Adam Levine, to name a few. I actually got Adam his first set of golf clubs. When The Voice was over, I had my Nike guys get him a staff bag with his name on it and clothes, shoes, clubs, the works. It was awesome.

JL: Why are you passionate about golf?

JC: I love that any day you get out there you could shoot your best round ever. Usually I’ll think that and then hook it OB off the first tee so I try not to think about it much. But it’s always a possibility.

JL: What is the most frustrating thing about the game?

JC: Inconsistency. I feel like if I have enough time to work on a few key things, I could really play well again. I’m a streaky player right now. I could make four pars in a row and then make a triple followed by two doubles. I’m a good partner to have for a member/guest because my handicap is high but I can make some pars here and there. I’ll make some triples too though. Hopefully my partner has me covered on those holes.

JL: What’s the weirdest autograph request you’ve ever gotten?

JC: I guess when people ask me to sign their bodies. I mean, you’re gonna just wash it off right? One kid who was at a festival I played at asked me to sign his forehead. He was about 10-11 years old. I told him to go get his parents and if they said that it was OK, then I would, but I couldn’t do it without her their permission. Imagine your kid walking back to the group with a signature on his face. Nope! Wasn’t gonna do it. I’ve had some other requests to sign on people that weren’t as innocent. I’ve always declined.

JL: Who is rounding out your dream foursome and where are you playing?

JC: Hmmm. If we put presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush Jr. together, that would make for a really entertaining round of golf. We’d have to play Augusta or Cypress. Haven’t played either yet but I’m working on it.

JL: Coolest person you’ve ever played golf with?

JC: I played with Bubba Watson a couple years ago at the Travelers Championship here in Connecticut after he won the Masters. It was incredible. He was really nice and it was just awesome to watch him play right in front of you.

JL: Coolest musician you’ve ever performed with?

JC: I got a chance to do a tribute to Stevie Wonder with Michael McDonald and Darius Rucker a few years back. Stevie got up and sang with us. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

JL: Where do you want to be in 10 years?

JC: I just want to be doing what I’m doing now. Writing songs, making albums, performing around the world, and expanding my fan base. That’s what I’d like to be doing for the next 50 years.