Interviews
2006 Golf King of the Jungle
Melvin Porter | Maryland
The 2006 King of the Jungle for Fantasy Golf was Melvin Porter. He had a few minutes to sit down and talk with us about his championship season.
FJ: Tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from, how old are you, what do you do for a living, family, etc?
MP: I'll turn 51 this month. I live in Maryland with my wife and two boys. I've been married for twenty-two years. Seems we've been trying to wean the boys (ages 23 & 18) forever. Any suggestions appreciated. My work involves the Hubble Space Telescope.
FJ: How long have you been playing fantasy sports, and how did you get started? What is the story behind your team names?
MP: Ive been playing in the FJ since 2004. A lady friend of mine, as a name suggested Skip4Play. Sandbaggers is simply what my golf buddies are. They lie a lot about their handicaps.
FJ: Who are your favorite pro sports teams?
MP: The O's, Ravens, Caps, any team versus the Yankees.
FJ: How much time do you normally spend preparing for your fantasy teams each week?
MP: I spend a couple of hours a week with my golf picks. I don't spend nearly that much time with football, and my current football record shows it.
FJ: What were the key highlights that helped you become the King of The Jungle in Golf this season?
MP: That should read, The First Golf King of the Jungle! The money wont last, but the title will. The key to my season was Geoff Ogilvy and Phil Mickelson finishing 1st and 2nd at the U.S. Open. Also, Tiger getting hot. Basically, being in first place causes one to enter the week asking, who do I not want to beat me??
FJ: What strategies did you have going into this season, and did you stick with them?
MP: The strategy was to ride the Aussies. Having seen Ogilvy, Appleby and Scott play; there is little doubt that they're going to be a force for sometime.
FJ: Where did you hear about the Fantasy Jungle?
MP: I couldn't count on having enough people at work interested in playing fantasy each year. My older son stumbled upon your site in 04 while I was looking for an alternative.
FJ: What has your experience been like in the Fantasy Jungle compared to other contests out there?
MP: You're the only on-line contest I play. Hey, I know you pay on time!
FJ: When did you start feeling that you had a realistic chance to win the whole thing?
MP: Following the U.S. Open.
FJ: We have a unique format that differs from a lot of other contests. What is your favorite thing about Fantasy Jungle Golf?
MP: I'd have to say the 1.5 x earnings for the Majors. It allowed me to go from third to first.
FJ: What would you like to say to the rest of your fellow contestants in regards to the contest?
MP: Get your golf buddies involved. There is nothing more exciting than a four-foot putt with money on the line. Know what I mean?
FJ: Who are your favorite golfers?
MP: Wow, what I wouldn't give to have Fred's (Couples) touch and Tiger's (Woods) power. Well, perhaps in another life.
FJ: How many different fantasy teams do you have and how many contests do you play in?
MP: Currently, I have two football teams (Skip4Play, Sir IOALOT). I play everything except regular season baseball. My plate is pretty full in summer with both playing and watching golf.
FJ: Do your friends and family think you are nuts for playing fantasy, or do they understand it?
MP: Since I won, I'm a damn genius! My wife heads upstairs Sunday afternoons and leaves the big screen to the guys. She's a keeper!
FJ: What other interests do you have outside fantasy sports?
MP: I love golf. I carry a 7 handicap. Our priest nearly collapsed from laughter when I described golf as, the closest thing to confession outside of church. The ball knows all.
FJ: What advice would you give to anyone that considers playing in this particular contest next season?
MP: When picking your least expensive players, don't overlook journeymen such as Frank Lickliter II. With 19 cuts made and 7 top tens, he deserves Comeback Player of the Year.
FJ: What advice would you give to anyone considering playing in the Fantasy Jungle?
MP: Come on in, I can use the money.
FJ: Lastly, and the most fun question, how do you plan on spending your prize winnings?
MP: Pay off the American Express. I never leave home without it.