We sat down with Joseph Bramlett to learn a little more about the Team Eastside’s new PGA TOUR athlete. Everything from his favorite club, golf superstitions and how he fuels himself on the course. Check out what we learned.
1. What would you say are the biggest strengths of your golf game?
My biggest strength has always been my ball striking. I’ve got a lot of speed off the tee, and I can move the ball pretty far – which usually gives me an edge. My iron play tends to be very consistent too, so I can set myself up well.
2. What’s your favorite club in the bag?
It’s got to be my lob wedge. I love chipping – it’s hands down my favorite part of the game. It was my favorite part to practice growing up, and I still feel that way. I love the creativity around the greens – different spins, different lies, figuring out how the ball is going to come out.
And every now and then, when you’re close enough, the ball disappears into the hole. There’s just something magical about that moment. It all comes together – the shot, the feel, the result.
3. Do you have any go-to snacks on the course?
I usually keep a couple of macro protein bars with me. Some beef jerky too. And depending on how hungry I am, I might dig into something my caddie’s carrying. I tend to eat a lot during a round — got to keep the energy up.
4. What are your top five favorite courses you’ve ever played?
Pebble Beach is always number one. I grew up in Northern California, so it was just a two-hour drive. The history, the moments — it’s special. I played my first U.S. Open there.
Second would be the Old Course at St. Andrews. I played there when I was 14, as part of a Junior Ryder Cup-type event. It’s been way too long since I’ve been back, but that experience sticks with me.
Third is Torrey Pines. If Pebble’s my 1A, Torrey is my 1B. I played Junior World there a bunch, and it suits my game – long, big and rewards good ball striking. Plus, playing on the beach in La Jolla? Hard to beat that.
Fourth, I’ve got to include San Jose Country Club. That’s my home course – just a little 6,200-yard par-70 track, but it’s where I fell in love with the game.
And fifth, I’ll go with Stanford Golf Course – my college home. So many great memories there. That rounds it out.
5. Who's in your dream foursome?
I’ve got to throw in my boy Maverick McNealy. We play together almost every Tuesday out on TOUR, and he’s one of my best friends. Then let’s add Jack Nicklaus. We’ll make it a three for now — I feel like I’d be leaving someone out if I picked four, but that would be a dream group.
6. Do you carry anything special in your golf bag?
Yeah, I’ve got a little bag tag with a cartoon of my grandfather on it. My sister made it for me a few years ago for my birthday. He’s always been a big supporter of mine – and not afraid to give me a little kick in the butt when I need it. Other than that, I keep it pretty light so my caddie doesn’t hate me. Snacks, golf balls, and always some gum. I start every round with gum – helps relieve the nervous energy in those first few holes.
7. Any superstitions on the course?
Always three quarters in my left pocket. I’m not totally sure why — I started doing it in college, played well, and just stuck with it. There have been a few times when someone’s asked for a quarter on the first hole, and I’ve hesitated. Like, do I mess with the juju? Also, I’ve had eight holes-in-one in my career – and the first five were all with number three golf balls. So, maybe that’s where the “three” thing started. But yeah, I’m sticking with it. We can’t break the rhythm now.