WATCH: Doeren Talks Golf, Football

NC State head coach Dave Doeren discussed a wide range of topics surrounding the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Challenge golf tournament, respective charities and the upcoming football season.

Why did you want to play in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl challenge?
The atmosphere, the way they treat everybody, it’s been a great trip for my wife as well. The chance to raise money for our charity, special needs for the Wake County schools. It’s a great opportunity to roll a bunch of things into one for a really good cause.

How important is it to give back to the university and give it to the kids?
Any time I can give something back to NC State, it’s good for the university. It’s hard to raise dollars these days, it’s a great deal the Chick-Fil-A puts on.

What is the camaraderie like with the other coaches?
Coaching is a fraternity, there’s a lot of brotherhood in it. Occasionally we get a hang out like this with no competitive spirit until we have the match play. It’s a lot of fun to be around them and also hangout with their wives. A lot of times you don’t get to see that side of them and for our wives to interact together it’s a nice opportunity.

How much football discussion is there?
Yeah I would say there’s more away from it. There’s a few topics that come up but that’s not something I’m looking to do down here.

When does the competitive spirit start on the golf course?
I would say it’s the minute we get over there. I’m not going to go up on the range to have fun, I don’t like hitting balls on the range. I’ve played one time since last July so I’ve got to get my game right here today and be ready for Tuesday. We’ve been in second place two years in a row so we’re trying to take the next step, raise a little bit more money.

What are you thinking about on the course?
One hole at a time, I don’t go there. The leaderboards not posted, try to make the next shot and see if you can make a putt, make up for the last hole.

What’s the football equivalent to a bogey in terms of disappointment?
A bogey is a bad in a scramble. To be down by 21 and have a bogey, you can’t have a bogey in a scramble.

Is it like a tight game and you have a punt return go against you?
It’s not the end all, be all. You have to get an eagle or something to even it out but it’s definitely the last thing you need in a tournament like this.

What’s the football equivalent to a eagle?
Definitely a pick-6 or a sack-fumble, scoop and score, some type of big momentum swing like that.

What’s your approach on the 18th hole?
It depends on how I’m hitting the ball. If I have trust in my driver then I’ll hit it the way I always do, if not then I’ll try to stay out of trouble because it’s hard to get on in two if you don’t hit a good first shot.

First concert you ever attended.
Van Halen. 1984.

Favorite cereal?
Life.

What do you eat for breakfast?
Fruit, usually an apple.

Do you have a dog or cat?
Two dogs. Murphy and Jackie.

Where do the names come from?
I don’t really know. Murphy is my favorite Irish beer but that might not be why it was picked because I have three kids that were a part of the decision.

If your office is on fire, what’s one thing you are saving from the office?
A plaque that was given to me by my grandfather when I was 18.

What does it say or signify?
It’s a word that I was asked to define myself when I was trying to go to the Naval Academy and somebody asked me what one word defines you and I said persistent. So my grandfather bought me a Woodrow Wilson with that poem that he wrote.

So it’s pretty special to me, I’m sure I could buy another plaque but he’s passed away now so the fact that he gave it to me, I’d keep that.