SMOOTH DRIVER: FRED COUPLES ON HIS ALL-NEW JAGUAR XJ

Before you ask, yes, the front seats in the all‑new Jaguar XJ are perfect for my aching back. I get the seat heater and massager going, recline the backrest a little and I feel great, writes 15‑time PGA Tour winner, 2011 Presidents Cup Captain and Jaguar ambassador, Fred Couples.

Right now I’m driving a long‑wheelbase XJL Supercharged. It's Black with London Tan leather interior and I absolutely love it. I love the performance from the supercharged engine, the refinement, the silence and the ride is just phenomenal.

Am I a hard driver? On the golf course, obviously. But while I used to collect Mustangs – I had an old ’68 Shelby – these days I’m more of a cruiser. And that’s why the 2011 XJ fits my style. Most of the time I want a car that will drive me, and this car definitely does that.

I also like the exclusivity of the all‑new Jaguar XJ. When you pull into any parking lot, the Jaguar truly stands out. And it’s cool that not everyone can tell what brand the car is from first glance. They see that big, prominent grille and everybody wants to know more about the car. I still get a kick waiting in the valet line, seeing it roll up and watching everyone’s head turn.

I’m thrilled to be working with such an iconic brand as Jaguar. I love the company, I love the people and all around, it’s a great fit. As part of the sponsorship, I get to have the Jaguar ‘leaper’ on my Tour golf bag – which, incidentally fits perfectly in my XJ vehicle's trunk – and get to host a few events.

We did a great event over the Superbowl weekend with around 20 Jaguar dealers. We enjoyed dinner on the Saturday night, watched the game on Sunday, and played golf on Monday. It was all very relaxed – like hanging out with a bunch of friends – and everyone had a fantastic time.

Golf‑wise, I have a pretty busy year ahead. I've played a few tournaments on the PGA Tour this season, most recently playing at The Masters. And of course I've had a blast playing on the Champions Tour thus far. I guess I’ll end up playing 18 or 19 tournaments in total. And The Presidents Cup in Melbourne this November will be here before we know it.

After my hectic traveling schedule, it’s really nice to know that when I get back home, there’s a comfortable and familiar long‑wheelbase XJ waiting for me.