What is Justin Timberlake Really Like?

That's the number one question I got when I came back from interviewing Justin Timberlake at a golf event. Actually, he is really nice (even when his PR rep warned him that I was quote "the last one" he joked and said "okay" sarcastically--check the video) I didn't get a roll of the eyes or a deep sigh, instead the weary JT (his eyes were so red and tired) answered my questions and would have kept going if not for a tap on my shoulder.

After me, he had about a dozen "meet and greets" on the side and had no problem signing autographs and taking pictures with the kids brought by whoever was connected enough to get that kind of one on one time.

He is not very tall but I am a terrible judge of height. I mean I go from interviewing the Knicks' David Lee then Jets RB Leon Washington and the Mets' Carlos Beltran who is somewhere in between the other two. My point is, I am all over the place with height but I am clear he is quite lean. He is fit and muscular but dare I say, skinny.
(Do guys like that?) On this day, he was a bit scruffy, a beard working its way onto his face. His wavy hair was all tossled about. I am not surprised. In researching about JT and his golf game, I found he usually does things on 4 hours sleep. Whether its golf, making movies, writing music, etc he doesn't get much sleep. He is really really busy! I know, I know, celebrities have "people" who do everything for them but in Justin Timberlake's case, it seems he is very hands on.

So a little groggy, he hit balls off a tee in the middle of Grand Central Terminal to test out a new driver by Callaway. Justin is the newest staff professional for the company joining the likes of Rocco Mediate and Phil Mickelson. Not for anything but that's pretty impressive...Justin Timberlake or not. But in talking to him I found out he is pretty darn good. He is a 6 handicap, shot an 80 at Augusta and as we all may have seen before Tiger wowed everyone, JT broke 100 at Torrey Pines (and it wasn't easy--check video). He insists he plays for fun (don't get me wrong, he is competitive too...a hole or two dug by a club is not unheard of). He is one of those people you kind of love to hate, the kind that "gets it" no matter what "it" is. Give him a bat and he would probably hit a homerun. Okay maybe not, but you know what I mean. Justin has been playing golf since he was a kid but never really took any lessons until just recently. He is a decent basketball player too. And as Jim (Watkins) pointed out on air, "doesn't he date that Jessica Biel?" Yes boys... he has it all, including good ol fashion values. I like that. Doing this job you meet famous people who let you down when you meet them, even if for a few minutes. (First impressions are key, trust me...its not just parents telling you something just to annoy you.) Not Justin. I didn't even feel bad having my secret "Oh my goodness, its Justin Timberlake " moment in my head. Saving and renovating his home course, the place he learned to play golf and the place where his mother and stepfather ("Dad" for all intensive purposes) had their wedding reception, has cost him $16 million. Okay he's got the dough so whatever right? He could have spent it a lot of other ways but he decided to renovate this special spot and to boot, its the first "green", ecofriendly course in the nation. Love it! It will also be the headquarters of Justin Timberlake Enterprises, deep in the heart of Tennessee where more than likely JT will enhance his game and continue to be good at everything he does.