T.P. Mulrooney

Standup Comedian Known as “The Golf Comic”

T.P. began his standup comedy career in the comedy clubs of Washington, D.C. and New York while still a journalism student at the University of Maryland. It didn’t take long before Showtime, HBO, the major networks, Comedy Central and the Golf Channel showcased his talents. The Chicago Sun-Times called him “one of the best observational comedians in the business” for his ability to transform personal experiences and viewpoints into standup bits everyone could enjoy.

The Golf Comic

Then, a new life experience transformed him and his art – golf. T.P. was hooked. His love of the game overtook T.P. and his comedy. Deciding not to fight this new focus, he became a comedian for fellow golfers, finding his target audience at hundreds of corporate and charity golf events, including some of golf’s classics, The Ryder Cup, The Masters, The Players Championship and US Open.

You’ve Said your favorite stand-up gigs are country clubs. Why?
I violate the cardinal rule of comedy clubs: “Thou shalt be general enough for everyone to get it.” That’s why you hear so much sex stuff and celebrity gossip. You’ll never hear me talk about Paris Hilton unless she gets a hole-in-one. I’m digging deeper in the one spot – the psyche of the golfer. I think i’, going to learn something interesting about America in there.

Like what?
There are such things as golf communities. That told me golf is more than a game, it’s a lifestyle and passion. Some people tell me football has way more fans, so why not focus on them. I ask them if they know anyone who lives in a football community.

Only one out of seven adults is a golfer. Aren’t you worried you’re excluding lots of people?
There are plenty of comedians out there for the masses – down and dirty, no holds barred. That’s find. But I’ve always strived to be appropriate and restrained – some holds barred. So I thrive within the rules, traditions and etiquette of the golf culture. Funny and polite are not mutually exclusive.

Do you talk about things other than golf in your stand-up show? Similar to the topics in your short films?
Yes, I never forget that some in my audience are not golfers – usually golf widows – or that golfers do things other than golf. Some actually vote and have jobs and families. And the pictures they pull out of their wallets? Most are of their kids. Very few are of their new set of Calloways.