The up-and-coming Western Province and Stormers flyhalf on rediscovering his love of golf and his favourite courses.
When did you take up golf?
I have been playing golf since I was around six years old. I played a lot with my dad. He was a good golfer back in his day and he got me into it. When I got to high school, it kind of fizzled out a little bit but only because I was just too busy. When I came back to the Stormers [from France], in my first year in 2020, I started playing golf again and really enjoyed it.
What is your handicap?
At the moment I am playing off an 11.
What are some of the best courses you have played on in South Africa?
I have a few. Gary Player Country Club at Sun City was quite a lot of fun to play. Millvale was awesome. Then I would say Cotswold Downs, down in Durban, was also one of my favourite courses. Gary Player CC was nice to play on because you always watch on TV and just to be able to experience it in person, that was a lot of fun for me. Millvale was just exquisite. It was nicely cut. We were the only guys on the course that day for our golf tour. It’s just crazy how well manicured and looked after it is. Cotswold is a course I played a bit with my dad growing up so I have a lot of good memories playing there.
Who are some of the most competitive golfers at the Stormers?
I have been playing a lot with Neethling [Fouche]. That is always fun. He loves it. I think he played golf before he could play rugby [laughs]. Our regular fourball that we often play with is myself, Neethling, Steven Kitshoff and Willie Engelbrecht. We try to play every week on our off-day together. Other guys who I play with a lot are Cornel Smit and Thomas Bursey.
What is your favourite club in the bag?
My go-to at the moment would be a 5-wood.
Who is your favourite golfer and what is your favourite tournament to watch?
My favourite golfer is Rory McIlroy and, at the moment, I love watching The Masters.
What has been your most memorable golfing experience?
I have to think about this. I would say two years ago, playing the 9th hole on our golf tour at Oubaai. I eagled with a driver. I had about six feet and I made my eagle putt. It’s something I look back on a lot and enjoy.
Who would be in your dream fourball?
I have to put Tiger Woods in. It would be him, Tom Brady, and I would also go with Carlos Sainz. Yeah, it’s a very diverse fourball.
– This Q&A first appeared in the July 2023 issue of Compleat Golfer magazine.
