The former Springbok and Stormers captain chats about his enjoyable pastime, dream fourball and some of his favourite local courses.
When did you start playing golf?
I only took it up after school. It was in my second year as a student that I started playing golf. My mates said let’s go play a round; at that stage I don’t think I had ever played it before. I enjoyed the camaraderie of it, walking around for five hours or so with three of my mates, but the golf side of it was frustrating at first. I continued with it while I was playing rugby, but I am really sorry now that I didn’t take up more opportunities, like when we were in Scotland, where there are some of the top courses in the world, and I didn’t play on those.
How often do you get out onto the course?
I play around five to 10 rounds each year. It depends on how many golf days I’m invited to. The thing is, with cycling, it’s either five hours on the bike or five hours on the course, and most of the time I choose the bike. There’s no time for both [laughs].
Which are some of your favourite local courses?
Pearl Valley is one of my favourite courses, even though it’s very difficult for a 20-handicap, but I really enjoy it. I live in Melkbosstrand, so I play Atlantic Beach quite a bit. A few of the golf days are there and I will have a quick round on Friday with my mates. When the wind blows, it’s terrible but with my golf it doesn’t really make a difference.
What would you say is your strength on the course?
My putting. If you give me a line, I can putt on that line. I have a good feel for it. If only it was as easy a job to get there.
What aspect of social golf do you enjoy the most?
I think the fact that there is a handicap system. It levels the game out. Some of the best golfers I have ever played with also mess it up badly. That’s what I love about it, because you can never chirp somebody who can’t play. The next thing, you hit the ball and it only goes five metres.
Which sportspeople would you select for your ideal fourball?
That’s an interesting one. I would pick Jacques Kallis for sure if I wanted to win on the day, because he is a ridiculous golfer. I would also take Dan Nicholl, if I wanted to laugh. Then if I wanted a good time on the golf cart, I would pick Sarel van der Merwe.
Would your era of Springboks beat the current Boks in a round of golf?
I honestly think our era would take it, only because we get to spend much more time on the golf course. The current Springboks have such hectic and busy schedules.
– This Q&A first appeared in the August 2023 issue of Compleat Golfer magazine.
