Namibia’s T20 World Cup cricket captain is a social golfer who doesn’t play enough but always has a great time on the course.
How long have you been playing golf?
For the past 10 years or so. As a sports-mad youngster, I followed most of the big events across the world, but only really got into it at about the age of 16.
How often do you get to play?
I would say only about three or four rounds a year unfortunately, depending on cricket schedules and the body – yes, injuries take away all the fun.
What’s your handicap?
Unfortunately, I have been too social and lazy over the years to get to a handicap – but I’ll break 100 most rounds. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with raising your bat.
What brand of clubs do you use?
I haven’t spoiled myself with a nice set just yet – being the youngest I’m used to getting hand-me-downs. At the moment I steal my dad’s nice Mizuno irons and use my Titleist woods and Odyssey putter – quite a Christmas tree, right? Bit of everything I guess.
What’s your favourite club?
Putter. I tend to play some dirty long putts from off the green, mainly because my chipping is atrocious!
What are your favourite courses?
Our local Windhoek Country Club is where the social golf days go down, with Cricket Namibia’s annual corporate golf day being our opportunity to mingle with the businesses that back us. At university, I loved playing at De Zalze Golf Club in Stellenbosch. It used to be my local course down there.
Have you been able to play any overseas courses?
Disappointingly no, our tours are quite cramped at times. I was able to get out to the Dubai Desert Classic in January while I was playing in the International League T20. Watching Rory McIlroy makes it look easy!
Who is your favourite golfer?
McIlroy.
Do you watch golf on TV?
I do, although cricket comes first. I also follow soccer – and thanks to Netflix a lot more golf this year! The Full Swing documentary was really enjoyable.
What are the similarities between cricket and golf for you?
Cricket has moved a fair bit away from textbook technique and into understanding your bat swing. I guess that’s similar to golf, having a smooth, uninterrupted swing for a nice pure strike at the contact point.
Which of your teammates are pretty decent golfers?
Jan Frylinck is more than decent. Talented man in general.
If you could pick the ideal fourball, who would it consist of?
Definitely AB de Villiers, Justin Kemp and Albie Morkel.
– This Q&A first appeared in the April 2023 issue of Compleat Golfer magazine.
