This radio personality talks about his love for the game, his strengths, favourite courses and partners, and more.
How did you get into golf?
In my early 20s, I started to realise, just out of a sheer necessity to network, it would be useful to be on the course with people who play golf. It was also a great way to get away and spend five or so hours unwinding. It’s probably easier to get a fourball together than to get 11 players for a game of soccer or cricket. So it was really great to write off some of the weekend networking and playing golf. Having played swung sports for most of my life, I find it easier to pick up a golf club and swing it.
What is your current handicap?
At the moment, I am playing with a 21 maximum. I am a member at Bellville, so 24 would be my max there. Bellville is one of the golf courses I enjoy getting out to the most. Having said that, Durbanville is also a favourite course of mine. Out in the southern suburbs, I enjoy Mowbray.
What are some of the best courses you have played on?
I have played at some really top courses. Gary Player up at Sun City, all of the main courses up there. I did manage to play The Links at Fancourt, which is spectacular. Arabella is always a treat to play on, as is the course out at Pearl Valley. I thoroughly enjoy Pearl Valley, whenever I get the gap to go out there and play some golf.
Have you managed to play on any courses overseas?
I’ve played in New Zealand and on a course in Germany. I have managed to play in the UK. I also played a round of golf in Los Angeles.
What would you say is your major strength on the course?
That’s definitely the shorter game: chipping and the irons. They really suit my style of play. I really enjoy playing the irons, driving and putting.
Who would you pick for your dream fourball?
That would be myself and my sporting partner in crime Ricky Schroeder. We will team up with Tiger Woods and, can you imagine, us three with Gary Player?
What are the top courses on your bucket list?
The Old Course at St Andrews and then on the other side of the ocean in the USA, Augusta. Those are two iconic courses and two that I would love to play on one day.
Build the ultimate composite golfer by picking a great in each of these categories: driving, irons, short game, bunker player, putter and mental toughness.
In terms of mental toughness, it gets no greater than Tiger Woods. Nobody has bounced back in the game more. Best putter, I would say Jordan Spieth. Bunker player, I would put in some of the ladies greats like Jin Young Ko or Nelly Korda. For a short game, another lady, Lilia Vu. The best iron game is Gary Player, without a doubt. That man can smack them with the irons. For driving, go with the longest driver of the ball, Rory McIlroy.
– This article first appeared in the November 2023 issue of Compleat Golfer magazine.
