The Proteas cricketer opens up on Brandon Stone, why he loves The Masters and Junior Dala’s ability.
What are your favourite courses outside South Africa and inside the country?
As cliche as it sounds, I really enjoy the week of The Masters, staying up late and watching the golf. So, I’d say Augusta is up there. In SA I’ve been privileged to play Leopard Creek a few times and, being a lover of nature and the bush, it’s definitely one of the best. St Francis Links was also an awesome experience, but there are so many to choose from.
When did you start playing golf?
I started at quite a young age, I’d say somewhere around six or seven, at Centurion Country Club.
Given that you tour a lot for cricket, what countries have you played golf in?
Just South Africa and England if I’m not mistaken.
Do any of your teammates play golf?
Lots of cricketers love to play golf so it’s often something we try to arrange when we have a day off.
What would be your perfect cricketing fourball?
Chris Morris, Eathan Bosch and Corbin Bosch.
What’s your greatest golf memory?
We had an awesome golf tour to Highland Gate about a year or so ago. The best part was Junior Dala not getting to the ladies’ tee on quite a few occasions.
Do you think golf assists your cricketing ability?
I think when we are on the course, it’s about switching off and just enjoying some time away from cricket. But there are times where golf definitely pushes the frustration barriers so maybe there are a few lessons us cricketers can learn from golf about patience [laughs].
You are good friends with Brandon Stone. Did he let you hold the SA Open trophy?
No, we didn’t get around to doing that, I think we were so focused on celebrating with the group of friends that we completely forgot about the trophy.
And have you managed to get a sneaky win over him?
One thing I’ve never done is beat him. Our best chance was when he had Junior Dala as his partner on one of our golf trips, but he still managed to get over the line against us.
If you were a professional golfer, which Major would you want to win the most?
Most probably The Masters because of he history behind the tournament and the Green Jacket.
What’s your golf superpower – do you drive it, like all cricketers?
I’m very limited on a golf course, to be honest [laughs]. There are quite a few cricketers who play good golf but I’m not one of them. If we turn the question around, my biggest struggle on the golf course is putting.
Jacques Kallis famously got membership at Leopard Creek when he scored a double ton. What would your golf wish be?
Maybe to play a round a day or two before the Nedbank Golf Challenge starts at Sun City.
What’s the perfect penalty drink after a round of golf?
The typical snake is always great – a double shot of dark rum with a very warm beer.
Par five. Lay up or go for the eagle?
I’d try to go for it. It’s not often I’m in a position to do so, so I’d definitely give it a try.
