What got you into the game?
It was that chip shot of Tiger’s at The Masters. I’ve been playing since I was 16 or so but that shot really ignited the passion in me and since then the bug’s truly bitten. Golf is a great way to clear my head from the pressures of professional football and it allows me to relax.
How often do you get to play?
It varies because of the schedule but I try to get out every three weeks or so. A lot of emphasis is placed on rest and recuperation but playing golf is not too taxing if you are on a cart and managing to hit the ball straight. Golf isn’t as big among local footballers as it is in England but the great thing about our weather is that it is an all-year round sport, which wasn’t the case in the UK.
What’s your go-to club?
It has to be my Taylormade hybrid – if something isn’t right with my driver I can always rely on it to get me off the tee safely and if I’m still some way out from the green, I know I’ve got a good chance to get it relatively close.
How’s the rivalry going among the players in the local game?
It’s pretty fierce out there with guys like James Keene, Michael Boxall, Darren Keet and Bradley Grobler. Keene is the best but if he gives a few shots, we’re in for a good battle. In my most recent game, James and I beat Boxall and Grobler so we were very happy about those bragging rights.
And the banter?
It’s very much like in soccer, we’re on each other’s backs from the first hole and always trying our best to put each other off. There’s a lot of niggle and ribbing, which makes it fun.
Where do you play your golf?
I’ve recently joined Houghton and I really enjoy the staff and the members. The course is superb and the friendly faces make for a good experience. I also enjoy playing Serengeti, it’s always in great nick and is a special track. Ebotse Links is another exceptional course – it’s unique and I’m glad the wind hasn’t blown during my time there!
What shot do you fear the most?
I don’t really have a problem with any of the tricky shots around the greens like going straight over a bunker with a wedge, but a long carry over water is another story. Like many others, a 4- or 5-iron over a water hazard always makes me a little nervous.
What is your dream fourball?
Definitely Tiger Woods to start with. Then probably Rory McIlroy, I love the way he plays and carries himself on the course. The last player in my fourball would be Ernie Els. He is a legend of the game and a round with him would be a major tick off of my golf bucket list.
FURMAN BIO
Furman is a Bafana Bafana regular and plays in the midfield for SuperSport United in the PSL. After making his professional debut for Rangers in Scotland, he enjoyed stints with Bradford, Oldham Athletic and Doncaster Rovers before joining SuperSport in 2015. The 28-year-old made his national team debut against Brazil in 2012 and has captained the side on a number of occasions since then.
