Monday 10 August 2015 15:30, UK
Sir Ian Botham's love for golf started at a young age and is now stronger than ever. The cricket legend has taken time out of the Sky Sports Ashes commentary box to tell us why the game means so much to him.
What is your earliest memory of playing golf?
IB: I first started playing golf as a toddler, as my father cut me down a three-wood, five-iron, a wedge and a putter. The first time I remember playing on a golf course was in the Wirral at Hoylake.
Where do you play regularly?
IB: I like playing all around the place and have been lucky to play golf all around the world. I love Sunningdale, which is a fantastic golf course and a great club where I am a member.
I’m also lucky enough to play a lot of golf at Archerfield Links up in Scotland, which is where we host a very big charity each year.
A local course to me is the Darlington, which is only about 20 minutes or so from home and a lovely parkland course. The course was designed by the great Alister Mackenzie, who also designed Augusta National. We’re never sure how he ended up there but he did it!
What are the strengths and weaknesses in your game?
IB: I would say my strength is probably my putter, as it’s the one club that I don’t change.
All amateurs have weaknesses; you just never know which one is going to pop its head up! That’s why we play it for fun and not for a living!
Do you suffer from first-tee nerves?
IB: No, I just love playing golf. I’ve been playing in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship since the year dot and I’m also playing in the Scottish Senior Open later this month up at Archfield. For me, it’s a case of the bigger the crowd, the more fun.
What is your biggest achievement in golf?
IB: I think it’s great to make the final day of the Alfred Dunhill, which I think I’ve done three or four times now. That gives you a big buzz playing in that final round.
The game keeps me competitive; that’s why I like playing it. I don’t walk around 18 holes or six miles without having a punt!
Which players have you most admired over the years?
IB: My sporting hero of all time is Jack Nicklaus, but I think there are a lot of great golfers and I’ve been lucky enough to play with a lot of them all around the world.
I enjoy watching Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy as their careers develop, but I also fortunate in that many are my friends. Ian Woosnam’s been a great mate of mine, I’m good friends with John Daly and Fred Couples is a lovely man.
What is the best thing about golf?
IB: The thing that I like about golf is the way that it polices itself. If a guy does something wrong he calls over the referee and penalises himself. The way golfers do that and show their honesty is magnificent.
The worst part? That’s simple: slow play.
Who would make up your dream fourball?
IB: Well obviously I’d love to play with Jack (Nicklaus). I have met him quite a few times and I’ve carried Ian Woosnam’s bag when they’ve played together, but have never played golf with Jack.
I’d probably want to play with my golfing mates. Sam Torrance is a great friend of mine and is always good to have a lot of banter with on the golf course, but I’ve played with him many times so I suppose I should go with someone I haven’t played with before.
I play a lot with Sir Viv Richards in Antigua which is always good fun, as we’re the best of mates and it’s always very competitive.
It would be very hard to pick four, as there would be another 44 asking ‘why didn’t you pick me?’ I would have Nicklaus as my partner and then the rest of the foursome would be made up of any of my mates.
