Veteran local golfer Brett Liddle chats about his career
Upon winning the recently held ERPM challenge, Boksburg golfer Brett Liddle, took some time off to catch-up with the Advertiser.
What do you think about those who classify golf as a non sport?
I don’t understand how anyone cannot call golf a sport to be honest. At a professional level you have to be an athlete to compete and modern day golfers are very fit people. You use almost every muscle in your body to hit the ball, I suggest they call me and book a lesson!
Who is better: Jordan Spieth or Rory Mcllroy, and why?
I think Spieth. Firstly, he seems to be more committed and levelheaded and secondly, he is a better putter which at a professional level is very important.
Do you have a role model in the sport of golf? If so, who and why?
Seve Ballesteros was my role model growing up. He was fiery, always competitive and came from a very humble upbringing and achieved greatness.
What is the one thing you would have done differently in your career up to this point?
I had a full scholarship to an American college but decided not to go, which I think was an error. I would also have practised more.
What’s the biggest highlight in your career thus far?
Playing with Nick Price and David Frost in the Lexington PGA Championship was a real highlight for me, even more special than my seven Tour wins.
What kind of challenges and pressures do you face as a professional golfer?
If you are not a sponsored player it can be a very expensive job. You travel all over and have to cover your expenses by making money in tournaments which holds a lot of pressure. You need to be mentally and physically fit and be able to handle plenty of ups and downs in golf.
Who has influenced you the most in your career?
My dad was a big influence in my career and he sacrificed a lot to get me where I am today.
How did you start playing the game?
I started playing at the age of 11. I use to walk with my dad and slap the ball around while he was playing, then my mom’s cousin gave me my first set of clubs and the golfing bug bit. I participated in my first junior tournament when I was 13.
Who do you regard as the best golfer of all time and why?
Best golfer for me was Ben Hogan, the way he swung the club all those years ago! But in golf each era has its own legends, now it’s Spieth. I also believe Tiger Woods can be classed as one of the best ever.
Describe the emotions that came with your victory at the recent ERPM Challenge at the ERPM Golf Club.
To be honest it is a small event but I had a long lay off and I guess playing against guys half my age, it was satisfying to show that age is not important in golf, with modern day equipment you can play and compete till an old age.
How long have you stayed in Boksburg?
I have lived in Boksburg for 45 years and now stay in Falcon Crest, Parkdene.
What’s the best thing about being a golfer?
Best thing about a golfer is you get to see the world and you’re out in nature.
What’s the best thing about the sport itself?
With golf you cannot blame anyone but yourself. It’s an individual sport, it is a leveler as you can never master the game completely; if you cheat in golf you cheat in life.
What’s your next career goal?
My immediate goal which I have started, is my own Brett Liddle Golf Academy at the ERPM Golf Club. I am aiming in a couple of years to get onto one of the senior tours in the world. – @SabeloBoksburg
Liddle dials back the years at ERPM Golf Club
