Monday 23 February 2015 20:40, UK
Jamie Redknapp takes time away from talking football to introduce our new online series - Why I love golf.
Jamie, who plays off a tidy handicap of four, is the first in a long line of Sky Sports celebrities across the sporting spectrum to be quizzed on his golfing experiences.
The former Liverpool, Tottenham and England star, now a popular pundit for the Sky Sports football team, discusses what attracted him to the game, and why he has been a regular on the course since his retirement from football:
What is your earliest memory of playing golf?
Jamie: It was with my dad, and we used to play at a club close to where we lived near Bournemouth. We used to pitch up when the golf club had closed and play a few holes. Dad gave me a cut-down seven-iron, and I have some great memories of those days. This is why golf is such a great game, particularly for some father-son time and getting to spend a few quality hours together.
Golf was a great sport to fall back on because you never know what’s going to happen in life. My football career was over and golf helped to fill the void, and I’ve loved the game ever since.
How long did it take for you to become truly hooked? (Pun intended!)
Jamie: When I was young, I used to love watching golf on the TV, going to golf or hitting balls at the driving range, but it was only when I retired from football that I became obsessed with the game. I was only 31, and it was a great sport to fall back on because you never know what's going to happen in life. All of a sudden, my football career was over and golf helped to fill the void, and I've loved the game ever since. Football obviously remains my No 1 sport, but golf comes a very close second.
How often do you play, and where do you play most often?
Jamie: I'm a member at Queenwood and I try to play a couple of times a week with a few friends. They are a good group of guys and good players as well. With my job, I’m very lucky to have some time off during the week, I’d probably drive Mrs R mad if I was at home every day! It’s a nice way to spend a few hours - get to the course early, have a bit of breakfast with the lads and talk about the football from the night before.
Which professional golfers do you admire most?
Jamie: I’ve been really lucky to have played in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Luke Donald is a good friend of mine, and I played with him in the Dunhill when he was world No 1. We had a great fourball, with Luke, Lee Westwood - who was world No 2 at the time - and Johann Rupert. Luke and I both played really well and made the cut, and that was one of my best-ever experiences. It's amazing to see how those guys play, I think Luke shot 62 that day which equalled the course record. I've also played the Dunhill with Rory McIlroy, which was just incredible. He was amazing. So Rory and Luke are probably my stand-out favourite players.
What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses in your game?
Jamie: I don't think I have any particular strengths or weaknesses, but I am so erratic. One day, I’ll drive it like a dream and putt like a joke, and then the next day it could be the other way round. I’ve not necessarily got a stand-out weakness in my game, but I’ve not got a stand-out strength either, if that makes sense! It's very hit and miss and varies from day to day.
Do you suffer from first tee nerves?
Jamie: I remember being on the first tee at St Andrews on the final day of the Dunhill, playing with Rory and Luke - when Luke was leading the tournament - and Rory was playing with his dad. What a fourball that was! I honestly thought I would do well to get the ball off the tee! There I was in front of the famous old clubhouse thinking: "I'm not sure I can do this!" But it was such a great buzz, and I actually played really well. I wasn't really playing for anything, I was just having fun, but you want to play well in that sort of company and try not to look like an idiot!
Playing at Gleneagles the day before the Ryder Cup was also nerve-wracking, but another great experience. I looked up and saw the Sky boys in the commentary tower by the side of the first fairway. They were almost egging me on to aim at them, and every time I looked up they were laughing at me!
What is your biggest achievement in golf... a hole-in-one maybe?
Jamie: I've never had a hole-in-one sadly and I've only ever seen one from a friend of mine. I suppose my biggest achievement has been getting down to four, although making the cut at the Dunhill was another nice one. I've done that a couple of times now and that is always a great experience. Only 20 pairs get through to the final round, and to play the Old Course at St Andrews on a Sunday is absolutely incredible. But no aces yet; I've been incredibly close a couple of times, so hopefully one day!
Do you set yourself golfing targets for the year ahead, or is there anything you look forward to each year?
Jamie: I don't really have any particular targets. I go on a great golf trip to Pebble Beach with a few mates every year, there’s eight of us (Alan Hansen comes and a couple of others from my club). We play Cypress Point, Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill. That’s about the greatest trip you could ever go on, and if you’re ever lucky enough to visit the Monterrey Peninsula, it’s well worth it. I’ve not been lucky enough to play Augusta yet, but I’ve been there a couple of times to watch the Masters.
What do you think is the best thing about golf?
Jamie: Probably how hard the game is. I love the fact it is so difficult, and you will never be able to master it. The other great thing is you can play golf for the rest of your life, for as long as your body lets you. I can’t play football anymore because of my knee, but I can hopefully play golf for the rest of my life.
And finally, if you could pick your dream playing partners for a fourball, who would they be?
Jamie: I think I'd have to get Tiger Woods in there, and I’ll go for Michael Jordan and my dad. That would be a lot of fun.
