• Celebrity of the Month: Janneman Malan

    Janneman Malan
    Janneman Malan
    Published on

    The nationwide lockdown inspired Proteas batsman Janneman Malan to pick up his golf clubs and give the game a full go, writes ANDRE HUISAMEN.


    Which South African course is your favourite?
    It would be between Kleinmond Golf Club and Skukuza Golf Club, where I’ve played twice recently, but I can’t pick a definite favourite.

    When did you start playing golf?
    I took it up seriously after the heavy lockdown, when restrictions eased. I am now a member at Vodacom Village in Somerset West and I’m trying to play more regularly so that I can break 100 more often.

    What is your go-to club in your bag?

    I think it is my pitching wedge just because it’s the club I don’t hit badly on a regular basis. My driver obviously feels the nicest when I get it right but it is also the worst if I don’t.

    With that, would you say your short game is the strongest aspect of your game?

    My driving and long-irons are still a bit shaky but I like the short game, especially where it’s longer than 30 metres and shorter than 120.

    Which other Proteas players are handy golfers?

    During the Proteas’ culture camp in September we all played at Skukuza and I was in a fourball, which included Dwaine Pretorius. I speak under correction but I think he is a seven handicap and he gave me a number of tips, which I have been trying to benefit from, but he is a really decent golfer. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma are also really good.

    Do you have a handicap?

    Not really, but on that Hole19 app I am a 24.

    Have you played a round of golf overseas yet?

    No, not yet, but hopefully I will in the future.

    Which particular course to you want to play?

    Pebble Beach. I love the fact it is right next to the ocean and it is one of the most famous courses in the world.

    Which golfing idol you would like to play a round with?

    I have been watching a lot of ‘My Game’ videos on YouTube where Tiger Woods explains some fundamentals of his game. Obviously he is one of the greatest sport stars ever so I guess he inspires anyone who starts playing golf.

    There are a number of similarities between cricket and golf. Have you learned anything from the one that you’re trying to implement in the other?

    The hand-eye co-ordination helps a lot but preparation-wise it’s quite similar. I have also realised that with golf it also helps a lot to learn as you go along and make a correction on the next shot, which is a lot like batting where you can almost coach yourself while you play. The next ball is always the most important, which accounts for both sports.

    Do you watch a lot of golf?

    I have been watching quite a lot of golf since it restarted, especially the PGA Tour. I watched almost all of Bryson DeChambeau’s victory at the US Open at Winged Foot.

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