Celebrity Golfer Profile - Bjorn Fortuin

SPECIAL FEATURE - CELEBRITY GOLFER PROFILE Bjorn Fortuin - Proteas & Highveld Lions Cricketer

1. Where were you born and what schools did you attend?

Paarl boys high in the Western Cape.

2. Do you come from a sporting background?

I do, my entire family from my mom’s side played provincial tennis as well as indoor cricket.

3. What other sports did you do at school?

A bit of rugby (till I realized that I’m way too small), soccer and hockey at university.

4. When did you realize that cricket was the sport you want to take further?

I knew from quite young that it was my dream, but the latter years in high school was where I felt I could excel.

5. Who has been the most influential person in your cricket career and why?

Shakri Conrad, high performance coach and current SA U/19 coach. Geoffrey Toyana, former Lions coach.

6. With a lot of big achievements early in your career like the leading wicket-taker in the 2018–19 CSA T20 Challenge t ournament and being named the CSA T20 Challenge Player of the Season last year, what keeps you motivated?

Improving my performance from the previous season & constantly pushing for higher international honours.

7. You have recently been included in the Proteas squad, what does your cricket schedule look like for the next season?

This season would be quite different than usual, the Covid-19 pandemic has shortened our season quite dramatically, meaning less games in each format. For now we are focused on the defense of our 4-day franchise cup title as well as competing for limited overs titles in the New Year.

8. You’ve made your international debut in both T20 and ODI’s, what were your first impressions of international cricket?

Incredible! Especially making my debut in the cricket world. I love India and it is one of my fondest experiences. Definitely the ultimate technical and mental test.

9. What are your short and long term goals?

Short term – help my franchise defend our titles and put in match winning performances.

Long term – become a consistent member of the Proteas side.

10. Would test cricket be a goal of yours?

Definitely part of my long term goals but a lot of work and performance is needed.

11. How did this lockdown influence your cricket and you personally?

It definitely affected it quite a lot, as pre-season was severely impacted and prep started a lot later than usual. Fortunately the coaches and management put protocols in place to ensure we were able to prepare well when training was resumed.

12. Exciting times ahead for South African Cricket with a lot of former players getting involved, what are your thoughts on this?

All for it! We need the correct cricketing minds in crucial positions to ensure that we stay competitive.

13. What are your other interests besides cricket?

Golf, football and online gaming.

14. What advice would you give to youngsters today as far as sport is concerned?

Hard work never hurts.

GETTING ON TO GOLF

• When did you start playing golf?

When I moved up to the Lions in 2000, quite a few guys would sneak in a round of golf after training and it seemed like a good way to get to know the guys.

• What is your current handicap?

15, but I tend to play more like an 18.

• Are you a member of a golf club?

Cathedral Peak Golf Club.

• Which is your favorite golf course and why?

Paarl Valley, the scenery is unbelievable and it is a real quality course. It’s close to home so I get to see and play with mates that I don’t often get to see.

• Have you had any embarrassing moments whilst playing golf?

Shanking one off the first in front of a packed clubhouse during our Mzansi Super League Golf Day.

• What is your favorite club in the bag?

4 Iron.

• When you play, do you walk or take a cart?

Definitely a cart, especially after training. I don’t mind walking scenic courses though.

• If you could pick a golf swing, who’s would it be?

Rickie Fowler.

• Have you ever had a hole-in-one?

I don’t think I will ever get one but I will try my best.

• What would be your ideal fourball?

Rickie Fowler, Dominic Hendricks (team mate), Lexi Thompson and obviously Tiger Woods.