Celebrity Golfer Profile -Schalk Brits

Schalk Brits - Springbok Rugby Player & World Cup Winner

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

I was born in Empangeni. My parents moved to Mossel bay when I was 3 years old and I went to Park primary school in Mossel bay before going to Paul Roos in grade 7.

2. Where did your rugby career start?

When I was 7 years old, playing rugby with my dad.

3. World Cup 2019 winner, how did that feel?

Surreal, a great end to a career, but an even better result for our country and its people.

4. What were the biggest challenges for the team during the World Cup in Japan?

I think it would have to be that our strategy meant that we were away from home for a very long time, longer than other teams (but which had a positive impact on our game and how we were received in Japan).

There was also a bit of adversity caused by the medias interpretation of our game strategy and the bomb squad, but navigating that externally was more difficult than navigating that internally as the guys knew there was no negative intent.

5. Being in retirement now, what position did you actually prefer playing?

The more involved the better – maybe I should have been an inside centre.

6. During your time at Saracens you won four Premiership titles in 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2018, as well as the European Champions Cup in 2016 and 2017, is there one that stands out for any particular reason?

Premiership 2011 – the first one, after narrowly losing to Tiger in 2010 in the 78th minute. 2011 was a sweet revenge. The first European Cup win was also very special.

7. Why do you think that Saracens seems to attract so many South African players?

In around 2009 (when I went over) I expect it was because we were cheap as chips. It also helped that we had South African stakeholders (Remgro), a South African coach and a semi South African CEO.

8. What was the satisfactory level out of 10 with your scuffle with Owen Farrell in 2013?

It was one way of becoming famous LOL, but no, no satisfaction. Owen was a team mate and friend, and we sorted our differences out very quickly once we got off the field.

9. What do you make of the new rules that have come into the game, is rugby becoming over reffed?

What new rules? I can’t keep up.

10. What have you been up to since retiring?

Can you believe I managed to land myself an office job (at Remgro).

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

1) Always try to remember why you got into it in the first place – you weren’t paid to play the game aged 7 but you still wanted to play, and 2) I learnt too late in life that talent only gets you so far, the rest is up to hard work and discipline.

Getting on to golf

• When did you start playing Golf?

Way too late! I think I was about 15 years old.

• What is your current handicap?

Currently, I have a 0.5 differential.

• Which is your favorite South African golf course and why?

I am conflicted, we are spoilt for choice, but Fancourt, Pearl Valley and Leopard Creek would have to be top of the list, each for different reasons.

• Do you still play with any of your former teammates and if so who’s is the toughest competitor on the course?

I still regularly play with Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers. When Schalk is hot, he is on fire, but my toughest competitor would have to be Fourie Du Preez.

• Did you get to play in Japan?

Yes, but not nearly enough. I did manage to walk inside the ropes with Tiger, Rory and Hadiki during the Zozo Championship.

• Have you had any embarrassing moments whilst playing golf?

I still do – it’s the game that keeps you grounded. Just last week I played with my wife (who is a beginner) and she beat me.

• What is your your favourite club in the bag?

My Ping G425 LST driver and all things PING.

• Do you walk or take a cart?

I enjoy walking.

• Your favourite golfer would be?

Louis Oosthuizen.

• Have you ever had a hole-in-one?

NO! And it is grating me.

• Who would be in your ideal fourball?

Difficult! Ernie, Louis and Tiger.