SA Golf Trader; July | August 2021 - Celebrity Golfer, Vernon Philander

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

I was born in Bellville, Cape Town. I attended Webner Street Primary and Ravensmead High School

2. Did you come from a sporting background?

Sporting relations, my dad played rugby.

3. When did you realise that cricket was the sport you wanted to take further?

I happened to play rugby and cricket at school and cricket really took preference in my matric year when I got a call up to play for The Western Province senior team.

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

My mentors were Hannes Adams and George Van Oordt, they played a massive roll in my life. They gave me proper guidance and motivated me to stay true to the course.

5. You retired at a fairly young age with a phenomenal record, what were the reasons behind this?

I had a phenomenal career and was planning to retire in the UK, but due to Covid it was cut short. Because of that I feel I still have a year or two left in me to play and I have committed to Western Province to help with some of the younger players as well.

6. You were the fastest to 50 and 100 test wickets, what kept you motivated?

Receiving your test cap will always be a massive achievement. I have always thrived to be the best at what I do and I certainly did my best every time, given the opportunity.

7. Who are the toughest bowlers and batsmen you’ve played against?

Toughest batter would be Michael Clarke and bowler Mitchell Johnson.

8. Most sportsman have nicknames, did you ever have one and where did it come from?

Nickname is Vern, shortened from Vernon.

9. Your funniest moment on a cricket field?

Always had fun getting batters out and looking at some of their reactions walking off.

10. What are your short and long term goals?

My short term goal is to help our next generation of cricketers and longer term to help motivate all youth of this country to be the best they can be.

11. You are involved in the Tygerberg hospital children’s trust as well as being one of the founding Tutu Tygers, can you tell us more about this?

I got involved with the Tutu Tigers based on the fact that I am from Ravensmead and I really want to make sure that we provide a proper health care for generations to come.

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

Equip yourself with the knowledge and just go out and do your best and enjoy everything you do.

GETTING ON TO GOLF

• When did you start playing golf?

Been playing golf for around 6 years now.

• What is your current handicap?

My handicap is 1.4.

• Are you a member of a golf club?

Yes, I am a member at Pearl Valley Golf Club.

• Which is your favorite golf course and why?

Pearl Valley, it is one of the most amazing courses I have played and I really love the atmosphere and the members.

www.pearlvalley.co.za / +27(0) 21 867 8000

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

Would love to have Louis Oosthuisen’s golf swing.

• Have you ever had a hole-in-one?

Yes I have had one- hole- in one at Mt Edgecombe Golf Club in Durban.

• What would be your ideal fourball?

My ultimate fourball would be Tiger, Barrack Obama and Will Smith.