Celebrity Golfer - Heinrich Strydom, CEO Dolphins & KZN Cricket

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

I was born in Pretoria. My primary school was Baillie Park in Potchefstroom. Secondary school was Potchefstroom Gimnasium.

2. Did you come from a sporting background?

I grew up in a sport loving family. I am pretty sure that my granddad took me to Loftus before I could walk, and both my parents played all kinds of sport.

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

I absolutely fell in love with the game from when I held my first cricket bat. I just loved the individual challenges within a team environment.

As I progressed through the age groups I thought that I had some talent, and because of my love for the game it was easy to spend countless hours training but also watching matches and learning from other players about the intricacies of the beautiful game.

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

From a playing point of view, I was fortunate to have a very supportive family. My mom especially, spent a lot of hours next to the field supporting and motivating me.

I also had some incredible coaches along the way that believed in me, including Messrs. Boet Hurn, Burger van der Westhuizen, Hendrik de Vos, Jan Weideman and Monty Jacobs. From an administrative point of view, Jacques Faul has been my mentor since day one of my journey.

5. You played provincial cricket for the North West Dragons, soon after retiring you got into cricket administration, was that always the plan?

The dream was to become a Protea and the plan was probably to become an auditor, but life has its way of guiding you to where you should be. I was afforded the opportunity to pursue my cricket playing dream whilst doing my Articles, and then got appointed as Financial manager at the North West Cricket Union where I could still continue to play.

When I became CEO I made the tough decision to retire from all cricket, to limit the possibility of any conflict of interest.

6. You were the youngest appointed CEO of a cricket franchise, what was your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge was probably to learn more about the KZN province and the way in which the cricket structures function. It is the biggest affiliate in the country and the sheer number of cricket clubs, schools and development areas were mind blowing.

7. You moved to Durban from Potchefstroom, how difficult was it to adapt?

Initially it was quite daunting as it was probably a place where I never thought I would end up working, the iconic Kingsmead and a rich history of world class players that have been produced in KZN.

I was fortunate to get married during that period and my wife, Gerna accompanied me on this journey. Once we adapted to the different climate, we embraced the opportunity to see the beautiful Indian Ocean on a daily basis.

8. How did this lockdown influence Dolphins

It was a really tough period for cricket in our country as most of our activities were not allowed to continue. We simply focused on “controlling the controllables” and that put us in a good space to implement a strategy of safety first and using our voice to motivate others through continuous stakeholder engagement.

Thankfully our franchise domestic competitions could commence and as the Hollywoodbets Dolphins we have managed to play an exciting, winning brand of cricket.

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

We have produced some of the finest players in the history of world cricket and it is certainly excit-ing to see some of these players involved at various levels of administration and coaching.

As an example, I have immense respect for what Graeme Smith achieved as a player and one of our most successful leaders, and I am really excited about the value that he will add as our Director of Cricket.

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

Enjoy every moment.

GETTING ON TO GOLF

• When did you start playing golf?

I got exposed to golf at a relatively young age, played a bit at school but never really played that much until I got to Varsity.

• What is your current handicap?

12.

• Are you a member of a golf club?

Yes, Mount Edgecombe CC

• Which is your favorite golf course and why?

Leopard Creek. Besides the pristine condition of the course and attention to detail, is the fact that you get so close to nature. The view from the 13th green is simply breathtaking.

• What is your favorite club in the bag?

3 Hybrid.

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

Normally cart, but do not mind the odd walk.

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

Louis Oosthuizen or actually lately Tiger Woods’ 11year old son.

• Have you ever had a hole-in-one?

Unfortunately not.

• What would be your ideal fourball?

Ernie Els, Jacques Kallis, Fourie du Preez and my brother Guillaume.