SA Golf Trader, May/June 2021; Celebrity Golfer Profile - SA Cricketer, Kyle Abbott

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

Emapangeni South Africa. Empangeni Prep, Felixton College, Grantliegh, Kearsney College.

2. Did you come from a sporting background?

My father was an excellent road and cross country runner, both my brothers played football and cricket as well as completing Iron Man Triathalons. So I would say yes.

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

Probably round 17/18 years old when my mates were applying for university and I was applying to UK clubs to go play cricket.

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

My family and in particular my father has been influential in getting me to where I am now, supporting every decision along the way. From a cricketing side Lance Klusener, he came into my career at a time when I needed a kick up the butt which got me playing for South Africa.

5. With a lot of big achievements in your career like the 7 wickets on test debut, two IPL seasons, your match figures of 17/87 for Hampshire in 2019 (best first class match figures since1956) what keeps you motivated?

Not going to an office job keeps me motivated hahahah! Seriously though... winning games and taking wickets, love the buzz!

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

I’ll get home from the UK season with Hampshire at the end of September, have 2/3 months off before I join up with Boland mid-December till March next year before returning back to the UK.

7. With your Kolpak contract being finished, will you still be available for Hampshire?

Yes, I now just play as an overseas player, which each county is allowed two.

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

Indians in India and Australians in Australia where incredibly tough to face!

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

Abbo is most common but Jimmy is another which is after the late Jimmy Abbott... The guys at the Dolphins said I was the size of him when I arrived at Kingsmead in 2008.

10. Your funniest moment on a cricket field?

2014.Colombo. Saving a test match day 5 last session. last 10min of play 9 wickets down and Imran Tahir just lies down at the crease with “cramp” so the physio has to run out and treat him... genius running down the clock but hilarious.

11. What are your short and long term goals?

Short term goal to win the county championship 4 day comp... Long term to stay in this beautiful game as long as I can.

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

Lockdown has certainly given me a new love for the game and I do not take it for granted.

13. What are your other interests besides cricket?

Fishing, wildlife, I love the Kruger Park, especially camping.

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

Talent only gets you so far... hard work and belief gets you places.

GETTING ON TO GOLF

• When did you start playing golf?

Im not sure, we had clubs at home, so I would say 10 or 12 with chipping comps in the garden.

• What is your current handicap?

11.5

• Which is your favorite golf course and why?

Skukuza Golf Club because in the Kruger Park you have the Big Five around you while playing.

• Have you had any embarrassing moments whilst playing golf?

Hit a sign board about 40m left on the first tee while a few people were watching. Then in Thailand playing golf with Dave Miller and Dave Wiese I had shoes and socks off in a lake trying to take a shot. Didn’t end well.

• What is your favorite club in the bag?

5 Iron.

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

90% Cart ... save the legs for bowling! but I don’t mind walking at all.

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

Louis Oosthuizen.

• Have you ever had a hole-in-one?

No. Not even close.

• What would be your ideal four ball?

Miguel Angel Jimenez, Vince Vaughn, James Cordon.