SA Golf Trader, Sep/Oct 2021 - Celebrity Golfer Profile: Errol Stewart

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

I was born in Durban and did all my schooling in Westville - Westville Junior Primary, Westville Senior Primary and Westville Boys High School, matriculating in 1987.

After school, I pursued a law degree at Natal University, Durban and qualified as an attorney, although I stopped practicing law in the late 90’s to join the financial services world.

2. Do you come from a sporting background?

My mom, Shirley, played field hockey for South Africa from 1978 to 1980. My dad, Rae, played 1st division rugby for Berea Rovers.

3. You played most sports at school at provincial level, how did you manage to get to academics as well?

Given how busy my days were, I had to get a good routine going, which I managed to do, sometimes ‘kicking and screaming’ if truth be told!

Obviously mornings and lunchtimes were focused exclusively on academics and afternoons on sport, so it was important for me to get the days homework done before lights out.

Consequently, I’ve always studied at my best late afternoon into the early evening. My mom also made sure the studies didn’t get neglected…….

4. You also represented the Sharks (35 matches and the Dolphins 97 first class matches) at senior provincial level, when did you realise that cricket was the sport you wanted to take further?

I witnessed serious injuries to fellow team mates Wayne Fyvie and Joos Joubert which made me think seriously about my rugby future. I felt I had a better chance of playing cricket for a longer period of time with the risk of injury also being greatly reduced.

Of course there was my work career too. In a nutshell, playing both sports became unmanageable and untenable.

5. Winning both Currie Cups (Rugby and Cricket) in 1995 makes you one of a handful of sportsman to achieve this feat. This must have been one of your biggest highlights of your career?

It was thrilling to achieve that feat, namely being part of Currie Cup winning teams in cricket and rugby in the same year and it certainly ranks as one of the highlights of my sporting career.

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

The most influential people, in not only my cricket career but all my sport, are my parents. No-one comes close to the immensely positive effect that they had on me.

7. You are the new Chairman at Durban Country Club, what has been your biggest challenge ?

Revenue, cash flow and cost management are critical elements of any business and the same is true at DCC. It’s pleasing to note that we’ve started winning on these fronts but you can never take your eye off the ball. Constant attention and focus is required.

8. South Africa is currently playing winning rugby, but it is branded as boring by many pundits, what are your thoughts on this ?

I loved the British & Irish Lions series. I’m not sure what the naysayers were expecting other than a tough physical and mental battle between a gathering of many of the worlds premier players and in seriously trying circumstances.

It was, therefore, never going to be free flowing but that’s test rugby. It was an enthralling series and, for me, edge of the seat stuff!

As a team, the Boks are well coached, well prepared, generally clinical, design a game plan around their strengths and opponents weaknesses and make sure that each player understands his role in the team on and off the field.

And they play for each other! If my facts are right, all our tries in the series were scored by our outside backs. Food for thought for the critics. And just look in the trophy cabinet.

9. You have your private pilots license, do you still manage to make time to fly?

Since qualifying for my pilots licence back in 1992, I have always been current and kept my licence up to date. Flying is my absolute passion so I fly as often as I can. Generally speaking, that’s at least once a month, sometimes twice or more.

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

You can be successful and at the top of your game yet still be a good person adding positive value to society. ‘Respect’ is a word that should be at the forefront of your being.

GETTING ON TO GOLF

• When did you start playing golf?

I took up golf in my teens, probably when I was 16.

• What is your current handicap?

As at the end August, my handicap index is 7.2.

• Which is your favorite golf course and why?

Durban Country Club is my favourite golf course. Why? You can play 5 times in 5 days and have a varied experience each round. And you will love it whether you’re playing well or not-so-well. A beautiful environment, quality golf course and just a fine test of golf for all.

• Have you had any embarrassing moments whilst playing golf?

Many embarrassing moments on a golf course, the most notable being when I arrived on the 1st tee at DCC for my tee time in a club competition, greeted everyone on the box (it was a busy day), teed it up at my supposed tee time, only to be told by the club captain, to great amusement, that I was off the 10th that day! It cost me in the pub afterwards……

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

I always walk when I play and only take a cart when compelled to on cart-only courses. I also like to take a caddy.

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

I have followed Ernie Els’s career since he turned pro and have always loved the rhythm and simplicity of his swing. Effortless.

• Have you ever had a hole-in-one?

Still waiting for the elusive ace……

• What would be your ideal fourball?

My ideal fourball would be Roger Federer, Ernie Els and Brian Lara