Golf and South Africa are synonymous. The now iconic phrase, "You drive for show and putt for dough" was coined by countryman, Bobby Locke. In fact, he was the original face of South African golf, winning four British Open Championships and popularizing the sport in a once football obsessed country. Fast forward half a century, Gary Player has risen to legendary status among the golfing world. Of course, he was the first man to approach the gentlemen's sport of golf with a physical mindset. Player emphasized the necessity of working out on a constant basis to overcome his 5 foot 7 inch frame, Plus, Ernie Els is a three-time Major Champion, Louis Oosthuizen just demolished the field at St. Andrews' last week, and Tim Clark won the Players' Championship. Moreover, South Africa boasts the 2008 Masters winner Trevor Immelman, the talented, yet streaky Rory Sabbitini and a rising star in Charl Schwartzel.
In short, Locke led South Africa into a golf craze by building courses. He knew that the beauty alone would entice people around the country, specifically the affluent population, to seriously play golf. Not to mention, Locke was cool. South Africans looked up to him as a sign that an everyday citizen could thrive on the world stage.
Oddly enough, Germany has been mired in a national campaign against golf for decades. The country, as a whole, not only has viewed the sport as elitist, but also as innately insulting to one's masculinity. Dylan Bawden, an English teaching professional, now works at a golf club in Hamburg, Germany, and he recounts one student who was afraid to tell his friends about his love of golf.
I guess such a mentality makes a bit of sense in Germany. The country carries a blue-collar label, and all citizens are committed to work. Golf is viewed as leisure. Certainly, you don't need to be in peak physical condition, and the sport lacks face-to-face competition. Soccer, on the other hand, plays to the competitive nature of the German people, and, coupled with the fact that the country is so successful, it is incredibly popular.
Clearly, all question have been answered surrounding the German star, as Kaymer enters Whistling Straits for the last major championship of 2010. Battling with winds up to 40 miles per hour, he finished tied for 7th at the British Open. He showed that his tied for 8th finish at Pebble Beach was no fluke. Moreover, Kaymer exhibited the ability to drive ball well, regardless of the circumstances. How he fares off the tee this August will determine his success. Don't forget, the Whistling Straits is designed after the links courses of Great Britain and Ireland. Kaymer, therefore, will surely be familiar with nuances of the course.
If Kaymer were to capture the PGA championship, Germany could emerge as a home to professional golfers overnight. The country is filled with unrefined talent, and, in the spirit of the 2010 World Cup, one moment might change everything.
-Daniel Radov
In short, Locke led South Africa into a golf craze by building courses. He knew that the beauty alone would entice people around the country, specifically the affluent population, to seriously play golf. Not to mention, Locke was cool. South Africans looked up to him as a sign that an everyday citizen could thrive on the world stage.
Oddly enough, Germany has been mired in a national campaign against golf for decades. The country, as a whole, not only has viewed the sport as elitist, but also as innately insulting to one's masculinity. Dylan Bawden, an English teaching professional, now works at a golf club in Hamburg, Germany, and he recounts one student who was afraid to tell his friends about his love of golf.
I guess such a mentality makes a bit of sense in Germany. The country carries a blue-collar label, and all citizens are committed to work. Golf is viewed as leisure. Certainly, you don't need to be in peak physical condition, and the sport lacks face-to-face competition. Soccer, on the other hand, plays to the competitive nature of the German people, and, coupled with the fact that the country is so successful, it is incredibly popular.
There is hope for golf in Germany, however. It comes in the form of a 25 year old, and his name is Martin Kaymer (left). Nearly 6 feet tall, the Dusseldorf native practically drips with golf savvy. Kaymer won his first professional tournament at only age 19. Nevertheless, he had not cemented his status as a major champion contender until this year. Yes, he had finished in the top 10 at the PGA Championship in 2009, but Kaymer, to that point, had not truly battled against the world's toughest courses in the most grueling of conditions.
Clearly, all question have been answered surrounding the German star, as Kaymer enters Whistling Straits for the last major championship of 2010. Battling with winds up to 40 miles per hour, he finished tied for 7th at the British Open. He showed that his tied for 8th finish at Pebble Beach was no fluke. Moreover, Kaymer exhibited the ability to drive ball well, regardless of the circumstances. How he fares off the tee this August will determine his success. Don't forget, the Whistling Straits is designed after the links courses of Great Britain and Ireland. Kaymer, therefore, will surely be familiar with nuances of the course.
If Kaymer were to capture the PGA championship, Germany could emerge as a home to professional golfers overnight. The country is filled with unrefined talent, and, in the spirit of the 2010 World Cup, one moment might change everything.
-Daniel Radov
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