On The Tee: Q&A

GOLF: JONATHAN SEXTONanswers the questions

Jonathan Sexton

(Leinster and Ireland rugby player)

Club: Ballybunion

Handicap: 6

1 What’s your favourite golf tournament (amateur or professional) and why?

The British Open, that’s the one I look forward to watching. The Masters is great, but after many summers growing up in Kerry and playing Ballybunion, links golf is obviously a favourite of mine. It’s always great to see the pros tested and they never go massively under par at the Open.

2 Best TV golf memory?

Pádraig Harrington winning his first major (British Open, Carnoustie 2007) has to rank up there. That was great for every Irish person watching and great for the country. I really admire what Harrington does and the way he conducts himself. Other than that, I tend to remember specific shots; some of Tiger’s best shots or Phil Mickelson from behind the tree at the Masters last year. My first memory is probably Sergio Garcia running down the fairway after hitting that shot from behind the tree (US PGA at Medinah 1999).

3 Parkland or links? Why?

Good memories of both, my mum comes from Dublin so I used to play at Milltown and my dad from Kerry, that’s where the Ballybunion link comes in. But the draw to links is definitely stronger because that’s what I grew up playing and Ballybunion is where I still hold my handicap.

4 What’s your hidden gem of a course and why?

Possibly Tralee. I know it’s well-known but I’ve played it a few times and think it’s a really good course. Sometimes it doesn’t get the same publicity as the likes of Ballybunion, Lahinch or Waterville.

5 How would you deal with someone you suspected of cheating? Would you sign their card?

There are so many different rules in golf, hard to know sometimes if a rule is broken by accident or on purpose. That said, if someone marked down the wrong score then I’d pull them on it, no question. Remember Dustin Johnson at last year’s US PGA, that was harsh, but rules are rules. Sometimes a bit of common sense needs to prevail.

6 If you could introduce one rule how would you combat slow play?

Depends where you play and at what time of the day. I’m not a slow player myself. Some guys taking five and six practice swings need to have a look at themselves, I’d have a problem with those lads for there’s no need. There might even be one or two in the Leinster camp a bit like that.

7 Has equipment technology had a detrimental effect on genuine talent/ability? If so, what changes would you make?

I don’t have any issue with equipment improving. People hit the ball farther but they also make courses longer. You still have to hit it straight and it’s the same for everyone.

8 150-yards from the hole, what’s in your hands?

Probably a soft eight-iron or a strong nine-iron.

9 Fashion stakes – Pringle or J Lindeberg?

Don’t even know the two names. Luckily I get supplied with Adidas stuff so they look after me with bits and bobs.

10 More comfortable paying price of a pint or ProV ball?

ProV balls are very expensive and I find the price tends to vary between clubs. You could pay over €20 for a sleeve of three in some clubs, that doesn’t sit easy with me. It’s an expensive habit if you keep losing them. Then you get the locals following you round and picking them up and trying to sell them back to you! That makes them very pricey.

11 Who is the greatest – Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods? Other?

Tiger Woods. I suppose at the end of his career we’ll be able to tell for definite. I think what he has done for the game has been incredible even though he’s been through a tough time in recent years. I’d still say he’s changed the face of golf. I also think he will surpass Nicklaus’ record. Hard to compare like for like from different generations. Suppose it’s like comparing Jack Kyle to Brian O’Driscoll.

12 If you had one final round who would be in your fourball and where?

The Old Course at Ballybunion and it would be with Pádraig Harrington, Tiger Woods and my grandad, John Nestor, who’s no longer with us but he played for Ireland. Never got to see him play so would have liked the chance of a game with him.