European Tour PGA event Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is one of the most exciting Pro-am golf tournaments globally. Hosting the event are charismatic South African Johan Rupert of the luxury goods conglomerate Richemont and his glamorous wife, Gaynor.
The world's top pros play alongside rockstars, business tycoons, and celebrities on three of the most famous Links courses, St Andrew’s, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns. It is the highlight of my husband’s year, and in 2021 I had the thrilling opportunity to play during the four-day tournament that kicked off on September 30.
Someone who learned to play golf sparingly as a child, finding myself inside the ropes playing alongside top pros was an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience. Golf lasted a year in my youth before I ditched it for high-octane sports such as ultra running, biking and mountaineering. I did not pick up a golf club again until my late 40s, playing with my golf-mad husband Ken Hitchner. I confess I only enjoy playing golf if I have done my aerobic exercise first. I now want a regular game with other couples, my girlfriends and my family.
As a Laureus Sport For Good ambassador, I received a call two weeks before the tournament asking if I was willing to play and fill in due to a last-minute dropout due to Covid. I was very apprehensive to say yes as I didn’t want to embarrass myself or the pro. I'm a very wild player, hence my 26 handicap.
As that well-known golf saying goes, “drive for show and putt for dough,” I most certainly drive for show. My putting is terrible, as is my short game, so my scorecard is often very volatile. I am extremely inconsistent with random pars and birdies interspersed with blowups.
Since my motto in life is to take every opportunity that comes my way, I agreed to put my game to the test in the Dunhill. On hearing the news, my husband was gobsmacked; his shock would later come back to haunt him as he watched my partner, professional golfer Alejandro Cañizares and my name creep up the leaderboard past his.
It was very stressful playing in front of the Cameras as I did not want to be the one dispatching ball after ball into the North Sea. I discovered that everyone was so lovely, and Canizares was a delight to play with. He did not make me feel bad or pressured if I hit an awful shot. By some miracle, I played well. I behaved on the greens, and we almost made the final cut. We tied for 18th overall, and I had the time of my life partaking in the Dunhill.
On a heavier note, it was the last time I saw Australian cricket legend Shane Warne. He was an integral part of this event and one of the most gifted athletes and genuine people I have ever met. We always shared laughs whenever we would meet at the various events and Laureus over the years. On the last evening of the tournament, ] he was in great spirit as he danced around our table. He radiated good vibes, and I know he had a fun night. He then went out the next day and almost won the entire event. That’s Shane Warne for you, always living life to the full– he will be greatly missed.