Jesse Verster is the golf director at Port Shepstone Country Club. After a successful amateur career, he gave up his job in the banking world about 20 years ago in a career move which has seen him fulfill the role of golf director and PGA Club Professional. He’s been at the ‘country club’ ever since.

Age? 63 years young. 

Birthday? May 22. 

Second name? Powell.

Nickname? Papwa (mainly among the caddies) due to my reverse hand grip.

ALSO READ: GOLF-CHAT: Derek James – master teacher and player

Who introduced you to golf? My father. 

Which clubs have you been a member at? Dundee, Melmoth, Greytown, Ladysmith, Newcastle,Vryheid and Port Shepstone.

Which was the first golf course you ever played at? Dundee.

Career highlights? Selected to play for KwaZulu-Natal at country districts and men’s level, five times. Won the Wild Coast Heineken Pro Am on -8 a few years ago.

Golf course you would love to play? The Links in Fancourt. Hoping for an invite one day. 

Provincial colours in any other sport? Javelin and tennis.

Schools you attended? Dundee High. 

If you could win any of the Majors, which one? The US Masters at Augusta.

Funniest thing you have experienced on a golf course? My wife Cecelia falling into the water. Luckily she also has a great sense of humour.

Holes in one? 3. Port Shepstone 8th and 14th and the old St Mike’s course, 2nd.

Albatross? Port Shepstone 7th. 

Dream fourball? David Suddards, Fred Beaver, Derek James or Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy.

Beef or chicken? Chicken.

World Cup final, T20 cricket or rugby? Rugby. 

Countries you have been to? England, Israel and Thailand.

Player you’d choose to hole a 6 foot putt to save your life? Pro – Phil Mickelson; amateur – my brother Rieg.

Luckiest shot that mattered? Hole in one on 14th at Sheppie during a Nomads game. 

One shot or round or moment you’d like to take over? My course record 62 at Sheppie – wouldn’t mind reliving that.

Ever broken a club? Never.

Ever felt like quitting? Never.

Ever had an N/R? Yes, rain. 

What one change would you make in golf? When a bunker is completely flooded with water and you have to drop outside of the bunker there should not be a penalty.

What irritates you most in golf? Slow play.

Best and worst advice received? Best – take one shot at a time. Worst – tiger line over that tree!

Historical figure (dead or alive) you would like to have met? Donald Trump.

Advice to anyone taking up the game? Enjoy the game, have fun and laugh.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram