GOLF-CHAT: Jason Gilliver – looking to take it to the next level
He played for KwaZulu-Natal last season, has won a number of strokeplay tournaments around the province, and has been a member of the Southern KZN league for a few years. But it's a life among the paid ranks that he seeks.
Age? 23.
Birthday? 27 March.
Second name? William.
Nickname? Jay Man or Jay.
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Who introduced you to golf? My ballie, Pete.
Clubs have you been a member at? Scottburgh, Selborne Park, Umdoni Park.
First golf course you ever played at? Scottburgh.
Career highlights? Winning the SA Country Districts IPT last year and then going on to play for KZN at the main South African IPT.
Golf course you would love to play? Quail Hollow.
Schools attended? Scottburgh Primary, Glenwood High School.
If you could win any of the Majors, which one? Masters.
Most famous person you have met or played golf with? English football captain, Harry Kane. I was in the Bahamas and was playing with Lemon the club pro, when he joined us and I got in nine holes with him a couple of times. He was so down-to-earth and has a bomb-tight draw that he plays with. Asked him about handling pressure and he said he’s worked hard to get to where he is and focuses on his role in the team for the game.
Holes in one? None.
Albatross? Yes, 18th at Umdoni Park. Driver, gap wedge – slam dunk!
Fourball of choice? Mikhail van Brakel, Warren van Heerden, Stevie Swain, or Ricky Fowler, Justin Thomas, Russell Henley and Tim Clark.
Favourite meal and drink? Steak and Coke.
World Cup final, T20 cricket or rugby? Cricket.
Countries you have been to? USA, UK, Bahamas.
Historical figure (dead or alive) you would liked to have met? Seve Ballesteros. Would like to know how he blocked out the negativity in life and overcome the situation.
Player you’d choose to hole a 6 foot putt to save your life? Pro – Ricky Fowler; amateur – Gavin Sole, he’s solid.
Luckiest shot that mattered? My drive on the third extra hole of a playoff to win the Northern KZN Open in Dundee. That was crucial. It set up my first win on the KZN circuit. (He’s had a few more since then)
Ever broken a club, what happened? Yes, a punch shot during a game which wrapped around the tree on my follow through.
Any injuries you’ve had to overcome? Knee operation. Had a few other niggles, hand and wrist.
Funniest thing you have ever experienced on golf course? Watching Mikhail van Brakel launch a club.
What irritates you most in golf? Slow players and when someone rashes you in a game and you are already playing badly. But I try enjoy my game no matter how I’m playing or who I happen to be playing with.
Best and worst advice received? Best – have fun; worst – head down and force.
Advice to anyone taking up the game? Take your time, don’t rush things.
Tell us something about yourself not many people know? I’ve always loved motocross. My cousin rode and I wouldn’t have minded being more competitive.
What’s next for you? Working to turn pro.
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