INTERVIEW
Christian Karembeu: “Golf helps remaining humble”
How have you become fond of golf?
When a trainee in Nantes, at the age of 18 or 19 years. A golf swing was located not far from our training grounds. I saw people playing there every day, but without knowing what it was. Antoine Kombouare was there. He led me down this path.
This early discovery has inspired you to try your hand at real golf?
At the time, no. I was too focused on my career as a football player. I started golf pretty late, there are four or five years, thanks to a friend amateur champion.
Today, what is your level?
I currently have a handicap 30. I play intermittently, when the opportunity arises, but with great passion. And I participate in tournaments.
Would you say Football and golf are complementary?
Tennis and cricket players often prove more comfortable than footballers in learning golf. They have a natural swaying that helps them hit the ball. But as football, golf requires concentration, a sense of balance, accuracy of movement and a great hit. In both sports, you have to use all his visual sense.
Can the golf mental approach serve footballers?
In golf, you first play against yourself. In football, you play with others. The difference is great. But golf helps to stay humble. It encourages reflection. Mentally, a footballer has much to gain by kicking the ball.
Do footballers prove good golfers?
On the whole, yes. The best of us is Alain Boghossian (the former world champion has a negative handicap, he participated in a professional tournament), but David Ginola, Antoine Kombouare, Christophe Dugarry also play very well. FIFPro regularly brings together players around the course, and we are very numerous.
What are your favorite courses?
I remember having played on the island of Cyprus, a beautiful course, with the sea in sight. I also kept a great memory of a golf course in Indonesia.
Is golf part of your life nowadays?
Yes. And I try to share my passion. In New Caledonia, where I am with the club’s golfing Ouenghi, I allow every year 300 children to discover and enjoy this sport. With a teacher, we offer an introduction throughout the school year during the holidays. The best play in the final.
