Dale Hayes
Dale Hayes
Izimvo is honoured to introduce former professional golfer, Dale Hayes.
Dale’s illustrious career as a professional golfer includes highlights such as three-time PGA Championship winner, the Swiss, Spanish, Italian, Colombian, French and South African Open winner and World Cup winner in 1974.
Synonymous with South African golfer, Dale has been an ambassador of the game for over twenty years and a member of the PGA of South Africa for over thirty years. He has recently been honoured with Master Professional status by the PGA of South Africa.
Today Dale is involved in a number of golfing related businesses including Dale Hayes Golf Events and The Dale Hays Golf School of Excellence.
Website: http://www.dalehayesgolfevents.co.za
Location: Johannesburg
Dale was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:
Personal
Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.
A: Dale Hayes, retired golf professional, age 57.
Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.
A: I read every golf publication I can subscribe to or buy every month, and collect books on golf.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: Watching TV and movies.
Golf in South Africa
Q: South Africa has some of the best golf courses in the world. Which would you select as your top 3?
A: Durban CC, Leopard Creek, Gary Player CC
Q: Do you feel enough is being done for the development of the game in previously disadvantaged communities?
A: No.
Q: Which is your favorite golfing event on the South African calendar?
Q: At their best, which of the following players would you put your money on if they were playing in a tournament today? Gary Player, Ernie Else, Nicky Price, Hugh Baiocchi, John Bland or Simon Hobday?
A: Gary Player or Bobby Locke.
Q: Which South African amateur has impressed you the most in recent years?
A: Dylan Frittelli.
Life in South Africa
Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?
A: Yes – we have changed the way we live.
Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?
A: No.
Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?
A: I would put the army on the streets where crime was bad.
Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?
A: Soweto, The Wine Route and The Cape Waterfront.
Life in Johannesburg
Q: Which golf course in or around Johannesburg would you recommend for the first-time golfer wanting to try the game?
Q: Which course in Johannesburg has the best 19th hole?
A: Parview.
Q: Best value-for-money course in Johannesburg?
A: Modderfontein.
General
Q: If you could play a round of golf with any three South Africans, who would invite?
A: Nelson Mandela, Otway Hayes (my father) and Teddy Irwin.
Q: What are your thoughts on having golf as an Olympic sport?
A: Awesome – golf will get a huge boost.
Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?
A: Final Rounds by James Dodson.
Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?
Q: At home.
Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?
A: All great old sportsmen.
We’d like to thank Dale for taking the time to answer our questions.
