Benedikt Lacher: Make Golf Cool Again

Okay the title of this interview suggests that golf was cool before which may or may not be true, however our trainer Benedikt Lacher showed us that golf isn’t just for America’s super-rich. Here’s what he had to say about his love for the sport and how we need more young people to get into the game…

USC: How did you first get into golf?

A friend of my parents introduced them to golf when they lived in America. After that they were addicted to it and played about 4 times a week when they got back to Germany. They brought me along to the golf course and I really enjoyed it so I stayed with it.

USC: What’s so addictive about it?

It’s a really challenging sport – I think it’s one of the hardest sports you can do. It’s not just about playing the game; it’s how you think about your golf shots and your mental attitude. So you can use a lot of what you experience on the golf course in life, especially the positive thinking aspect.

USC: You mentioned it’s one of the hardest sports – some people say golf isn’t a sport. What makes it so difficult?

If you don’t have the right attitude you don’t get better at it. The technique is very complex. You can improve quickly, but if you want to get good at golf you need to train a lot. It’s a very unusual movement because you have to bend over and turn and be flexible. You also need to generate speed to hit the golf ball as far as you can. So I think the combination of all these aspects makes it one of the hardest sports in the world.

USC: You also said there aren’t many young people in golf…

Most young people see golf in the movies and they don’t find it very appealing. They think it’s just luxurious private golf courses where everyone is wearing a Rolex and driving big cars and using golf buggies and have cigars in their mouths. But it’s a really fun sport and it isn’t just for rich people.

USC: What advice would you give to people who are interested in starting?

We have an introductory course every Sunday, for two hours, exactly the same as what we did today. You can bring your friends and we’ll hit some golf balls and go through the basics.

Your members can see for themselves that it’s a really fun, social sport in a relaxed atmosphere. You can come here, drink a beer and hit some golf balls. That’s the best way to get started – just try it, and don’t take everything you see on TV for reality.

USC: Which golf players inspire you the most?

My biggest inspiration is definitely Tiger Woods. He was the player who I admired in my youth and I still admire him because he is a very special sportsman. He changed the game and how it’s played because he introduced the physical aspect of golf through training a lot in the gym. He’s done so much for the game.

USC: Would you ever go professional?

I thought about it when I was 16 but I chose to study because being professional is really hard. You have to qualify and if you’re not good enough there’s a lot of pressure to earn your living with golf.

You have to choose very early if you want to be a professional golfer and I chosed to study and play golf only in my free time.

USC: Have there been any moments in your golf career that have  stood out for you?

Yes, my team won the Bavarian championship. This was probably my biggest accomplishment. Also playing against the best golfers in Germany always makes me proud, even if we don’t win.

USC: Where’s your favourite place to play golf in the world?

There are many nice places but I have to say it’s Pebble Beach in California. It’s right by the sea and many holes are directly on the beach. It also has one of the nicest views I’ve ever seen.

USC: Do you have any health or fitness advice for USC members?

If you want to improve your golf game then do lots of core stability exercises. It helps you hit the ball further and prevents injuries as your back is under a lot of strain in golf.

USC: How long has Golf Club Riem been open for?

Since around 1998, but it’s a very young golf course. My home club was founded in 1910 so it’s over 100 years old. It’s a traditional game so there’s a lot of history behind it.

Does Golf Club Riem have any events or workshops coming up?

There are the introductory workshops on Sundays. Here is the perfect place to start playing golf because you have great training opportunities and it’s easy to reach us on the S Bahn – as I always say, the best golf course is the nearest golf course.

If you want to make golf cool again take a look at Golf Club Riem’s introductory courses and/or like Golf Club Riem on Facebook for all their latest news and events.