Love of sport
Habana’s own journey into rugby came when as a 12-year-old he watched on in awe as Nelson Mandela shook hands with Francois Pienaar and handed him the 1995 Rugby World Cup after South Africa’s victory over New Zealand. He knows golf can stir the emotions and offer similar pathways.
The 40-year-old added, “The R&A and all the national associations involved brought something spectacular to Leopard Creek, one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The players got a taste of what playing at the highest level is like and what that pressure means. It will be a stepping stone for so many. And with the exemptions, including into The 152ndOpen at Royal Troon, it was pretty special.”
It was Habana’s rugby career – he scored an incredible 335 points in 124 Tests for South Africa and sits second among the all-time test try scorers with 67 tries – that ultimately developed his love for striking a smaller white ball.
“I probably got into golf at the age of 17 or 18 years old towards my final years at school,” he explained. “I went with a mate to a driving range and we just had an absolute blast. It felt really cool. I was an honest hacker, but just being able to socialise and have fun, it was a really enjoyable introduction to the sport.
“As the years developed and I got into rugby, there was a really great golfing environment within the rugby circle. Most off days would be spent with three or four-balls looking for courses around the world to play. That journey of over 20 years of playing rugby meant I got to travel the world and get to some absolutely incredible courses. It was a switch off from the intense effort that is professional sport, particularly rugby, and to get out into nature, have fun and test yourself in a different environment.”
Golf benefits
Now a successful businessman – the Co-Founder and Chief Client Officer at fintech firm Paymenow Group – his priorities have changed, especially with two young boys to run around after. But, again, golf is acting a bond between them already.
“Playing golf after retiring, the competitive edge is not as needed,” said Habana, who played for sides including the Bulls, Stormers and Toulon in his decorated club career. “I think the fact I’ve now got two little boys, we enjoy hitting a ball around and having family bonding time, father-and-son bonding time. The ability to go and putt, play a par-3 course or getting into a VR studio playing golf on a digital screen, the ability to just have the ease of access to so many options in golf is really cool.
“I don’t need the competitive edge now, so it’s very much a continual relaxation environment, getting into nature, breathing in fresh air and walking six to seven kilometres on a golf course is pretty cool. There are a lot of real tangible good things about the sport that I love. Yes, you can compete against yourself on every shot, every time you go back to the course, but it is about enjoying all the incredible things golf has to offer.”
With a handicap of “around 16 or 17,” Habana likes nothing more than knocking some balls around with his sons on the little artificial putting green he has installed in his garden. Golf has been so important for him and he is passionate about sharing its various benefits with others.