Meet the champion: Martin Stam

Jan 29 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

Are you a sports person?

I was when I was younger. Apart from golf, at school I was football captain and rugby captain. I do a bit of running. But not too much!

Where did you hit your first golf ball?

Probably at Royal Liverpool. My father was a member and he took me there when I was about eight. He was a good golfer, about three handicap, and he gave me some cut-down clubs. We would just play about four holes. I used to hit the ball twice to get as far as he hit it once. Later on it became the other way round.

I also messed around in the back garden and from about 12-13 I was taught by Alan Thompson of Heswall. He is an England coach and when it comes to the golf swing he is spot-on.

Are you a golf addict?

I used to be when I was younger but not any more. But between 13 and 16 I used to play for England and it was an addiction. I would play and practise a lot, watch golf on television . . .

I think your priorities change quite a lot. I was not going to be a professional golfer although I did consider that option, But I had to do A-levels and then there was university and it was difficult to fit golf into things. If you are not doing those things you do have more chance. But I still play quite a lot of golf.

How often do you play?

Probably once a week but not as much in the winter. Then I play football on Sundays, for Bushell Athletics in the Houlihan’s Birkenhead League. Basically me and a lot of pals I went to school with.

What would improve your game?

Driving is not the best part of my game. I have a good putting and short game but with driving my technique is not perfect now. You can feel with your driving whether it is efficient or not, if you are getting the most out of yourself. I could hit it further and straighter if I improved my technique but I do not have the inclination now. I get away with what I can.

Greatest golf moment?

I played for England Boys about five times. I won lots with Cheshire county, junior things, mostly as a team. I played for Cheshire twice when we won the English County finals, which was pretty good, and when I was at Loughborough we won the British Universities Team Championship. I have won lots of things.

Do you have a golf moment you prefer to forget?

Lots of them. Too many to remember!

Favourite golf courses?

Obviously Heswall. Royal Liverpool, Birkdale, Walton Heath, Turnberry. I do like links courses. Bit more natural and you can play all the year round without it being wet and boggy.

Who do you most admire in golf?

I think you must say Tiger Woods. His concentration is incredible. That is why he wins. Others, such as Ernie Els, cannot concentrate as long. Self-belief. Concentration.

What was the best golf advice you have been given?

It is not about how, but how many. It does not matter how you do it. Everyone has his or her own style. So long as it works for you. I think it is possible to get too immersed in golf theory. I do not think of anything.

You should work on things on the practice ground. If you work on things on the course then you have no chance.

Tip from a champion to a beginner?

Get the grip, the basics, right.

Do you have a golf dream?

No. I just enjoy playing. I enjoy the club matches and the banter.