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a round with Glenn Robbins
One of Australia’s best-known writers, actors and comedians, Glenn Robbins has appeared on a string of hit TV shows, including ‘The Comedy Company,’ ‘Fast Forward’ and ‘Kath & Kim.’ He also featured on ‘The Panel’ from 1998 to 2004. He is a member at The National in Victoria.
1st. When and where did you first play golf?
I started playing when I was ten. I built my own six-hole course in the backyard of our house with holes made out of old jam tins. Then one day Footso the cat went to the toilet in one of the tins and I lost the interest. Maybe he was just passing comment on my game?
2nd. What attracted you to the game?
I just love the smell of wet grass in the morning. I also enjoy the camaraderie of golf. I’m competitive and I like to play well but even a bad day is enjoyable.
3rd. Do any other members of your family play golf?
My mum played at Royal Park in Melbourne where you had to cross the railway line a few times. I saw her bag of clubs and just picked them up one day.
4th. How often do you play?
About once a week. That’s all my back will put up with. I damaged it surfing and I’ve got a herniated disc. I was walking up the 18th at the National once and my back started making all these weird noises and I began walking like Wile E. Coyote.
5th. What is your handicap now and how low has it been?
It’s currently 11 but I have been down to 9. I’d like to get to 10. Single figures would be great but my back wouldn’t stand for all the practice I’d have to do.
6th. What has been your best round and at which course?
I shot a four-over-par 76 off the stick on the Old course at the National about 10 years ago. I just didn’t think too much and got out of my own way. I was in the zone.
7th. To which golf clubs do you belong or have been a member?
The National and The Fairway Club, which was founded in 1947. We play a different sand belt course every Monday, like Huntingdale, Royal Melbourne and Commonwealth. It’s just a great bunch of guys who get together to play golf when they should probably be at work.
8th. What is your favourite course and why?
On a week-to-week basis, the Old course at the National but for an all round experience Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania. Everything’s good: the environment, course, clubhouse, accommodation, views, food and wine, even the family that runs it. I’m a big fan of Tom Doak’s work. He really brings a course out of the ground. And I’m sick of golf course architects showing off.
9th. What is the best part of your game?
Putting. I’ve never read a golf book or had a lesson so I try and keep it simple. The best way to putt well is to just tell yourself you are a good putter then just knock it in.
10th….and the worst?
I’m prone to shanking…even with the putter! No, just my short irons. I had a long period of shanking but after some therapy I’ve got it under control.
11th. Have you ever had a hole-in-one?
On the 16th on the Old course at the National. I used a 4-iron and hopped into the cart thinking it would be close. But as I got nearer I couldn’t see it and was having a bit of a whinge and then we found it in the hole. My name is now up on a board right next to the men’s toilet in the clubhouse, which seems an appropriate spot for it.
12th. What is your favourite club in the bag?
I have two. My old Nubbins putter and my Taylor Made R7 driver, which is a great club because it will hit the ball left, right or even pick up your dry cleaning for you.
13th. If you could chose one living person with whom you could play a game of golf, who would that be?
We were thinking of organising a comedian’s version of the Presidents Cup, with a group of us taking on some American comedians. I’m a big fan of Larry David from Seinfeld so to play with him in that event would be awesome.
14th. Which golfer – past or present – inspires you most?
Tiger Woods. I waited behind the 14th tee at Kingston Heath for two hours to see him. He hit a snap hook left, threw his club on the ground and went to the toilet. It wasn’t the moment with Tiger I would have liked.
15th. Which golf course in the world would you most like to play?
The new course at Barnbougle called The Lost Farm. I love the old course so much I can’t wait for the new one to open.
16th. Who is the best golfer among your celebrity friends?
I’ve played with Shane Warne and he’s pretty good. He plays off 10 or 11. Sam Newman hits the ball pretty well. And Rob Stitch goes okay when he can find the time to play.
17th. And the best pro you’ve played with?
Michael Campbell. He hit the ball miles without any effort. I’d never seen rhythm like it before.
18th. Which Australian golfer do you think will be the next
to win a ‘major’?
I’ve always admired Matt Goggin for his temperament. The other one I‘d pick would be Geoff Ogilvy. He’s the complete package and has such a mature temperament.
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