Members of the West Ham United squad discuss their main hobbies away from the football pitch, explaining what sparked their interest and advising how fellow Hammers can get involved. Continuing the series, Aaron Cresswell reveals his love for swinging a golf club!
How did you get into it?
When I was younger, I lived near a field in Liverpool and me and my friends would just whack balls into it! That sounds bad, but it started from there, and gradually I’ve just taken it more and more seriously.
What do you like about it?
Generally, I find golf relaxing - at least until I hook a ball into the water! I think it’s a great way to switch off from football and enjoy time with your mates.
How much time do you spend on it outside of football?
Not as much as I’d like! Football’s obviously pretty busy, and I’ve got two young children as well, so getting out on the course isn’t easy. It’s definitely something I’ll spend more time on further down the line.
How good are you at it?
I’m not great at the minute. I play off around 18 or 19, but hopefully that'll come down eventually!
Do you do it on your own or with others?
I sometimes go to the driving range on my own, but golf is a great social sport. I’ve played with Ingsy [Danny Ings] before. We had some breakfast early on before heading out to the course, which is a nice way to do it.
Do you know anyone involved in it?
I know [the American professional and world number 24] Billy Horschel, who is a big West Ham fan and plays on the PGA Tour. I’ve met Billy a good few times now and he’s a great guy. I definitely need to get some golf tips off him!
Have you ever been to any big events associated with it?
I went to The Open Championship with my best mate when it was in Kent [at Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich] in 2021, and we followed Rory McIlroy for the day. It was fantastic to be so close to him and watch the golf.
How much would you recommend it to people who aren’t familiar with it?
It’s a great game, and it’s challenging both technically and mentally. You can hit a clean shot, exactly where you want it to go, but then your very next shot can be absolutely disastrous! It’s all about consistency, and I think the more you play, the better you become.
Can you share some tips about how someone could get involved in it?
I would recommend starting off at a driving range to get a feel for it and get used to it, before stepping out onto the golf course. I’d definitely recommend getting some lessons as well, so you don’t pick up any bad habits!
