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. Today, goalkeeper Wes Foderingham shares his love for golf...
How did you get into it?
When I was at Swindon Town, I had some [golf] clubs but absolutely hated it, and ten years later I love the sport. I started playing again maybe two-and-a-half, three years ago and really got the bug for it again.
What do you like about it?
At first you're terrible, but you really enjoy it and you want to get better. It just leaves you wanting more. You get to a place where you're good at the game, and then you just enjoy it, even going around different courses. It's just a distraction from football. It's something you can do sociably, even if it's taking my son down to the driving range and hitting a few balls or whatever.
I've had a couple of coaches, but I like to self-teach, and that goes for everything outside of football. I like to do the research myself and actually understand it because a coach can tell you what you're doing wrong and show you what you're doing wrong, but you don't sometimes understand why you're doing it wrong or why it's going wrong. I like to understand the problem so I'm able to see it and rectify it myself.
Do you do it on your own or with others?
At Sheffield United, they’ve got a golf simulator installed at the training ground, and all the boys would play on it. I used to get absolutely battered off them on it, and it gave me the urge to try and get a lot better at it. I'm one of those people that when I decide I want to do something, I'm really devoted to it. They’re not laughing anymore!
Here at West Ham, I’ve played with Aaron [Cresswell] and James [Ward-Prowse]. We played during pre-season in Tampa, Florida. It was me, James and Andy Irving against Danny [Ings] and Aaron, and I’m glad to say we won. It was a great performance from the boys.
Do you know anyone involved in it?
I don’t know any professional golfers personally, but I do know Billy Horschel is a West Ham supporter, so I’m always watching out for his results.
Have you ever been to any big events associated with it?
That’s next on my list, actually. I’ve never been to an event but watch loads on the TV. I want to go to a proper PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) event.
How much time do you spend on it outside of football?
I would say whenever I have the time, I try to play. When I have free time over the course of three or four days, I will always try and fit a round in.
How good are you at it?
I’m averaging a handicap of 16, but it could be better. I don’t actually have an official handicap.
How much would you recommend it to people who aren’t familiar with it?
Golf is like problem solving. It’s one of those things that once you get good at it, then you can appreciate it and have it for life. You can do it no matter what age you are, whether you’re older or younger.
It’s something you can enjoy and is something that can keep you fit. It’s four hours of enjoyment or losing your head, depending on how you play!
Can you share some tips about how someone could get involved in it?
I think the first thing would be to go down to your local driving range. It’s around £5 for 100 balls, and you can just enjoy hitting the ball and getting used to it.
You don’t have to be a member to play at a course, as there are a lot of courses that are owned by the council, which are a little bit more relaxed. There are different variations, which means you can enjoy the sport in loads of different ways.
