We had the honour of sitting down with Maties Golfers Anita Chen and Crystal Beukes, the sole female representatives from the University Sport South Africa team, as they prepare to compete at the FISU Golf World University Championships in Finland, proudly representing Stellenbosch University.
Greatest influence on golfing career?
Crystal: My dad.
Anita: I would say, my parents and sister, my dad was the one who started taking my sister and me to lessons. My mom was the one who always tried to get us to improve, whether it was buying us golf books, forcing us to practice more, etc. My sister currently has the biggest influence on my golf. We motivate each other and golf is a lot more fun with her. Going to play 18 together always consists of fat chats and belly laughs.
Golfer you most admire.
C: Nelly Korda
A: Not to be cringe but I would say my sister, she’s really good and her golf game is extremely consistent, which I really admire. Then of course Lydia Ko, her rise in golf was absolutely insane and she’s an amazing player (also, she has hole in ones, which is so cool, I haven’t had one yet).
Number of holes-in-one?
C: None, sadly.
A: I have come close twice, but it hasn’t happened yet.
If you could play any course in the world, where would it be?
C: St Andrews old course
A: I would love to play honestly any course in Taiwan. My parents grew up there and I would love to be able to play a round or 2.
Golf achievement you’re most proud of.
C: Making my first international team playing in India
A: Most probably being in the winning IPT team a few years back when I still played for Western Province. It was such a good tournament, both on and off the course. I am super stoked to be able to have contributed.
Round of golf you’ve enjoyed the most.
C: Club champs.
A: Langebaan Golf Club a few years ago for a tournament. It felt like my golf shots flowed easily and it was a very enjoyable tournament, it was my then-lowest score of 75, which was super cool.
Your perfect golf shot?
C: Perfectly straight driver and long irons, nothing is more flush.
A: 3-wood on the fairway, on a reachable second shot on a par 5. Those are super exciting and fun.
If you could acquire one trait from another golfer, what would it be?
C: Tiger Wood’s mind.
A: My sister’s green in regulation stats.
A shot that gives you the most difficulty?
C: Low cut, it’s a “hit and hope” type shot for me
A: I’ve been nervous with my approach shots at 70m.
Do you follow any pre-round rituals or superstitions?
C: I have to mark my ball with one green dot and play with the same marker.
A: Not really, I do like to start at the putting range and then move on to the range for my warm-up.
How do you unwind and relax after a particularly tough round?
C: After a tough round all I want is my bed and McDonald’s.
A: Drink a lemonade at the clubhouse, get home, shower, do skincare and then put on Modern Family or Castle and then read whatever book I’m currently reading (at the same time). Or go out with my friends the following day (if possible). Then do some stretches, I’m super tired after a tournament so anything that doesn’t stress me out is good.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on the golf course?
C: It’s always funny to see someone hack their way around the course and swear they’ll never play golf again, but you see them at the range again the very next day
A: We were playing quite a tournament at Durbanville Golf Club and one of the players hit the ball super skew, basically a shank. He then yelled, “Shi- fore – SORRY.” I don’t know what made it funnier, the senior turning around in confusion and then jumping to avoid the ball, the player’s facial expression or us absolutely cackling with laughter and falling to the ground together. Core memory for sure!
What does playing in the 2024 FISU World University Championships Golf tournament mean to you?
C: It’s pretty special representing the Maroon Machine. You meet so many other students from around the world and you’re exposed to some really good, competitive golf. It’s definitely a tournament that drives you to better your game.
A: It means the world to me; I never knew about the tournament until the end of last year. I was honestly super shocked when I heard that I would be playing it, especially in Finland. It is so cool, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity.
Do you have a secret weapon?
C: On a good day, my putter can be really sharp
A: A golf psychology book that helps whenever I get too caught up in my head. And Tannie K’s (Karen Swart, Maties Golf club manager) inspirational quotes.
By Anne Lubbe