Philip Geerts: “Strength lies in dreams”
“There is one thing about Africa that, once you return home, will forever be imprinted in your mind: the sunset. I’m talking about the ones you often see on TV and in photographs; that intense orange colour disturbed only by the shadows of distant animals. It’s such a unique, wonderful and indescribable sight to behold. And this is just one of the many virtues Africa has to offer - the well-known African nostalgia. That indescribable sensation, bursting emotion and inner feeling that this land can and will leave you, in addition to the unique call that lures visitors back to the continent, time and time again”. Philip Geerts, an Italian golf player, opened the interview with these words. The interview was conducted via video call at his home within South Africa's Serengeti Golf Club. Philip - Italian by birth but African by choice - first grew up in Kenya, then Italy and finally settled in South Africa. As a boy, he had steadfast principles, a golf-loving family and a clear, precise goal: to one day play in the European Tour.
Tell us a bit about your decision to compete in the Sunshine Tour?
I believe that staying in South Africa and conquering this circuit is a good steppingstone to help get into the European Tour. The Sunshine Tour is a top-level school that best prepares you for the leap into the golfing elite. All of the strongest South African players have passed through this circuit.
What about golf... was it love at first sight? From where does your passion stem?
I owe everything to my grandmother who has always been a great golf enthusiast. I grew up with her and I can remember her taking me to the green when I was just three years old. I haven’t stopped swinging since!
Are there any other careers you would have considered pursuing, had you not become a professional golfer?
I grew up in Africa playing lots of sports... but I have never found another activity that even gets close to the feeling I experience every time I step onto the green. When I was 9, I competed in my first competition and I knew right there and then that this is what I wanted to do. This game has a unique emotional impact on me, one that’s hard to describe; it makes me get out of bed every morning, willing and wanting to take to the green and give it my all.
First Kenya, then South Africa, Italy and again South Africa. Where do you feel most at home?
That’s a good question... I truly love both Africa and Italy. Each country has in its own way bestowed and instilled something profound in me, and it is therefore impossible to choose just one.
How has Africa helped you as a golfer?
South Africa has helped improve my mindset on the green; its taught me to fight to the last stroke without ever giving up and letting the field win in frustration. It has also taught me a lot about history, e.g. players like Gary Player and Ernie Els are shining examples and role models for all young kids looking to get into the golfing profession.
So basically, you’ve already revealed your favourite players...
In my own small way, I would love to possess equal qualities from the two players I have always admired: Ernie Els and Francesco Molinari. To have Francesco’s technique and Els’ innate elegance. As you can see, my heart is still divided between Italy and Africa.
You’ve been the Chervò Ambassador since 2018 now. Tell us a bit about this close collaboration
It’s an honour to wear Chervò and carry the brand around the world with me. The fact that the brand is also Italian, makes me even prouder. The design and high-performance fabrics make the garments perfect for this sport.
What values do you feel you share with the Chervò brand?
Loyalty, respect and, without a doubt, Italian style. I receive no end of compliments about my outfits on the green. People are intrigued by my clothing which never seems to go unnoticed!
What are the goals this season? And do you have any long-term ones?
The long-term goal is to earn a European Tour card. At the moment, however, I am working with a performance coach and we have set ourselves the goal of winning the Sunshine Tour this year. This would give me a huge advantage. I would rise in the rankings and that would lead to several benefits, including being able to compete in more competitions on the major European circuit
You have visually mapped out your future plans. How do you always find the strength to strive towards the final goal without ever looking back?
I find the strength in my dreams and in all that I’ve ever wanted. Even when training as a child, I would imagine sinking the decisive putt to win the Open Championship. That little boy is still inside of me, but I am now more aware of the fact that I am doing this profession because I love it and I am fully prepared to make continuous sacrifices.
If you could have three wishes, what would you ask for?
That’s easy! To earn a European Tour card, be ranked in the world’s top 50 players and buy a sea-facing villa for my parents. I owe everything to them, and I would like to be able to give back - even if just by some small gesture - at least a token of all that they have ever done for me.
Who would be your dream team for your first race on the European Tour?
My team would include Francesco Molinari, Renato Paratore - my close friend - and I would also cross the ocean and choose none other than Mr Tiger Woods himself.
Each player has what is commonly known as their “shot in the bag”. What is yours?
My drive. I like to get on the tee, see the hole in its entirety and visualise the stroke. However, despite this “flair”, players must always be as all-rounded as possible. Having a straight, far-stretching drive does not automatically make you a winner. You must work on every aspect of the game and always try to outdo yourself. In golf, there is always something new to learn and that is the beauty of it; no matter how strong you may be, there is always room for improvement.
So, in a nutshell, tell us what golf has taught you?
Just like all sports, golf is the mirror of life. From an early age, you are taught honesty and discipline as there is no room for cheating in golf. When you believe that the world is your oyster, golf comes along to teach you that talent alone is not enough. You have to work hard, give it your all and stretch beyond your limits. Golf teaches you to accept setbacks and use them to your advantage. Golf often epitomises resilience: it teaches you to have the emotional elasticity to remain headstrong, manage the unexpected and enjoy every little success.
