A QUICK Q&A WITH STEPHEN WARNOCK

When did you take up golf? Any particular reasons why?

I started playing properly when I retired, I played casually when I was still playing. I needed another sport to focus on, for several reasons. When you stop playing top flight sport there’s an obvious void, not just the game itself, but the company too.

How would you describe your game right now, and what are your ambitions for it?

I’m an inconsistent golfer, which is frustrating but I don’t let it get the better of me. I play off 10 and would love to get as low as possible, and I’m aiming to be a single figure golfer by the end of summer.

What’s your relationship with golf like? Interested? Keen? Passionate? Obsessed?

Passionately obsessed! I absolutely love playing and practicing. I also watch everything on TV from the main events to the WPGA and the smaller events. I pay attention and try to learn. There are always things you notice which you can try to take on to the range and the course.
 

You played football at the highest level - what does top team sport bring to golf, which can be a lonely game?

The importance of discipline, and the simple fact that nothing comes easily. You only get back what you put in.

Do you have lessons or prefer to self-teach?

Lessons. I need to be shown and taught why something is happening. It’s very hard I think to both understand why something is wrong and then set out to put it right. If I try to learn on my own I just compound my bad mistakes.

You were a fierce tackling full-back, so - your demeanour on the course - are you calm and collected? Or a shaft snapper?

To be honest I used to be a bit of a shaft snapper and could get really angry on the course; but I have learnt now how to control my emotions and not let them get the better of me. That’s part of the discipline sport requires, especially one as meticulous as golf. You’re not going to strike the ball properly if you’re in some sort of turmoil.

Do you have a health and fitness regime, and is any of it influenced by golf?

I go to the gym as much as I can but that depends on how much golf I am playing that week. Ideally I will play golf three or four times a week. Clearly that’s great exercise in itself, but I try to get the balance right.

You’ve talked in the past about your poor mental health following your retirement from football. Is golf good for your psyche? (I’m not sure it’s good for mine.)

I think it is in a way because I’m out and about exercising and I have something to look forward to. Also the social side of meeting new people playing golf is great and good for the soul.

Golf has changed a lot over recent years. Is contemporary football different from your playing days and if so how?

I think a lot has changed, particularly in terms of investment in sports science, nutrition, physios, wellbeing and the like. I think the teams around the team or individuals have grown in positive ways, and players and the game in general are seeing the benefits of it.

We see and hear you a lot on TV and radio talking football. Would you like to be part of a golf commentary team?

I would love that. I was nearly part of the 5live team at Royal Liverpool when the Open was here two years ago, but unfortunately I had to fly out to America for work. Hopefully in the future I will get the opportunity.

What’s your standout football memory and why?

Making my debut for Liverpool. It was my boyhood club and to play just once would have been unforgettably special.

What’s your standout golf memory to date, and why?

I’ve been very lucky to play some incredible golf courses, but nothing beats playing with your friends and a golf trip to Turkey last summer stands out. It was great. We are heading back again this summer with more people, which means I have something else to look forward to!

Golf is popular with pro footballers both playing and retired. Are there any particular reasons why?

I think it’s that competitive edge and how hard it is, striving for perfection but never quite being able to find it.

Do you have any ex-footballer playing pals?

Hillside is my home club and I’m lucky we have Jim Beglin, Sir Kenny Dalgliesh, Alan Hansen, Mike Newell, and current Everton coach, Alan Irvine. So I have plenty close to hand, andI know many more.

Any ideas who’s going to win The Open at Portrush?

I’d love nothing more than to see Tommy Fleetwood win it! If it’s not him I think Tyrrell Hatton or Shane Lowry stand a chance.