Mar28 Grobturnspro

Goalkeeping legend Bruce Grobbelaar has set his sights on playing pro golf on the Seniors Tour.  

The adopted Yorkshireman has joined Oulton Hall golf club on the edge of Leeds to support his bid to achieve his ambition.

South African-born Bruce, who celebrates his 50th birthday later this year, is currently a 4-handicap golfer.  He is using the facilities and championship course at Oulton Hall – currently in the final stages of a £7.5m redevelopment – to reduce his handicap to just 2, which would pave the way for him to join the South African Seniors’ Tour.

“It’s a serious ambition and one that I am determined to achieve,” said Bruce, who started playing golf when working as a car salesman in his homeland – long before his soccer career took off – after realising that the golf course was the best place for doing deals with clients.

“I am lucky to have such a good course as Oulton Hall near to my home. With the new improvements, it’s a good test, and will be a real asset as I strive to improve my golf to the higher standard required to apply to join the South African Seniors’ Tour.

“I have faced plenty of sporting challenges in my career – and this one is among the very toughest.

“South Africa has produced some of the world’s finest golfers – such as Bobby Locke, Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Retief Goosen – and it would be a dream to play on its Seniors’ Tour, which is for the over-50s so the timing is ideal.”

Since moving to Yorkshire his new home, Bruce has becoming familiar with rugby league and getting a taste for Yorkshire bitter in the village local.  A keen charity supporter, Bruce has already signed up to join other celebrities joining local businesses to play in the inaugural Eddie Gray Classic in aid of the Heartbeat Appeal at Oulton Hall on April 17.

Keith Pickard, Head of Golf at Oulton Hall Hotel and Golf Resort, part of the De Vere Deluxe collection, said members had welcomed the chance to play alongside the sporting icon.

“We are delighted that Bruce has joined us at such an exciting time for the club and our members,” said Keith. ““As Yorkshire’s only five-star hotel, we are determined to create a five-star golf resort.

“These improvements are just the first step in demonstrating the sky-high ambitions – and investment – that we have for making Oulton Hall the premier 5-star hotel and golf resort in the North of England.