Elite athlete scheme
Golf star aiming to be the best
Adam Best is studying for a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Applied Sports Science). He is also a supremely talented golfer who is on our elite athlete scheme.
Having represented England at numerous levels, Adam is now ranked number one in England and Wales in the British University Sports Association (BUSA) individual stroke play championships. This qualified him for the finals tournament, at which he finished a highly-respectable 14th. Here he talks about his sport and future ambitions.
What level of golf are you playing at the moment?
I am playing National level in men’s events and have represented England at various levels and age categories.
What is your handicap?
At the moment I am playing off plus two.
Do you have to do any physical training for golf, or can you just play a lot and have a few drinks in the nineteenth?
Yes, surprisingly professional golfers are now athletes so it is really important to keep in shape. Flexibility is a major aspect of training and it is also important to get the balance right and play a lot too. There is nothing wrong with the occasional drink in the nineteenth, but only now and again.
How have you found your first year of BUSA competitions?
I have enjoyed it. It’s a good standard and played on good courses and the organisation is excellent. I have played well in BUSA too, so that makes it more enjoyable.
What are your goals for the rest of the year?
I want to represent England and Yorkshire and get my handicap to plus three or plus four. I am also hoping to represent the University in the World University Championships this summer.
Looking further ahead, do you ever think you will turn professional?
Yes, I want to, but not until I have finished University and not until after the Walker Cup in 2011.
Finally, do you think you will ever be as good as Tiger Woods?
I don’t think anyone will be, he is probably the greatest player ever. I would like to be one of the best players in the world though.
