Golf: Nande's great escape
Likius Nande is a sensation on the golf course and has picked up a wealth of insight watching his role model, Tiger Woods.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
WINDHOEK
Namibian golfer Likius Nande said he continues to learn a lot through watching clips of other golfers on the course, especially Tiger Woods, who he watched closely in 2012 at the British Open Championship.
'He has won major championships and holds numerous records. He's widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers, and one of the most famous athletes of all time.
'Most golfers of my generation grew up watching him play on television. I have been lucky enough to watch him play.
“I played in the junior section and he was competing in an event. He definitely has the best mental game,' Nande said of his role model.
Currently out of action
Ranked third in Namibia, the golfer, who has been out of action for a while due to the coronavirus outbreak, said he continues to train to keep in top form.
He recently moved to Windhoek and trains at the Windhoek Country Club.
However, he said he is currently back in Swakopmund, abiding to the rules the government has put in place to fight the pandemic.
Nande added that he hopes a vaccine will be found for the deadly virus so that life gets back to normal as he “cannot wait” to get back on the course.
On his way
“This is my last year as an amateur and I want to put in work before I can turn professional.”
This, however, depends on how soon he can secure 30 championships as he is currently on 25, and needs to win five more this season.
The golfer said while it's amazing to play in the same competitions as the best in the world, the sport is expensive.
Costly
Nande reflected on the challenges of expensive equipment as well as entering competitions, saying that it is costly to play golf. 'You need to be financially stable or at least have some sort of support to keep going,' he said.
Unbothered
He also reflected on battling rumours by a local publication who in March alleged that he squandered prize money he won a few years ago.
Having earned the sports star award along with a whopping N$300 000 at the annual Namibian sports awards in 2018, the golfer said the publication didn't get his side of the story. “I refused to respond to those things. “I have been supporting myself since 2016 without any sponsor. I know how to handle every cent I get because the struggle taught me well.
“I have never changed my lifestyle. I have always been the same person before and after I came into the limelight as I work for myself.
“So, honestly, it doesn't bother me,” Nande said.
WINDHOEK
Namibian golfer Likius Nande said he continues to learn a lot through watching clips of other golfers on the course, especially Tiger Woods, who he watched closely in 2012 at the British Open Championship.
'He has won major championships and holds numerous records. He's widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers, and one of the most famous athletes of all time.
'Most golfers of my generation grew up watching him play on television. I have been lucky enough to watch him play.
“I played in the junior section and he was competing in an event. He definitely has the best mental game,' Nande said of his role model.
Currently out of action
Ranked third in Namibia, the golfer, who has been out of action for a while due to the coronavirus outbreak, said he continues to train to keep in top form.
He recently moved to Windhoek and trains at the Windhoek Country Club.
However, he said he is currently back in Swakopmund, abiding to the rules the government has put in place to fight the pandemic.
Nande added that he hopes a vaccine will be found for the deadly virus so that life gets back to normal as he “cannot wait” to get back on the course.
On his way
“This is my last year as an amateur and I want to put in work before I can turn professional.”
This, however, depends on how soon he can secure 30 championships as he is currently on 25, and needs to win five more this season.
The golfer said while it's amazing to play in the same competitions as the best in the world, the sport is expensive.
Costly
Nande reflected on the challenges of expensive equipment as well as entering competitions, saying that it is costly to play golf. 'You need to be financially stable or at least have some sort of support to keep going,' he said.
Unbothered
He also reflected on battling rumours by a local publication who in March alleged that he squandered prize money he won a few years ago.
Having earned the sports star award along with a whopping N$300 000 at the annual Namibian sports awards in 2018, the golfer said the publication didn't get his side of the story. “I refused to respond to those things. “I have been supporting myself since 2016 without any sponsor. I know how to handle every cent I get because the struggle taught me well.
“I have never changed my lifestyle. I have always been the same person before and after I came into the limelight as I work for myself.
“So, honestly, it doesn't bother me,” Nande said.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article