Five minutes with Brad Schadewitz

The national coach of the Hong Kong Golf Association tells us about a sensational round at Kau Sai Chau, his penchant for Titleist gear and his love of Pebble Beach

Brad Schadewitz - the national coach of the Hong Kong Golf Association

When did you start playing?

I started playing at the age of nine. We lived a few miles from a par-3 course and I used to follow my older brother, Steve, there. Steve got a summer job at the course and the owners would let me hunt for golf balls and turn them in at the shop in return for a greens fee. We would also hit plastic golf balls around the yard and make up our own course over and around the house.

How often do you play?

About twice a month with the Hong Kong team.

What's been your best ever round?

I had a 62 over the North Course at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau – and that was when it was a par 73! It came during the Lai Sun Charity golf day for the Gary Player Foundation and Mr Player was there for the grand opening of the first two courses. I had an amazing round going and, when he came to join us for a few holes, I told him I was five under through eight. We played three holes together and I birdied all of them. After getting to nine under through 12 I cooled off a bit but then eagled the first hole – it was a shotgun start and we started at the fourth – after holing a great chip for eagle. I still remember one of the guys in my group screaming and jumping up and down – he was more excited than I was. I parred the next and then lipped out on the third from 12 feet for what would have been a 61. I still can't believe that putt didn't drop. Mr Player was so encouraging after the round, telling me I shouldn't be working; I should be playing. He is such a positive man and a great ambassador for the game.

Do you have a favourite course?

I have been fortunate enough to play at Pebble Beach Golf Links a few times in really good weather. There's no better place in the world to play on a sunny, warm day.

Who is your favourite player?

Adam ScottI don’t really have a favourite player but I love watching the great golf swings of Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel.

What, if anything, drives you mad when playing?

People who don't take care of the course; not raking bunkers, not replacing divots or fixing ball marks.

Who would be in your dream fourball?

The actors Bill Murray and Jack Nicholson, Tiger Woods and me for a round at Pebble Beach. That would make for an interesting day.

What's in your bag?

Funny you should ask because I have just been fitted for new clubs from Titleist. I'm playing the 913 woods, AP2 irons and Vokey wedges. I still have my old Scotty Cameron Red X mallet putter. It's all great stuff. I've been playing Titleist for 20 years now.

The Pebble Beach Golf Links is Brad's favourite course

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