David von Gunten - Natural Progression

As David von Gunten tells the story, it was only when he addressed the ball on the first tee at Shek O Country Club that cold reality started to set in.
A self-confessed part-time golfer, Von Gunten was not really used to the attention he was receiving, especially when he looked to his left and there among the interested
spectators was none other than Rory McIlroy, his playing partner, staring and sizing up his swing.
“It was a big challenge for me,” says Von Gunten. “I had not played since February and then had to step up and take the first tee-off with Rory McIlroy standing there. You start sweating with everybody watching you. It was a nervous experience but it turned out okay.
“I parred the second hole – the same as Rory – so that was something that was very rewarding. And I had one birdie – so that’s good enough. It made my day, I can tell you.”
That “day” was a pre-Hong Kong Open corporate gathering sponsored by Audemars Piguet, the luxury watch-maker for whom Von Gunten works as CEO for the Hong Kong and China markets. Select guests were able to share a round with McIlroy – the supremely gifted 21-year-old world number 12 –who also spends part of his time acting as brand ambassador for Audemars Piguet. For Von Gunten it was a learning experience, as it is – he says – each time he walks out on to a course.