age_master
Hall of Fame Member
Kafelnikov to make European golfing debut
10:40 AM August 9
Former world number one tennis player Yevgeny Kafelnikov will make his golf debut on the European Tour this week at the Russian Open.
Kafelnikov received a wild card entry into the tournament which begins at the Moscow Country Club on Thursday night (AEST).
"As co-organisers of the Russian Open we had a right to give out wild cards to our members and we felt that Yevgeny's presence will greatly enhance the image of our tournament," Russian Golf Association (RGA) president Konstantin Kozhevnikov said.
Kafelnikov has been an avid golfer for a long time. He also serves as one of RGA's vice-presidents.
"I'm serious about golf," the former French and Australian Open champion said in May after taking part in an annual President's Cup invitational tournament, where his team finished third.
"I know it takes countless hours of practice before you learn all the intricate parts of this game, but I'm prepared to give it a try."
The 31-year-old, who has gained considerable weight since ending his tennis career, will follow in the footsteps of another former tennis world number one, Ivan Lendl.
The Czech-born American, winner of eight grand slam titles in tennis, birdied his first hole on his debut in the 1996 Czech Open but then bombed to an 82, missing the cut.
-Reuters
will be interesting to see how he does
10:40 AM August 9
Former world number one tennis player Yevgeny Kafelnikov will make his golf debut on the European Tour this week at the Russian Open.
Kafelnikov received a wild card entry into the tournament which begins at the Moscow Country Club on Thursday night (AEST).
"As co-organisers of the Russian Open we had a right to give out wild cards to our members and we felt that Yevgeny's presence will greatly enhance the image of our tournament," Russian Golf Association (RGA) president Konstantin Kozhevnikov said.
Kafelnikov has been an avid golfer for a long time. He also serves as one of RGA's vice-presidents.
"I'm serious about golf," the former French and Australian Open champion said in May after taking part in an annual President's Cup invitational tournament, where his team finished third.
"I know it takes countless hours of practice before you learn all the intricate parts of this game, but I'm prepared to give it a try."
The 31-year-old, who has gained considerable weight since ending his tennis career, will follow in the footsteps of another former tennis world number one, Ivan Lendl.
The Czech-born American, winner of eight grand slam titles in tennis, birdied his first hole on his debut in the 1996 Czech Open but then bombed to an 82, missing the cut.
-Reuters
will be interesting to see how he does
