He’s an ex-England defender and former Liverpool player, with a string of accolades under his belt. He’s also a familiar face on Sky Sports and BBC Sport as a football pundit and a Radio 5 Live commentator. When it comes to football, Stephen Warnock needs no introduction.
A chat with ex-England football star and golf fanatic Stephen Warnock
What’s perhaps less well known is that, since his retirement from football, he has thrown himself into golf. He’s passionate about making golf more accessible – and that’s why we are delighted that he’s agreed to join us as an ambassador. We couldn’t be prouder to have Stephen on board, and we figured it was time we gave him a grilling on all things golf…
Hey Stephen! Thanks so much for having a chat with us. Give us a quick intro, for the uninitiated…
Sure! I grew up on the outskirts of Liverpool, and joined the Liverpool Academy aged 10. I rose up through the ranks, but when I was 16 I broke my leg in three places and I thought that might be the end of my career. But I persevered, and had a couple of loan spells at Bradford, Coventry and then Liverpool. I moved to Blackburn, then Aston Villa, and then back to Liverpool. In 2010 I was called up for the England squad. My England debut was as part of a 23-man squad for the FIFA World Cup of 2010 in South Africa. After that, I played for Leeds, and now I’m fully retired from football I’m focused on my media career – and my golf!
So it’s fair to say you’ve caught the golf bug! What was it about golf that drew you in?
I was a member of a golf club for years but I never really got into it. Once I retired I found that I needed structure to my day, especially on the days I wasn’t working. I’ve found that golf solves that problem! I’ve got a group of mates that come out with me, and it’s great for stopping me from sitting around when I’m not working. For the last few years, I’ve played religiously at least three or four times a week, wherever in the world I am.
What handicap are you playing off at the moment?
Right now, I’m 12.7 but I’m not playing to it as I’m in the process of changing my swing. I’ve had lots of lessons and coaching in the past, and now I’m working with a new coach – Charlie Ford – who’s based near me in Southport. I’m only a few lessons in, but I’ve already noticed a difference in my ball strike. I’ve felt like I’ve not been improving for a while, so it’s great to feel like I’m on the path to becoming a better player now.
The lowest handicap I’ve ever played off is 9, but that was when the new handicap system came in and I couldn’t play to it. 12-13 feels more realistic to me, so I’m happy with that – for now! I’m on the waiting list for Hillside Golf Club in Southport – it’s next door to Birkdale and renowned as an exclusive and very tough links course. If they let me in then I’m sure it’ll improve my game.
Can you give us a peek into your golf bag please?
Of course! I’m a big fan of Taylormade golf clubs and use the TaylorMade Minidriver that Tommy Fleetwood also uses. It’s a shorter driver that gives more control – I’m happy to sacrifice a bit of distance for more accuracy. My 3-wood is a TaylorMade Stealth, and I also have a TaylorMade hybrid.
When it comes to irons, I have two sets of TaylorMade P7MC irons. Rather than messing about changing grips, I have one winter set with thicker, more dimpled grips. That stops my hand slipping when it’s raining. Then in the summer, I switch to the set with standard CPX Golf Pride grips fitted.
I have a PING lob wedge and then it’s back to TaylorMade for my putter – the TaylorMade Spider EX. I’ve got a Titleist stand bag for carrying, and also a TaylorMade Stealth 2 golf bag.
I’m a big fan of golf technology and use a TAG Heuer golf watch which syncs with my phone and maps the course so I can see what’s ahead.
That’s some kit you’re carrying! Where is your dream golfing destination to play with it?
I’ve been really lucky as I have already played a lot of amazing golf courses around the world. I work in America a lot and there is one in Utah called Wolf Creek that I’m playing next week, and I’m really excited about that. Especially as it featured on Tiger Woods’ EA sports game. Pebble Beach is another one that’s definitely on the wishlist!
While we’re in dreamworld, what’s your fantasy pro-am pairing?
Ooh good question! It’d have to be Tommy Fleetwood as he lives in the same area as me, he’s an Evertonian and I know his caddy – so it’ll be a good laugh walking around with them. And then I’d have to pick Tiger Woods – because who wouldn’t?!
Why did you choose to be an advocate for second-hand golf clubs?
It’s simple really – because I think it helps make golf affordable and accessible to all – that is so important. Golf can be so expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. If you buy a used golf club and it turns out not to be the right one for you, it’s easy to trade it in and try another club. I bought my putter, driver and 3-wood from golfclubs4cash, purely because I like to test clubs out and see if they suit my game. A new driver can set you back anything up to £650, and why would you pay that when you can get a second-hand one in great condition for much less?
Thanks so much Stephen for sharing your passion for golf with us. It’s been a delight speaking with you!
It’s a pleasure, thanks for having me!
Follow Stephen’s golf progress on Instagram
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