Nora Angehrn sets out to get kids in the swing of things.
| Auteur | Frey-Hasegawa, Erika |
| Fonction | Interview of month: Nora Angehrn - Interview |
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Nora Angehrn has been a golfer since venturing onto the fairway with her parents at age 10. The Zollikon native started competing at 15, winning a place on the Swiss national team and then going professional in 2004. After retiring three years ago, she found a new calling, coaching juniors for the Swiss Golf Association and teaching at Golf Club Breitenloo. We sat down to chat about golf and her role with the NGO 'Right To Play.'
What inspired you to become a golfer?
Both my parents played golf. It was a lot of fun for me--like a family outing! I am an only child. I loved to spend time with my parents out in the open air. But I played all kinds of sport at that age; it was only when I won my first national tournament that golf really hooked me. I have also made good friends through the sport.
You have won several championships. Do you feel the pressure to always improve your score?
When I was competing I definitely used to feel that pressure. Golf is a neverending challenge, and that's why I love the game. But today it just feels great to get out and play, if I have the time!
Tell me about Right to Play. How did you get involved?
Since 2006, I have been an Athlete Ambassador for the Right To Play NGO. Last year I travelled to Burundi on a field trip, which was very impressive. This year I might hopefully be going to Ghana. I used to train in South Africa over the winters, living in Johannesburg for four months out of every year. Playing sports has given me so much- I wanted to give something back. Through sports, children learn important life lessons and values, such as discipline, friendship and respect. "Fair play" especially is a key lesson. Team spirit is another.
Do you think children are becoming less sporty?
Yes, this is true. It's a sign of the times. In my childhood, we didn't have social media sites and handhold gadgets. After school, I would look forward to getting outside and playing with my friends. Nowadays it's difficult to get children off their smartphones, and it's pretty shocking to see that most kids can't do somersaults or skip properly.
Golf appears to be gaining popularity here in Switzerland.
I think Migros Parks has been instrumental in making the sport public. It's no longer an elitist sport. I do love certain traditions of the sport; the dress code is part of it. I do not believe in wearing flip-flops to the golf course. But wearing a mandatory blazer seems impractical and nonsensical. Why...
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