If I shoot two pars when I’m out, then it’s been a good day for me
Regarded as one of the greatest Irish footballers of all time, Paul McGrath is as humble as ever about his sporting achievements, especially with a golf club in hand.
1. So how’s your golf?
I am not a serious golfer. I just love trying to get the odd par. If I have two pars when I’m out for a game, it’s been a good day for me.
2. What’s the attraction of the game?
If you hit even one good shot, that brings you back again the next day to play with the lads. One of the guys I play with regularly on the 12-hole Burrow Course at Rosslare is a pretty good golfer, and he gives us hope that we can drag ourselves up to his standard.
We play at Rathaspeck Manor as well which has a beautiful little nine hole course which is not too demanding. We like it because of that.
3. Is it just about staying active?
That’s it. In the summertime, we get out three or four times a week, just for the sunshine and a little bit of exercise. It’s not so much getting the handicap down, which doesn’t appear to be working, but keeping the weight down. For us, it’s just a great way to relax.
4. Do you enjoy the mental challenge?
Well, that’s what brings you back. I’ve had days when I’ve had a few pars in a row, and I come off the course thinking, ‘The game’s getting so much easier, I love it.’ Then you go out the next day, and you can’t hit two shots in a row! But I still love it, even on the bad days.
5. Is it a way to keep in touch with pals?
It is. I still go up to Dublin regularly to play with old friends. When you play football, you have that daily routine. Then when you retire, you don’t see or hear from anyone for ages, so it’s a great way to keep in contact with fellas as well.
6. It doesn’t sound like you do any club throwing.
No, no. (Laughs). I’ve duffed one off the first playing in outings with loads of people watching, and all you can do is laugh. It’s no wonder I like to hide away in the bushes and the trees.
7. So driver or putter?
I’d go for the driver. I used it on a short par three in Arklow not long ago, and a guy was trying to tell me it was ‘ridiculous’ to hit that club. But there was a big bank behind the green, and it hit that and trickled down to a foot! I let on I meant it.
8. Do you watch golf?
I do. I didn’t take it up until I retired and while I thought darts might be good because you could have a drink, it was one of those sports I thought might be good fun.
I love watching the Irish lads winning because it makes you so proud. To have so many Irish major winners is incredible, but then again, we seem to box above our weight in every sport.
9. What was the highlight of your own career?
I think Italia ’90, playing Italy in the quarter-finals in Rome in the World Cup. That’s as big as it gets for us. I know we were beaten 1-0 but to get there with that group of players, and the response we got from the support, was the biggest achievement of my lifetime.
10. The game has changed a lot since those days, especially the relationship between the players and the media.
The press lads weren’t out to get a major story on you then, and it’s all gone a bit pear-shaped since. I guess it’s harder for the press now, but that’s the way life has moved on.
11. Who inspired you to take up football?
I remember Chelsea playing Leeds in the FA Cup Final in 1970 and a pal of my was supporting Chelsea, so I said I’d make them my team too. It was a swashbuckling Chelsea team with guys like Peter Osgood, John Dempsey, David Webb, John Hollins and Ian Hutchinson. They played with a swagger and Osgood, who I met as a player 12 years later, just had that leadership quality.
Then there was Pele and that Brazilian team in 1970 — players like Rivelino, Jairzinho and Tostão. It was a brilliant time to watch football. We’d never seen football played in such a beautiful way. You just fell in love with them.
12. People felt the same way watching someone like Tiger Woods play golf.
I don’t know how they control their emotions under that pressure. They are amazing sportsmen.
13. Tiger has also had to deal with the scrutiny of his personal life too. Can you relate to that?
It’s tough, but that’s the way life has gone with social media. If you want to get the bigger prizes, you have to make sure your side of the street is kept neat, or fairly neat anyway.
14. If I gave you a mulligan in your career, what would it be?
I’ve lost matches 5-0 and walked off disgusted with myself thinking, ‘I’m supposed to be a defender.’ And I’m sure I’ve nearly scored more OGs than goals for my team because I always went for it, believing I could get to the ball first. But I’d never want a mulligan for any game.
I’d like to think I was sporting in defeat. The losses can hurt, but it’s a mark of your sportsmanship whether you can take them or not.
15. Name your dream fourball?
I’d love to play with John Giles. He’s a wonderful man, and I loved him as a pundit too. Then I’d have Norman Whiteside, who would be great fun and he’d probably have a few things up his sleeve, knowing Norman. Jack Charlton could be John’s partner. They’d argue all the time, and me and Norman could get on with winning!
16. How good was Norman Whiteside?
He was different class, and he’s still the youngest to play in a World Cup. We had great fun. You shouldn’t say it, but football was almost like a hobby for us. There is too much pressure on the lads nowadays, I think.
17 Who was the greatest player you ever faced?
Diego Maradona. Definitely. I played against him in the 1987 Centenary Game for the Football League against Rest of the World, and I spent most of my time just watching him. He was just incredible.
18. And your greatest teammate?
I’d have to say, Bryan Robson. He just edges out Liam Brady, who was my hero here. To walk out in an Irish shirt with Liam was a huge honour. It was such a shame he didn’t come to Germany for the European Championships in ’88. I’m sure he’s over it now, but I think he deserved that. A class act.