Golf has swept the Formula 1 paddock in recent years, but Lando Norris or Carlos Sainz haven’t quite hit the same heights as the 1992 world champion, Nigel Mansell.
Golf has established a quiet but persistent presence within the Formula 1 paddock, serving primarily as a mental reset for drivers between races.
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For figures like Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, and Alex Albon, the sport offers a low-impact environment to maintain competitive focus without the physical strain of the cockpit.
Among many other drivers during his era of racing, Nigel Mansell found solace in the sport, as well as some success.
Nigel Mansell recalls the moment that left him ‘very proud’ after taking part in the PGA tour
During a recent interview with auctionhouse BUDDS, Mansell recalled the “proudest moment” he had when playing golf in a PGA tour event in Wales.
The 1992 Formula 1 world champion is an avid golfer, and, according to Alain Prost, regularly missed mechanical briefings at Ferrari in favour of some time on the course.
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On the topic of his appearance on the tour, Mansell said, “One of the proudest moments I had on the PGA tour was when I was at Royal St. David’s in Harlech with the senior tour with 80 pros and myself.
“I had the second-best score on the last day. I shot 66, and it was the second-best score of the day. I was very proud of that.
“And apparently, the other pros who played with me the last day said you should have shot 63. I said I’m happy with the 66.
Mansell’s golfing venture also took him to ownership of a club, the Woodbury Park Golf & Country Club in Devon, England.
The course regularly hosted the Nigel Mansell Sunseeker International Classic, and Mansell himself was even known for causing delays for other golfers taking part in a round!
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Nigel Mansell also recalled being ‘so nervous’ after entering the 1988 Australian Open
Mansell regularly voiced his desire to compete in one of the most prestigious golf majors on the tour: The Open Championship.
While he hasn’t quite managed to reach the tee box in The Open, he did compete in the Australian Open in 1988.
He went on to recall that event as well during his chat with BUDDS, saying, “I played in the Australian Open back in ’88, where the press were really quite horrible to me.
“They said I wouldn’t break 100, wouldn’t break 90. The world number one at the time, Ian Woosnam, I think, shot 75. I shot 77 first round. So that was fantastic.
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“And to have that experience, you feel so naked on the tee. Going down the straight at 220, 230mph or 250 at Indianapolis, you’re hiding in a helmet. But you’re naked on a golf course, people can see you, you know?
“I got into red figures after six holes, and then I was so nervous on the seventh hole I duck tucked it in a bush, made a double bogey and then I relaxed again.”
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