Oliver Bierhoff: From soccer star to golf enthusiast

Oliver Bierhoff, an icon of German soccer and long-time manager of the national team, has not only made a name for himself on the pitch. The former professional also finds his purpose off the pitch, on the manicured green of a golf course. His fascination for the game of golf goes back a long way and offers him a welcome change from his often stressful everyday working life. "I always enjoy anything that has to do with a ball," Bierhoff explains in the interview, adding that golf is "extremely complicated" but offers a "nice atmosphere" and is a great way to "unwind".

Bierhoff's passion for golf began long before his time as an active professional footballer. He remembers: "I think I started borrowing clubs from friends when I was 14. I went to the park and hit balls. Then I bought a book and unfortunately taught myself everything." This self-taught approach shaped his approach to the sport. During his active professional career, he naturally played more, but somewhat less in the last ten years due to his demanding job. Now, however, the 57-year-old is "playing a bit more again", he reveals.

Oliver Bierhoff on his handicap

When asked about his best round, Bierhoff is happy to answer. He once played his handicap to nine. The best round was an "81 or 82" in St. Leon-Rot, the 1996 European champion specifies and adds with a smile: "I was in a good phase then." However, such successes are not Bierhoff's primary goal.

For him, golf is much more about constant improvement and the feeling of the perfect shot. "I'm constantly trying to improve my technique, I always want to hit nice, good shots where you can feel the right contact with the ball," says Bierhoff about his ambitions. He emphasizes that he is not interested in whether the ball flies ten meters longer or scores one point more. His greatest wish is to be able to "play proper, real golf".

Oliver Bierhoff on Martin Kaymer

And Bierhoff also likes to learn from the best. He has already played several rounds with Martin Kaymer. He describes the two-time major winner as a "calm, even-tempered, very smooth" playing partner. He fully understands that it is difficult for Kaymer as a professional not to get into the right rhythm when he has to "play along a bit" with amateurs. The last time the two met was at the ProAm tournament of the BMW International Open at the beginning of July. "He did a very sporting and good job," praises Bierhoff. If he could, he would like to make the twosome with Kaymer a foursome. Who else would be there then? "Let's say Martin Kaymer, Tom Brady and Michael Jordan. That's a good squad."