Yahoo Sport 
In association with bet365.com, Denise van Outen talks exclusively to Yahoo Sport UK about her new found love of Golf
A stage and screen actress with experience on Broadway and the West End, and a popular face in UK living rooms for her performances in EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing, Denise Van Outen has recently found an unlikely passion for golf.
Yahoo Sport caught up with her to discuss why golf is “sexy”, hijacking buggies, and embarrassing herself in front of US Open Winner Justin Rose.
1) What got you started playing golf?
It all started at a charity day at Stoke Park. I went down with a few friends and before I knew it, I’d hijacked a golf buggy and was helping out with drinks. I was only supposed to be staying there!
I was chatting to a guy who has worked with Justin Rose and he told me if I’d had fun, I should buy some clubs and give it a go. I’d just turned 40 and was after a new hobby. I was hooked instantly.
2) What’s your handicap at the moment – do you think you could make it as a pro?
I’ve only been playing a year and I tend to stick to 9 holes. I play off six at the moment, so a lot of people want to pair up with me at golf days, but I need to start keeping score when I play 18 holes.
3) Are there any misconceptions people have about the game that puts them off - women in particular?
Most clubs have made me feel really welcome. It’s a very social game and you make a lot of friends, which is great for women. I play with my boyfriend, too; it’s a great game to play as a couple. Go away for the weekend, stay in a hotel, check out the spa…
4) Did you catch any of the Women’s Open at the weekend?
No, I’ve recorded it. I’m on a TV ban at the moment as I’m rehearsing for my new musical and I need all of my brain for learning the script.
5) So I guess you don’t want to know who won? (Inbee Park)
No!
6) That makes the next question a bit tricky. Imagine there was a hypothetical women’s player who may or may not have won and has now won 6 of the last 14 majors - if she was a man with the same record, would she be a household name?
I play for fun so I can’t pass judgement. I’m sure some female golfers might feel that way. I’ve played with women who have floored the guys. Changes happen in time. I’ve had a lot of praise for raising the profile of the women’s game, but people haven’t seen me play!
7) As a star of the small screen yourself, do you have any vivid memories of watching the game on the telly growing up?
I don’t really. Golf passed me by, to be honest – I thought it was boring and fuddy-duddy. Who wants to play anything for five hours? But I’ve had a lot of fun since I took it up; I’ve made new friends who I now play regular four-balls with. I even got to play with Justin Rose.
8) Who is your all-time favourite player?
I love to watch Jordan Speith, but I really love Justin Rose. He’s amazing. He just makes everything look so easy. You stand next to him and think, “I could do that” and then the ball flies off in the wrong direction. I’ve actually done an air shot right in front of him!
9) Do you have a favourite course? Is there one you dream of playing on?
I couldn’t choose. I had my lessons at The Grove near Watford, so I always feel comfortable there. The Emirates in Dubai is amazing. Wentworth, Celtic Manor, I haven’t scratched the surface, really.
10) Imagine we’re at the 19th hole and you’re telling me about your greatest ever shot. What was it? Be honest: did it really happen like that?
It was a total fluke. It was the 13th hole at the Grove and I all but hit the pin from the tee. I wish someone was filming it, as I totally looked like I knew what I was doing!
11) Have you ever thrown your clubs down and stormed off in a rage at your performance?
I don’t play for the competitive side of things, really. I play socially.
12) You’ve been quoted as saying that golf is sexy - did you know that 1 in 3 golfers have apparently been intimate with a partner on a golf course? So, statistically, that’s at least one of your regular fourball…
It’s the clothing really – I think it’s really smart, and I think men can look really hot. Some people like men in football kits; I like them in golf wear! When I said golf is sexy I certainly didn’t mean people getting up to no good!
Denise Van Outen will be performing in ‘Sweet Charity in Concert’ at Cadogan Hall from 19-22 August www.cadoganhall.com
