From Feyenoord fame to fairway fascination

Willem van Hanegem, former Dutch international footballer and, for a huge chunk of his career, a Feyenoord player in Rotterdam, is 72 years young today (20 February).  ‘De Kromme’, as he is still fondly referred to in Holland meaning ‘The Crooked One’ because of his bandy-legs and his skill to curve the ball, is still bursting with passion for his number one sport: football.  However, the ex-footballer turned coach, football analyst and outspoken columnist in the AD (Algemeen Dagblad newspaper in Holland) has discovered another love in his life in recent years: golf.

 

 

 

After his illustrious playing career as mid-fielder which spanned more than 20 years, Willem was Feyenoord’s trainer from 1992 until 1994. In his regular column for the AD, he talked recently about the success of Feyenoord in that period:  “We only lost four times in two seasons, I believe – four of the 68 matches!  And it’s now already 17 years ago that our club was national champion.”

 

Indeed, since that column the dip in the Kuip has reached rock bottom. An unprecedented run of seven consecutive matches lost this season.  No doubt ‘De Kromme’ will be sharpening his pencil for his next column of wise words and bold critique hoping to keep everyone at his beloved club on their toes and inspired.

 

It’s weird to realise that, give a day or two, Willem is almost exactly 50 years older than Memphis Depay. The footballer who made his name at PSV in Eindhoven, and who now plays for Manchester United, was born on 13 February 1994.  A half a century of football wisdom and experience now divides them yet it’s interesting to ponder how they would have fared against each other as highly-talented 22-year olds in opposing teams.  Or better still playing alongside each other in the Dutch National team…

 

Willem the golfer

 

Let’s get back to Willem’s birthday today and the subject of golf. He discovered this wonderful pastime late in life, and even though he knows that he’ll never reach the same dizzy heights that he achieved playing football, he finds the game absolutely fascinating.  With a handicap which hovers around 19, he really enjoys a round of golf.  He plays left-handed and is a keen follower of the PGA Tours.

 

At Golfing Inspirations, we’ve had several delightful encounters with Willem van Hanegem on the golf course over the last few seasons.  This one remains our favourite:  Willem van Hanegem “Flashback”.   Just how fanatic a golfer is he?  You can find out more by checking out Celebrity Golf Interviews at Golfing Inspirations.  Enjoy listening to one of Holland’s national football treasures!

 

Gefeliciteerd Willem! Happy Birthday!

 

Wendy Hoad  

 

 

Photography by Golfing Inspirations.