Cricketer De Villiers gets a Masters hit with pal Bezuidenhout
AB de Villiers was caddy to Bezuidenhout
Augusta, United States, AFP: South African cricket legend AB de Villiers was bowled over at Augusta National on Wednesday thanks to his golfing pal Christiaan Bezuidenhout. De Villiers served as caddie for 57th-ranked Bezuidenout in the Par-Three Contest, played on the eve of the 89th Masters, and tested his luck with a sand wedge.
“I hit a nice little sand wedge in there, found the green, spun back to the front fringe area. I’m pretty happy,” de Villiers said. “I was completely numb. Could hardly breathe. I’m happy with the result.
“Absolute privilege,” he added. “Glad to be here. I’ve been watching this event since I was three-years old. It’s great to be here with my mate and walk the golf course.”
The Par-Three Contest gives players a relaxing afternoon before the intensity of the year’s first major begins.
“It was great to have one of my friends here as well to caddie for me,” said Bezuidenhout, who is preparing for his fourth Masters appearance.
“We’ve probably known each other 10, 12 years. We’ve played a lot of golf together. We played a lot of pro-ams together back in South Africa.”
Bezuidenhout admits he wouldn’t want the same chance on a cricket pitch with de Villiers and company.
“I’m really scared of a cricket ball,” Bezuidenhout said. “I’ve never played cricket with him. I’ve played a lot of golf with him.”
Bezuidenhout tried to explain de Villiers to reporters in terms Americans might understand, comparing him to retired NFL legend Tom Brady.