He goes by the nickname of ‘Cool Hand’ when he’s on the oche, but Luke Humphries also has a steady hand on the golf course and is very passionate about the game.
Humphries has won just about everything there is to win with a set of tungsten arrows and understandably spends much more time aiming for a triple-20 than at distant flags. But the former PDC world champion and current world number two loves getting out on the golf course when the chance arises.
How did you get into golf?
My best friend is a golfer; he plays off a four-or five-handicap, so I just started playing with him when I was around 14 or 15 years old as a bit of fun. That’s how I got into it.
Handicap?
I’d say it’s 18 now, I used to play off 12 but because I have only played a few rounds in the last four years I’d be off 18 now. My job gets in the way unfortunately.
Home Club?
Witchford Park Golf Club, in Crewe, Cheshire, which is where I live. I live on a golf course which is kind of ideal.
Favourite Golf Course?
I’d actually say JCB Golf and Country Club for just how beautiful it is, but I would also have to say Sunningdale. I think if I’m judging them on what was easier for me, I would have to say Sunningdale. It’s stunning.
Favourite Club in the Bag?
Weirdly, it’s like my 8-or 9-iron. I’m usually a decent driver as well. My putter is probably the worst club in my bag though.
Best part of your game?
It would be the driving, I’m usually quite consistent and quite straight most of the time but I enjoy hitting a nice driver off the tee.
Ever play golf in Ireland?
No, I’ve never been to play golf. But I did get an invitation to go and play Royal Portrush so that would be nice to go and experience that.
Favourite golfer?
Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter have been two of my favourites for a long time. They’re English and when I was growing up, they were our biggest hopes of winning a major championship. I love watching Bryson too, I think he is very exciting, and you never know what’s going to happen with him. It’s between him and Rory McIlroy as my two favourites at the moment.
Any similarities between darts and golf?
Mentally, I think they are very similar. I think if things aren’t going your way in golf it’s easy to lose your head. You can have one or two bad shots, and they just seem to keep on coming and it’s the same in darts. If you don’t start well things get harder and harder. You just need to keep your head and not let one bad hole or one bad leg kick you down.
What are the differences between approaching darts and golf?
Darts is more instinct. Golf is about feel. I feel when you have a practice swing it’s about making sure you have a nice rhythm whereas when I walk up to the oche I’m not really zoning in on anything.
Best golfer on the PDC?
Nathan Aspinall. He hits a very good ball. He plays off 12, but I think he could play off a lot less. He’s pretty good.
Dream fourball?
Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and myself.
Best fourball in the PDC?
Nathan Aspinall, Jonny Clayton, Joe Cullen and I’d have to put myself in there.
First tee nerves or walking on stage in a big TV tournament?
At the JCB Pro-Am at LIV, I definitely felt more first tee nerves than I would walking on stage. I think it’s because I’m not used to walking out in front of people doing a sport that I am an amateur at whereas with darts, especially now, you know you’re there because you’re good enough. I actually hit a great shot on the first hole, so the nerves eased up then.
What about a Pro-Am in darts? Could you see that working?
They actually used to do them, but they don’t anymore.They should consider bringing them back though. It’s something I’d definitely liketosee come back in the future.
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