Herschelle Gibbs looking forward to Els’ pearls of wisdom at Icons Cup

Gibbs is one of the latest players to be unveiled as part of Team South Africa, which will be led by Ernie Els. 

Gibbs, along with former Springbok player Schalk Brits and former Kaizer Chiefs captain Jimmy Tau, are among the latest big names to be unveiled for the golf spectacle set to take place at Fancourt in George in December.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Gibbs says it will be a special and different occasion to rub shoulders with the golfing great.

"If you can't be inspired by the legend Ernie Els then you can't be inspired and you don't want to ruin your reputation in front of Ernie either when we take to the course, so I look forward to his advice and his pearls of wisdom."

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The 52-year-old is impressed with the concept of the Icons Cup and expects fierce competition, warning that it will not be exhibition golf.  He also believes representing the country again will bring out the best in his teammates.

"The Icons Cup is a lovely concept, and it's certainly not exhibition golf because firstly, we aren't professional golfers and secondly, it will be a wonderful occasion in December when everyone is in a festive mood.

"We are representing our country and that has always brought the best out of us, and we are looking forward to the challenges posed by the world team. I'm also looking forward to rectifying one or two past occasions where it didn't go my way on the golf course, " the former Proteas batter said jokingly.

The Icons Cup will take place in George, Western Cape, where windy conditions could provide an additional challenge. Gibbs says he and some of his teammates including Vernon Philander and Shaun Pollock will still be tested by the conditions despite playing their golf in similar conditions regularly.   

The Links golf course at Fancourt was designed by another golf legend, Gary Player, in collaboration with its owner Dr. Hasso Plattner. It has hosted prestigious events, such as the 2003 Presidents Cup, where Ernie Els competed against huge names such as Tiger Woods. Gibbs is sure that The Links at Fan Court ranks amongst one of the best courses in the world.