Dubai: Indian legend Kapil Dev reveals why cricketers love playing golf

Even 30 years after his retirement, Kapil Dev can never walk in any public place in India without being mobbed.

It’s the price you pay for being the first superstar fast bowler from the land of mystery spinners.

It’s also the price you pay for turning the world upside down at the hallowed Lord’s in 1983 when his Indian team brought the mighty West Indies to their knees.

At 64, Kapil is no longer the force of nature he once was. But he still has the same aura with which he dominated opponents in packed cricket stadiums.

The former Indian cricket captain was the cynosure of all eyes on Thursday when he walked into the Trump International Golf Club in Damac Hills, Dubai, for a press conference.

For Kapil, who will play in the Dubai Sports Council CEO’s Masters on Saturday, the greens at the golf club are a sight for sore eyes.

It’s the tranquillity of the golf greens where he finds the space to soak in the little moments of freedom and solitude.

The legendary cricketer smiled when this reporter asked him what draws cricketers to golf courses after they hang up their boots.

“Golf is the only game where you can see such greenery and beautiful landscapes. You can just be yourself. You can be alone, you can stroll around the greens, relax and play and play to enjoy,” he says.

“In cricket, you are always in an arena packed with people. But here on the golf course, what I love is the greens, almost two hundred acres of greens, in cricket we see only three acres of greens. It’s such a refreshing sight.”

The sport, Kapil says, also allows you to play regardless of your age.

“Golf is a sport which you can play even in your 80s and 90s. As long as you can walk, you can play,” he smiles.

“It’s the only field sport you can play as long as you live!”

“They have amazing golf courses here and some amazing golf tournaments (Dubai Desert Classic, Abu Dhabi Masters, the DP World Tour Championships) in this country.”