Joost Luiten: 20 Questions

Joost Luiten talks Ibiza and Jessica Alba… and why Augusta’s 12th is so hard

At what age did you first break par?
I must have been around 13 years old but I can’t remember where – it was so long ago!  

Highlight of your career so far?
Winning the Dutch [KLM] Open twice. Last year was very special, but I’ll never forget beating Miguel Angel Jimenez in a play-off in front of my home crowd in 2013.

Best shot to date?
At my first Dutch Open in 2007, I hit a sand wedge out of the rough and it nished about a foot away from the pin. I made birdie, gave myself a chance to win, and finished second. 

One mulligan you could have?
I three putted the last green in Austria from 10ft to miss the play-off by one shot in 2011. 5

Favourite hole?
I think the 12th at Augusta is the best. It’s a short par 3 but it just scrambles the mind.

Favourite course in Europe?
Probably Kennemer where we used to play the Dutch Open. It’s a very old fashioned golf course and you have to plot your way round.

Favourite US course?
I do like the Honda Classic, playing at the PGA National. And obviously Augusta. I’ve played there twice now and it’s very special – you want to go back every year.

Best scenery in golf?
The view from an 18th grandstand. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what happens on the final hole.

Favourite club?
I love using the driver – I’ve got an M1 – and it’s probably my most consistent club.

Best mate on Tour?
Chris Wood and Bernd Wiesberger. We always have a bit of banter and go out for dinners. (Luiten just beat Wood at the NBO Oman Open to win his sixth European Tour title)

Favourite sports team?
Feyenoord.

Sportsman you admire?
[Roger] Federer. Only the greatest athletes can make something so hard look that easy.

And sportswoman?
Dutch sprinter Dafne Schippers.

Favourite non-golf sports event?
The World Cup and Euros. I went to Switzerland in 2008 and saw Holland beat Italy 3-0. I really like going into the city and watching games on the big screens.

All-time favourite movie?
All the Hangovers. I love them.

Not to be missed TV show?
I’m watching House of Cards but the best I’ve seen is 24. Prison Break is great as well.

Favourite musician/band?
Michael Jackson was a great performer. 18 Favourite holiday destination? I like Ibiza – it’s such a varied island.

Dream celebrity fourball?
Michael Jackson… it would be funny to have Trump in there as well, and then Jessica Alba. I’ve always liked her!

Who would be in your dream Tour fourball (past or present players)?
Tiger Woods, Seve and Jack Nicklaus.