Anton Du Beke is best known for his dazzling performances on Strictly Come Dancing,
but the 58-year-old has now revealed that he once considered a completely different career path—professional golf.
With an impressive handicap of one, Du Beke has long held a passion for the sport,
and if fate had taken a different turn, he could have been known as a golf pro rather than a ballroom sensation.
Now, he’s combining his two great loves—golf and conversation—by launching a brand-new podcast, Putt and Strut, alongside Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk.
A Passion for Golf That Nearly Became a Career
Reflecting on what could have been, Du Beke shared, “I could quite happily have taken it up as a profession if I’d stumbled into it before dance, because the two are very similar. You’re always striving for the next level. You can’t perfect golf, and dancing is the same thing.”
His love for the game is evident, and he approaches it with the same determination and discipline that he applies to dance. While he ultimately pursued a career in the performing arts, he often wonders how things might have turned out had he dedicated himself fully to golf.
“If I had gone down the golf route, I would’ve approached it with the same fervour as dance—but whether it would’ve paid off, well, that’s another story,” he admitted.
The Connection Between Dance and Golf
Though golf and dance might seem like worlds apart, Du Beke believes they share some key similarities. He explained, “There’s an element of correlation between golf and dance in motion, timing, rhythm, and movement. It’s about the hips.”
His natural sense of rhythm, honed through years of dancing, has undoubtedly contributed to his skills on the golf course. Mastering the perfect swing, much like executing the perfect dance move, requires precision, balance, and coordination—qualities Du Beke has spent his entire career perfecting.
Breaking Down Stereotypes in Golf with ‘Putt and Strut’
Teaming up with 46-year-old Sarah Stirk, Du Beke is using his new podcast Putt and Strut to bring fresh energy to the golfing world. The show features well-known guests, including Judy Murray and actor James Nesbitt, and aims to challenge perceptions about the sport, particularly the idea that golf is an exclusive, male-dominated activity.
Discussing the image of golf, Du Beke acknowledged, “It’s that hurdle, that intimidatory factor. Everybody feels like it’s a very male-orientated sport, and it sort of is, but not.”
With the podcast, he and Stirk hope to open up conversations about golf, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. Recently, they even challenged a journalist to a golf simulator challenge, demonstrating how the sport can be both fun and inclusive.
A Place for Creativity and Reflection
Beyond competition and skill, golf provides Du Beke with a much-needed space for relaxation and creativity. As a father to seven-year-old twins, whom he shares with his wife Hannah, finding moments of quiet reflection can be a challenge.
“I don’t do any sort of work at home… because of the children. So when I get on to the golf course, it’s great. It’s where I do everything. I learn lyrics, I think about dance styles, putting shows together,” he revealed.
The golf course serves as a retreat where he can clear his mind, plan performances, and focus on upcoming projects.
Fond Memories with Bruce Forsyth
Among Du Beke’s cherished golfing experiences are the rounds he played with the legendary Bruce Forsyth. The late Strictly Come Dancing host was a keen golfer, and Du Beke fondly remembers their time together on the green.
“We played a lot of golf and not once did he let me win,” he recalled with a laugh.
The memories of playing with Forsyth highlight how golf has remained an important part of Du Beke’s life, offering not just a challenge, but also cherished moments with friends and mentors.
A New Chapter with ‘Putt and Strut’
While dance will always be at the heart of Du Beke’s career, his love for golf has found a new outlet with Putt and Strut. The podcast is set to bring engaging discussions, insight from celebrity guests, and a fresh perspective on the sport.
With his natural charm, humor, and passion for both golf and entertainment, Du Beke is sure to make Putt and Strut a must-listen for fans of sport, dance, and lively conversation. Whether he’s on the dance floor or the golf course, one thing is clear—Anton Du Beke is always striving for excellence.
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