Saint Spotlight: I Believe In A Swing Called Love

The Saint spoke to fourth-year golfer Narayan Murti about his beloved sport and why it might be the ideal partner this Valentine’s Day.  

Having spent large parts of my childhood dodging stray golf balls on my local public course, I’ve generally shared Mark Twain’s view that “golf is a good walk ruined.”

For many students at this university, the sport famed for its flamboyant knitwear holds a quasi-religious status. They spend the harsh Scottish winter duelling with the elements on the Jubilee and shanking it in and around the North Sea on the Castle.

My flatmate Narayan is one such golf devotee, for his sins. He can regularly be heard discussing his “short game” in the Dunvegan or seen ambling down South Street in his ‘Media Officer’-emblazoned Golf Society jacket.

A fourth-year Maths and Philosophy student, Narayan caddies back home in New Jersey over the summer. In 2023, he was invited by pro-golfer Berry Henson to caddy at the US Open in California. This is a man who knows his wedge from his seven iron. 

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we sat down in the living room over a cup of the Kenco to talk about Narayan’s one true love. 

Was it love at first sight? 

“No, it wasn’t. I started playing golf when I was 10 and it was extremely difficult. Golf is very intimidating to begin with and you just get very frustrated. It’s almost like a relationship. You’ve got to give it a shot and open your mind up to it. Then the love grows.”

So, it’s a grower not a shower?

“It certainly is. It was tough at the beginning.”

Golf seems to be a psychological game. What’s the key to keeping a healthy relationship with a sport that gets in your head? 

“Like in any relationship, communication is key. Golf constantly gives you feedback and it’s your job to listen to it. There’s a skill in paying attention to the feedback that the sport is trying to give you. You’ve got to be self-critical enough to see what it’s telling you and act on it. If you have an open dialogue with golf, you’re going to get on with it and if not, well, it’s going to end in heartbreak.”

What’s the closest you’ve come to over-extending the metaphor breaking up?

“The closest I came was when I first arrived in St Andrews, which might sound crazy because this is the home of golf. It beat me down. The weather was tough on my game, and I couldn’t keep up with some of the other golfers. I got really frustrated and came close to packing away the clubs. But walking past the golf course every day and just longing for it kept me going.”

Have you had any domestics on the course?

“When I first started playing, yes. I’d have domestics out on the course. My dad taught me to be disciplined and that outbursts of anger are disrespectful. Now I channel my anger to make me a better player.”

What’s been your best golfing moment?

“It was actually caddying for my dad in the annual golf club tournament back home. It was the final stage of the competition and about 200 people were crowded around the green. He had a very tough chip shot. I pointed him to a spot to aim for. It falls silent, he takes the shot, and chips it in. There’s this crazy video of the crowd going wild and I jumped into his arms. Special moment.”

Let’s talk putter grips. Delicate touch or firm grasp?

“Having played golf for ten years, I’ve learned that delicacy is the key. It’s all about feel and you have to channel your energy into where you want the ball to go. It’s like some deep connection. It happens delicately, not firmly. A lot of beginners are tempted to grip very tightly but counterintuitively this gives you less control.” 

What advice would you give to new players?

“Keep an open mind and trust yourself. Be diligent, work hard, but most of all be happy and enjoy it.”

Are you planning any stroke play this Valentine’s Day?

“I’m sure there will be lots of couples’ stroke play on the course, but I’ll be stroking back Weihenstephan in the Aikman’s cellar.”

If you’re single this Valentine’s, golf might be the perfect partner. Unlike a significant other, it won’t steal your favourite hoodie, force you to watch Grey’s Anatomy or criticise your bohemian approach to cooking a spag bol.

You can pick up a semester golf membership for less than the price of the couples set menu at the Rusacks. Even Mark Twain couldn’t grumble at that value for money. 

This interview was edited for clarity

Image from Matt Mandel