In 2013, agolf trick shot videowas uploaded to YouTube. Within days, it had the sports world in awe. ESPN's Grantland described the video as the “greatest trick-shot video the world has ever seen.“ CBS Sports said it "puts Tiger Woods' Nike commercial to shame". The man behind, and in, the video is former Challenge Tour player and Frenchman Romain Bechu.
We tracked down Romain and got to know him a little better. Here's what we learned:
Who is Romain Bechu?
I picked up golf at the age of 10, got to four handicap at the age of 13 winning the French Junior Championship under 14. From then on I got way more serious about it, played a lot of events in France, Europe and played in the French Junior Team at various occasions. I spent all my teenager years in Hossegor which is in the southwest of France going to regular school, playing golf and surfing in my spare time. At the age of 16 I entered the team of RCF La Boulie which is one of the best clubs in France, where I am still proud member of. RCF La Boulie supported me with the French team as well as going onto travels to play golf on the best golf courses in Europe and the US.
During my amateur years I became French Champion seven times in different categories as well as became a member of the French team; but 2007 was my key year: In 2007 I won the French Amateur, English Amateur Championship (Brabazon Trophy), finished 11th at US Porter Cup and got a Silver medal of at the European team Championship (defeating Rory McIlroy in the final match 3&2 the week before he turned Pro). That year I finished as plus five handicap. I decided to take part in the European Tour Q-School and went all the way to the last stage and gained a a spot on the Challenge Tour.
From then a series of serious injuries took me out of the game and left me in an on and off mode for the next 3 years with appearances on the Challenge Tour, the Asian Tour and the Alps Tour.
How did you find your experience as a pro golfer, especially on the Challenge Tour?
It was great experiences, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I just wish I didn't have so many injuries so I could have played more events. The competition on the Challenge Tour is amazing and it felt like my path to The European Tour. I made a lot of good friends there, many of whom I still play with and keep in touch with now.
When did you first start doing tricks?
I started around 12 or 13 with the French boys team, everybody was doing few tricks. I went to study in Australia when I was 19 and with my friend Olivier Serres, a former member of the French Amateur team and professional player, there was not much to do during evenings at the campus so juggling and doing tricks was pretty much all we did for a couple of months.
What made you want to become a professional trick shot artist?
I love to do videos. It's really exciting to try to push my limits and get some nice footage. I am a big fan and follower of action sports videos. When watching cool videos you sometimes get hypnotized in a way you are in the image and forget all the rest. That‘s exactly what I want to do with my new video. I want to take people on a journey.
Recently I went back to a course where I did a trick show for a group of local kids. All the kids I performed in front of were trying all the trick shots and having fun. Seeing them practicing and getting into it as i did when I was their age is the best reward for me!
How much practice do you do?
As much as I can. Anytime I have free time and wedge in my hands, I'm practicing and trying to come up with new skills and tricks. For me, it's not a job, it's more like a passion and that keeps me working hard to be better and better.
What is the hardest trick you do?
Any variation of a flip is the hardest trick because there is two things flying in the same time! The club and the ball!
What advice do you have for people trying to do trick shots?
Trick shots are all about fun. Keep practicing, wherever and whenever you feel like it.
