As Christiaan embarked this week on a 30-hour journey from the US back home to South Africa for a well-earned rest, he invited his followers on Instagram to send in their questions…

1. How’s life been on the PGA TOUR this year?
“It’s been a rollercoaster to say the least! So many ups and downs over the last few years. It was a big change for us to leave everything behind in SA and move over to the US. The PGA TOUR has been great and is definitely the best place to play golf anywhere in the world. Best players, best sponsors, great venues, lots of history. Only seeing family and friends for 4-6 weeks a year has made it a lot more difficult, though.” 

2. Who is the best South African golfer of all-time, in your opinion?
“Ernie Els. Mr Player was a little before my time. I grew up idolising Ernie.”

3. What’s something you’ve learned from your time on the PGA TOUR?
“I’ve really learned so much about my swing and how your body should work to hit a certain shot. Also, how important it is to have a ‘stock’ shot that you can always rely on under pressure.”

4. Do you ever get nervous doing post-game interviews or press conferences?
“I used to get really nervous to do public speaking and interviews. Actually, when I was younger I refused to speak in front of people because I was shy of the way I speak. That changed when I decided to accept the fact that I stutter and that it is not going to change. I am not afraid to do interviews and public speaking any more, because I have belief in myself and the way I speak. Stuttering doesn’t define who you are; it’s only a way some people speak.”

5. Do you share about your stuttering to other golfers that you play with?
“Only if people ask me about it. We have made a lot of progress educating people about stuttering all over the world thanks to the amazing work that the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research is doing. For me personally, it’s an honour to be a part of that program.”

6. At what age did you realise that golf is what you want to do?
“I started playing golf really young and I’ve loved it ever since. I would probably say when I was around 10-years old, I knew I wanted to become a professional golfer.”

7. Which major championship would you want to win first?
“For me, the British Open has always been the one.”

8. Favourite player to be paired with on the PGA TOUR?
“Playing with Tiger at the start of the year was quite cool. There’s a lot I like to play with and a few that I obviously don’t. I don’t talk a lot on the course, though, so in that sense it doesn’t really matter.”

9. What in your opinion are the best courses in SA, UK and Europe?
“In SA, definitely Leopard Creek. In the UK, Wentworth just outside London. And in Europe, Crans Montana high up in the Alps in Switzerland.”

10. What does an ideal practice day look like for you?
“I like to feel fully prepared for a tournament week. I’ll play/see the course at least once before Thursday. I’ll do all my technical work early in the week so by Wednesday I can feel game-ready. Off-weeks are obviously different to tournament weeks. I like to work hard on the technical side of my swing. That’s been especially the case the last few months, as I’ve started working with a new coach – Jeff Smith – so there’s more to work on.”

11. What are you working on? Are you happy with the results so far?
“I’m trying to get my backswing in a better position so I can have more control over the clubface through the ball. I’ve always had very active hands through the ball, so I had to rely too much on my timing. Results-wise, it hasn’t been the best year, but my game is really close. I’ve gained strokes on the field in every department of my game over the last five months. The putter hasn’t performed like it normally has, but I’m enjoying the changes I’ve made.”

12. Most impressive ball-striker you have witnessed?
“A few spring to mind. John Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Scottie Scheffler, Ernie Els.”

13. What is your favourite part of your job?
“It’s really rewarding to see hard work paying off. I love practising and trying to get better every day.”

14. Best advice for an 11-year old golfer?
“Have fun!”

15. Anything you miss from home?
“Friends and family. That’s what life is all about!”