South African David Frost is hoping to sign off his European Tour career in style at this week’s Moravia Silesia Open presented by ALO Diamonds as he prepares to embark on a new challenge among the Senior ranks.
The 49 year old is making his 172nd and final European Tour appearance in the Czech Republic, 27 years after making his debut in 1982.
Frost’s two victories in the Cannes Open in 1984 and the South African Open in 1999 were separated by 14 years and 95 days – the longest gap between wins of any European Tour player.
That was largely due to him playing more in the United States, where he won ten times , although he did record two top ten finishes in The Open Championship – sixth in 1987 at Muirfield and tied seventh at Carnoustie in 1999.
“My victory in Cannes in 1984 was my first victory before I went to America at the end of that year,” he recalled. “I think it was important to have won on The European Tour before I went to the US full time.
“My first year over there in 1985, I felt as a rookie I had a lot more experience than the other guys that had gone through the Tour school in the States. I thought I was way ahead of them in my first year - not all of them but 95 per cent of the guys I was playing with. My experience on The European Tour meant a lot to me starting in America in 1985.
“The last three years when I came back from the US it was important for me to keep playing before I go on to the Senior Tour. Between the age of 45 and 50 it is more difficult to compete on a consistent level with the youngsters. It was important for me to continue playing. It is my plan to go on holiday in August then move to America in September to start playing on the Senior circuit in the middle of September.”
Frost has fond memories of his European Tour career to the extent that he wrote a sentimental letter which he pinned on each player’s locker at Prosper Golf Resort ahead of the Moravia Silesia Open presented by ALO Diamonds.
“I just felt it was something that I could do to express to everyone how I’ve enjoyed my time on The European Tour,” he said. “I’ve had some caddies who have wished me well and players who said it was nice to have me here. It’s been a nice response.
“The letter was my way of telling everyone that it has been nice being out here and I appreciate the time that I have spent with them, learning from everyone. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the young guys that I am now going to be watching for the next 20 years on the leaderboards. “
Frost now plans to join the US Champions Tour when he turns 50 on September 11 and has already identified winning The Senior Open Championship as his main priority.
“There are some great names playing on the Senior Tour in Europe and America. We are fortunate to be in the game of golf because of the longevity of the sport. Other sports such as tennis and football and rugby – by the time you are 30 you are over the hill. In golf you have opportunity to maintain your name for a long time. The Senior and Champions Tour present an opportunity more so than any other sport.
“I never won a Major on the regular Tour so it is definitely a goal of mine to win The Senior Open Championship or a US Senior Open. That’s my big goal.
“I never really thought I was good enough to win a regular Major but I think I can win one on the Senior Tour. I will be at Carnoustie next year trying to win The Senior Open. Health is important at this age and so far mine has been fine. Certain people age well and certain people have to watch their diet more. For me I’ve stuck to my fitness programme and diet so I hope to be playing the Senior Open for many more years.”
As well as success on the course, Frost has also developed a promising 100 acre vineyard – Frost Vineyards – in his native South Africa which he hopes to devote his full attention to once his second career on the Senior circuit is complete.
“It’s something I would really like to focus on after golf but at the moment I mainly promote the brand and product,” he said. “I have the vineyard back in South Africa and I produce small quantities every year and then after golf it will give me another career.”
In the meantime Frost is hoping to end on a high in the Czech Republic this week before he leaves a new generation of South African players , such as Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Richard Sterne to take on the national baton that he, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, and before them, Gary Player carried so illustriously.
“It would be very nice for me to finish in the top ten in my last tournament,” said Frost. “My scores have not been good but I feel my game is in good shape. Maybe there has been just too much going on in my head. Everyone asks me how long is there left for you. I’ve not be able to focus on my golf as much but physically I feel really good.
“I’m striking the ball well and the greens are very good here so hopefully if I have a good putting week I can have a good finish to my European Tour career.”
