The life of a professional golfer is no laughing matter ... just ask Robin Williams

The late Robin Williams delivered an excellent set on the comedic absurdities of golf in his Grammy award-winning one-man show back in 2002. It had the Broadway audience in stitches and has since garnered over seven million views on YouTube.

Even golfers appreciated Williams’ spoof of their beloved game, with current Masters champion Rory McIlroy and South African legend Gary Player among those who sent heartfelt condolences upon Williams’ death in 2014.

This past week, I watched another Robin Williams closely at the Turkish Airlines Open — but this was no laughing matter.

Here was a young man, just 23-years old, playing for his livelihood among some of golf’s biggest names at the Regnum Carya Golf Club.

The former Fortress Rookie of the Year on the Sunshine Tour in 2023 was coming off a hectic stretch, having played 44 tournaments last year — the most of any professional golfer on the circuit.

However, prior to the Turkish Airlines Open, he had missed nine cuts in 14 starts since his promotion to the DP World Tour. In response, he opted to take a playing break to fine-tune his game ahead of the European season, after a few chinks had crept in.

With his father on the bag — his regular caddie unable to obtain a Schengen visa in time — it became a family affair for a week in Antalya.

Refreshed and revitalised, Williams delivered a credible performance that saw him in contention with just three holes to play in the final round. Although he ultimately fell away on the 16th, he closed with a level-par 71 to finish on 11-under in a share of seventh. He was projected to climb 32 places in the Race to Dubai rankings to 87th.

But that wasn’t what stood out for me.

Coming from a world of professional cricket — where players travel business class, are shuttled from the airport to five-star hotels, receive meals, massages and allowances of up to $100 per day — the life of a professional golfer was a rude awakening.

Williams was one of the fairytale stories of the Turkish Airlines Open, alongside eventual winner, the golden-locked 22-year-old Frenchman Martin Couvra.

The youngsters had the Turkish public in raptures for four days, with young boys and girls waiting at the 18th hole for a signature or a selfie. Williams was particularly popular, with one boy screaming: “You’re my favourite Robbie!”

It certainly felt like Robbie Williams mania in the Mediterranean for a few magical days. But as soon as he left the players' enclosure, there was his father, Morne, standing outside the clubhouse with clubs packed and suitcase in hand — ready to move on to the next tournament.

No extra night’s stay or celebratory drink. That’s simply too costly.

So, while Williams may have earned in excess of R1 million for the week’s work, he still has to make up for the nine missed cuts earlier in the season.

Next time you see a golfer’s hand trembling as they line up a putt on the 18th, remember — there’s far more than glory at stake.

* Zaahier Adams attended the Turkish Airlines Open at the Regnum Carya Golf Club in Antalya, courtesy of Turkish Airlines.