Former NRL star Braith Anasta guiding top golf talent at The Australian Open
Braith Anasta has travelled more kilometres than Burke and Wills around The Australian Open, with the former NRL star guiding the careers of five of the world’s hottest young golfers.
Golf
Don't miss out on the headlines from Golf. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Braith Anasta is up until 2am staring at a computer.
During the NRL season, with his role as a commentator for Fox Sports, the former premiership-winner sits off camera scrolling his iPhone for golf scores.
And on Saturday, the former footy star turned golf manager added another 20km at The Australian golf course to the 45km he’s already walked over the past three days.
Stream live coverage of the USPGA and European PGA Tours on KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
“My goal when I was playing was to win a premiership — now it’s for one of my guys to win a tournament and this Australian Open,’’ Anasta said.
What began as a post-career hobby mentoring and providing leadership to young golfers after Anasta retired from the NRL in 2014, has now developed into a deep passion and second job for the 32-year-old.
Anasta’s reason for sitting up in the middle of the night — or pacing between the trees like on Saturday — is because he’s steering some of Australia’s hottest golf talent.
Among them are Dimitrios Papadatos (five-under), Aaron Wilkin (four-under), Daniel Gale (four-under), Ryan Chisnell (four-under) and Matthew Stieger (even).
The former captain of the Bulldogs, Roosters and Tigers — who can also crush a ball having previously played in the NSW PGA championship — and business partner Justin Caines manage the sports consultancy business Searoo Sports which boasts support, sponsorship and management for their golfers, with a definite rugby league twist.
MORE NEWS
Inside story behind the rise of cricket’s Mr Nice Guy
If Papadatos, from Norah Head on the Central Coast, can recover from a tough third round and lift the Stonehaven Cup on Sunday afternoon — which would usurp his runner-up finish last year — he’ll do so with not only the guidance of Anasta, but also some of the NRL’s greatest players.
Calling on his network of rugby league mates, Anasta has had past and present Test stars including Johnathan Thurston, Benji Marshall, James Tedesco, Sam Burgess, the Trbojevic brothers, Jake and Tom and Wendell Sailor, work with each of his talent.
“I’m pretty close with Sam Burgess and he’s been a big sounding board for Dimi (Papadatos) and our guys,’’ Burgess said.
“Dimi has played with Dell (Sailor), Benji, JT (Thurston) and the Trbojevic brothers quite a lot.
“JT and Benji get a kick out of it, but also I tell my guys to pick their brains.
“If they play 18-holes around here, then my young guys will pick JT’s brain and get whatever they can out of his great mind — and the same with Benji.’’
Asked what impact footy’s biggest names have had on his game, Papadatos said: “Obviously they’re different sports, but you’re still playing at a high level and you experience the same feelings.
“Even in terms of preparing or tournaments, we’ve spoken a lot about preparation.’’
Anasta said he and Caines were bringing a team environment to the often “lonely world” of golf.
“To get on board with some young guys, put a team around them and try and put a framework around them, so they can be the best they can be,’’ Anasta said.
“Because it’s a lonely world, golf. But us, we’re a team.
“I’m someone there 24/7 for these guys to have a chat too, they know I have been through the ups and downs of professional sport.
“We’ve got five guys still playing on Sunday at The Australian Open, so I know it helps.’’
Originally published as Former NRL star Braith Anasta guiding top golf talent at The Australian Open