Renowned Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke has candidly shared that before his illustrious dance career, he once considered pursuing professional golf. 

The 58-year-old dancer, who boasts an impressive golf handicap of one, is now blending his love for both sports

and conversation in a brand-new podcast titled Putt & Strut, co-hosted with Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk.

A Passion for Golf Before Dance

Reflecting on his early ambitions, Anton revealed that had he discovered golf before dancing, his career might have taken a different path.

He explained, “I could quite happily have taken it up as a profession if I’d stumbled into it before dance, because the two are very similar.

You’re always striving for the next level. You can’t perfect golf, and dancing is the same thing.”

His passion for both fields stems from their shared emphasis on technique and continuous improvement. According to Anton, the skills he developed on the dance floor translate well to the golf course.

“There’s an element of correlation between golf and dance in motion, timing, rhythm, and movement. It’s about the hips,” he remarked.

Launching Putt & Strut

Anton’s latest venture, Putt & Strut, sees him partner with Sarah Stirk, 46, in a podcast that not only explores golf but also aims to challenge traditional gender stereotypes in the sport.

Featuring high-profile guests such as Judy Murray and James Nesbitt, the show hopes to break down barriers and encourage broader participation in golf.

Anton acknowledged the challenges associated with the sport’s image, stating, “It’s that hurdle, that intimidatory factor. Everybody feels like it’s a very male-orientated sport, and it sort of is, but not.”

With a mix of humor and expertise, Putt & Strut delves into the stories of influential figures in golf and beyond.

Recently, Mirror journalist Tom Bryant joined the hosts to test his skills on a golf simulator, experiencing firsthand the engaging and welcoming atmosphere Anton and Sarah bring to the podcast.

Balancing Family, Creativity, and Golf

Beyond being an accomplished dancer and enthusiastic golfer, Anton is also a dedicated father to his seven-year-old twins, whom he shares with his wife, Hannah.

He revealed that the golf course serves as his personal retreat, a place where he can unwind and allow his creativity to flourish.

“I don’t do any sort of work at home… because of the children. So when I get on to the golf course, it’s great. It’s where I do everything. I learn lyrics, I think about dance styles, putting shows together,” he shared.

Fond Memories on the Green

Anton fondly recalled playing rounds of golf with the legendary Bruce Forsyth, cherishing the memories of their time together. “We played a lot of golf, and not once did he let me win,” he said with a smile.

As Anton continues to explore his love for golf alongside his career in entertainment, Putt & Strut promises to be a captivating listen for both golf enthusiasts and fans of the charismatic dancer.

Through this podcast, Anton Du Beke is proving that his talents extend far beyond the dance floor, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the sport and its broader cultural significance.