Former Formula One champion Damon Hill recently sat down for an interview with Matt Nicholson to discuss his favorite holiday hotspots and golfing destinations. Hill shared that he first started playing golf when he was about 10 or 11 years old, as golf has always been a significant part of his family’s life. He has a photograph of his granddad playing golf in the 1920s when he was the captain of Mill Hill Golf Club in London, which sparked his interest in the sport. Hill’s father, double F1 World Champion Graham Hill, took up golf after breaking his legs in an accident and needed a way to stay active. Damon followed his father around the course and watched golf on television, becoming interested in the sport in that manner.
Despite receiving compliments about his swing during his early years, Hill admits that not taking proper golf lessons was a big mistake. He emphasizes the importance of proper instruction in improving one’s game. His favorite golf course abroad is the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia, where he often plays when working at the Formula One. He also enjoys playing at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, which is conveniently located next to the F1 track. In the UK, Hill is a member of Hankley Common in Surrey, a course he describes as lovely and always in great condition. He also praises the Downs Course at Goodwood for its stunning views and excellent facilities.
For Hill, the ideal golfing holiday involves playing with the same group of friends he has been playing with for the past 20-30 years. His most recent holiday was to Mauritius for a golf trip to play in the Legends Tour’s Celebrity Series Grand Final. While technically a golf trip, Hill and his wife Georgie stayed at the Constance Belle Mare Plage Resort and considered it a holiday as well. One of Hill’s most memorable rounds was playing Hankley Common on his own a few years ago, where he shot 75 in about 21/2 hours. Despite his fast-paced lifestyle, he found the ability to play without waiting for others to be a significant boost to his game.
The highlight of Hill’s golfing career to date was playing with Seve Ballesteros at The Oxfordshire. He describes Ballesteros as an absolute god in golfing terms and a perfect gentleman, a memorable experience for Hill as one of his heroes. Hill also recalls staying at the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo, the same night he won the 1996 World Championship. The luxurious suite with a grand piano and boardroom, along with the incredible view overlooking Tokyo, made it a memorable stay. Hill’s most memorable meal was in a sushi restaurant at the Grand Hyatt, where he enjoyed a sushi banquet that left him feeling invigorated.
When it comes to cities, Hill names London as his favorite hometown with its vibrant atmosphere and endless things to see and do. He also loves Barcelona and Melbourne for their unique charms. His top travel tip is to get lost and explore new places without overplanning, allowing for unexpected discoveries. Hill stresses the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and immersing oneself in new surroundings while traveling. Overall, Hill’s love for golf and travel shines through in his stories of memorable courses, experiences, and adventures around the world.
