Tee for Two
Can your agent also be your friend? Top golfer David Howell and his agent David Brookes certainly think so
SPORTS AGENT, DAVID BROOKES, HAS MANAGED TOP ENGLISH GOLFER, DAVID HOWELL, SINCE 1995 – BUT WHERE DOES THE SPORT END AND THE BUSINESS BEGIN?
interviews: bethan ryder
DAVID BROOKES
Sports agent, David Brookes, 43, is Sales and Marketing Director of International Sports Management (ISM), which was founded by former golfer Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler. Golf is his main focus and David Howell is among his clients
“I first met David when he played the Walker Cup in 1995. He turned pro just after that, so I’ve known him throughout his professional career. I could see his potential right from the start. Being in sports management isn’t just about ‘show me the money’ [this year to date David has earned over £2.5 million from his playing alone]. We spend hours talking to players about their scheduling, and look after everything from their travel arrangements to their investments. We’ve bought houses for players on their behalf. We’ve even been known to put petrol in their cars! It’s not merely about doing a deal and taking a 10-20% commission; it’s about managing their career so that when they’re competing, all other issues are taken care of and golf is their main focus.
They become friends as well as clients. When David first turned pro, he would often stay at my home at weekends. It was the same with Andrew Coltart.
David is genuinely a great bloke, but beneath the gentlemanly smile is a tough competitor and driven person. Golf is not the aerobic-type sport of football or rugby but you have to be very strong. David trains hard in the gym, he’s coached by Clive Tucker and he prepares himself mentally for every tournament.
The highlight of our professional relationship has to be the Dubai Desert Classic in 1999, when I watched him win his first tournament on the European Tour. Having known him as an amateur, seeing him win such a big event was fantastic. Just as brilliant was recently watching him win again at Wentworth in the BMW Championship and rise to No.10 in the world. And, of course, watching him play his first Ryder Cup in 2004. Only the very elite play the Ryder Cup, qualifying depends on your performance in the 12 months leading up to it and David has played so well this year that’s he’s already assured of playing in the team. It’s an honour to represent Europe and the players all pull together. I have great hopes for the Ryder Cup in September, although everyone says we shouldn’t have won for the last few years. Who knows? The Americans will be very strong but then, so are we.”
DAVID HOWELL
Englishman Howell, 31, is one of the world’s top golfers. He turned pro in 1995 and is currently ranked 10th in the world and first in the Ryder Cup World Points List. He is about to embark on his second Ryder Cup tournament
“International Sports Management (ISM) take care of absolutely everything, so I can focus on getting the little white ball round the golf course. I trust David’s judgement; ISM haven’t let me down so far. It’s a very trusting relationship. We signed the first two-year contract and haven’t signed another since – it’s almost a hand-shake agreement between us. David and I really connected and he’s become more of a friend than an agent. Nowadays we don’t get so much time to hang out, although today we’re at Ascot together. But earlier on in my career, I stayed with David and his now wife Christine so regularly it became like a second home.
If something’s bothering me, I’ll phone ISM and discuss things through, whether it’s good or bad stuff. David’s the first port of call – he had nice blonde hair when I met him but it’s a very different shade now! David’s tough; he’s definitely a workaholic and has a problem turning his mobile phone off, something that his friends and family have encouraged him to do. But I guess if you’re a sports agent, you’re always contactable. Plus, he loves his job. When you have ups or downs, it’s nicer to share the news with someone who cares. David was with me for my first win on the European Tour in Dubai, which was wonderful. We had a good hug on the 18th green – that was definitely a real Jerry Maguire moment. We partied the night away together.
In terms of my game, it helps that I’m determined but also calm so I can take the ups and downs in my stride. I’m my own hardest taskmaster and very honest with myself about what I need to improve. I’ve always been dedicated but I stepped that up to a new level five years ago, which has got me to where I am now. I’ve qualified for the Ryder Cup and can look forward to it with anticipation. Hopefully we can retain the trophy. That’s one of those weeks where everybody – David, Chubby and all the main players – will be out there and watching. They’re the weeks when it’s just great to be involved in a sport, whether you’re a manager or a player, and these times only come around every couple of years.”
The 36th Ryder Cup will take place at the K Club, County Kildare, Ireland, 22-24 September 2006; www.rydercup.com
