Sky high with Laura McGoldrick

                                                                     By Neville Idour

Popular Sky TV sports presenter Laura McGoldrick was a regular presence at the New Zealand Open with her after-round interviews for Sky TV which was the tournament's presenting sponsor. 

It was nice to catch up with her for a chat about her life.

“I’m a good Canterbury girl, you could tell (much laughter), born and raised in Christchurch,’’ McGoldrick told Golfer Pacific. 

``I have always had involvement in sport whether playing it myself, not particularly well to a high level or following it. My brothers played sport and my dad used to run Jade Stadium while my mother is a sports' player agent. So we have always been around sports from growing up.

“Cricket was particularly popular in our household. Always loved it. I sort of fell into the TV side of it. I was hosting a kids TV show and I interviewed Shane Bond. Someone from Sky Sport saw it and rang Shane Bond and asked who is that girl. He said it’s my manager’s daughter. Do you want her phone number?

``So it started from there. I never saw myself doing this but loving sport it has been easy to talk about it. I’m pretty lucky, there’s no doubt about it. So now I cover (rugby) league, Super Rugby and have been doing golf for a long time which I love. I still love my cricket and have just come back from working on the Women’s World Cup in South Africa. That was an awesome experience.”

So how did McGoldrick actually get into TV? 

“When I came out of school I went to drama school because I wanted to be an actress. A friend of mine was auditioning for a kids sports show called Push Play. The job was hosting it and a good way to learn about being in front of the camera so I auditioned and got the job.” 

She was a 20-year-old at the time. 

“So I started on that and everything sort of flowed on from there.

“I got involved in radio as well and have an afternoon entertainment music show Monday to Friday from 3pm till 7pm called Hits Drive. I’m still that drama girl at heart singing and dancing … my poor husband.”

What sports did McGoldrick play? 

“Tennis was my sport, not to a very high level but I really liked it. I tried cricket but wasn’t very good.’'

What about golf?

“Yes I play golf and I love my golf. My daughter is five and we have just started playing together. She comes with me to the driving range and has her own clubs now. We take our golf seriously and are the epitome of all the gear, no idea. I am a member at Remuera (in Auckland).”

So the Canterbury girl lives in Auckland now? 

“ Yes, terrible isn’t it?. Auckland has become home now but Christchurch will always have a special place in my heart.” 

So what is your handicap? 

“Don’t want to talk about it. I’m working on it. I’ll be playing in the New Zealand Open in a couple of years once I figure out this game (more laughs).’'

McGoldrick’s sense of humour is ever present.

How often do you play golf? 

“I try to play at least once a month. It is not a lot because I just don’t have the time. But a lot of my girlfriends have started getting into it as well so we try to nip off for about nine holes in the morning before my radio show. 

``It is good for your mental health being outside as well, unless there is a bad hole (laughs again). I try and play a full round at least once a month plus a couple of nine holes when I can, and I love the driving range because I can do it with my daughter. 

``I have got a setup where you can order some chippies and have a pizza while you are hitting some balls. We love doing that and I have a son who is two and likes hitting things, bats, clubs, whatever he can find, so it’s good fun.”

Any courses you have played you want to mention? 

“My favourite in the last couple of years is Arrowtown. I think it is beautiful. I have played in Christchurch and am very fortunate to have played Tara Iti thanks to a girlfriend who is a member.”

So what lies ahead for Laura McGoldrick? 

“I have just started hosting a new TV show called The Women’s Game. It features females in New Zealand and their sporting activities. This week I have Susie Bates so it is pretty cool being able to highlight some of our female athletes.”

Looking further ahead? 

“My ultimate goal is when I retire to travel the world playing beautiful golf courses. That’s my game plan and why I am working so hard now.” Do I need to mention more laughter? 

On that note we end what was a most enjoyable chat.

Footnote. Laura insisted I be in the accompanying photo with her despite my protestations.