The leader of the Independent Democrats, Patricia de Lille speaks to Dan Nicholl about former President Thabo Mbeki's swing, tax-deductible green fees, and why playing golf isn't unlike the Apartheid struggle.

How did you get involved in golf? I took up golf after I suffered injuries in a car accident on 15 May, 1999. As part of my recovery, I was required to do physio twice a week. Because of my busy schedule, I had to defy my doctors, and ended up with a frozen left shoulder. My doctor suggested I try golf and that's when I started — in 2004. A lot of people tried to put me off, saying it was too expensive, that it takes up a lot of time, that it's too difficult. But when people tell me I won't be able to do something, I develop an attitude of "I'll show you." Concentrating on getting my golf going fixed my arm pretty quickly. The walking, the fresh air, the challenges involved take you through all the emotions in life — you get angry, happy, sometimes you curse, and if you play well or badly, you have only yourself to blame.

What's your handicap, and you home course? My handicap is 22, and my home course is Rondebosch.

What are your favourite courses? Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay, Bramble Hill at Fancourt, and King David in Cape Town.

Who are your favourite golfers (and why)? Tiger Woods — whenever I watch him I usually shout out, "There's my boy!" I admire his total dedication to the game. Ernie Els is the other one, particularly as he has done so much with his foundation for golf development in South Africa.

More and more women are playing golf — that's obviously a good thing� Yes, it's definitely a good thing — we must break down the male domination of the sport. We are still not seeing enough women on the golf course. My advice to women golfers is to use TaylorMade clubs — they've helped me tremendously!

Golf Punk's played with Alex Erwin and Johnny de Lange — are any other politicians golfers? Finance Minister Trevor Manuel plays golf and so does MP Andrew Mlangeni.

Have you seen (former) President Mbeki's swing? I saw him tee off at the World Cup in George — he needs to practice more and travel less.

We'd like to see prison terms for slow play — would you back our bill in Parliament? No I wouldn't support it — I would be punishing myself! Just like in the struggle, when I play golf I spend a lot of time in the bushes.

How much time do you have to play golf in between work? My work interferes with my golf, but I try and combine the two when I can, and I like to play golf with strategists.

Johnny de Lange tells us there is a secret driving range beneath parliament. True or false? There is an underground gym where you can practice your putting, but I need enough space to practice my drives.

What's your most vivid memory playing golf? I played at Milnerton with gale force winds — you had to aim right for the ball to go left. My caddie had been there 30 years, he said to me, "You see the hole, now aim in the other direction!

If we vote Independent Democrat, will you get green fees tax deductible? Of course!

Finally, Patricia de Lille's golfing aims for the next 12 months? I want to reduce my handicap to 15 with help from my coach, Jamie Gough.

• Article courtesy of Golf Punk magazine.