White boots are so passe anyway, Ali

Comical Ali linked to hit-and-run
By Greg Growden Thursday, August 11, 2005

You get used to strange sights in New Zealand, but not All Blacks monsters galloping full speed down the fairways of local golf courses, belting balls on the run, tapping putts at top speed, then bolting towards the next tee.

Then again, Ali Williams is not your average All Blacks second-rower. It was only natural a man known as Comical Ali because of his maniacal streak, fun-loving attitude and vibrant sense of humour would opt for a different form of training this season when outed for six weeks for rucking Kiwi great Richie McCaw.

The ban was a result of a merry tap-dance near the head of McCaw during the Auckland-Crusaders Super 12 match, with Comical Ali explaining: "Don't wear white boots, don't ruck, and don't ever go near Richie because New Zealand loves him."

New Zealand doesn't mind Comical Ali, either, especially as he is such a colourful addition to a generally drab All Blacks landscape. That's why his fellow countrymen weren't too surprised when they heard he had taken up speed golf as a way to keep trim. Speed golf is exactly as it says. You scamper around an 18-hole course as quickly as possible. Comical Ali was soon a master, boasting a best time of around 45 minutes on one of Auckland's better city courses, Akarana.

"You have three clubs, including a putter, to keep the greenkeeper happy. You basically sprint from ball to ball," Williams said yesterday.

"Club selection is where the risk comes into it. You can either choose a three or four iron, or a driver. I go for a driver. I back myself. If you're two-over for the hole, you're going all right. I basically did it for the running because the old lungs do get a workout."

- Sydney Morning Herald, 11 August 2005