I came across a pragmatic quote by Dwight D Eisenhower: – “when I retire as President, I would not be winning at golf anymore”. Prescient? Not really. He understood human nature.
I can’t compare with Dwight D but after retirement, the corporate golf invitations dwindled to almost none. No surprise there, it is what it is.
I was fortunate to have participated in many corporate golf events including a series of Malaysian Open Pro-Ams for both men and ladies. Most of the professionals were congenial and friendly enough though they were more keen to familiarize with the golf courses, coordinating with their caddies. Can’t blame them.
Darren C Clarke, the Irish, chomping on a cigar had a big presence. He was not too engrossed and did pay some attention to us amateurs. Talkative guy.
Louis Oosthuizen, I was in his flight on one or two occasions. I last met him at the Maybank Malaysia Championship at RSGC. He had grown a beard by then, a la Serpico, he joked to us. A serious player on the course with a fluid easy swing.
I had a rather bad tee off at one of the holes at Saujana. Lee Westwood then took the trouble to demonstrate where I erred in my swing. I really appreciated this gesture. Not sure if I remembered much of his tutorial.
It rained during a Pro-Ams at KLGCC. We had to halt play and took refuge at the coffee house. We ordered Teh Tarik for Mina Harigae. She loved this concoction, having it for the first time.
Ai Miyazato’s brother, Yusaku, gave me his golf glove when we played at Saujana. What to do with a sweaty glove?
There were games with other international professionals, though one especially stood out.
Choi Kyung-Ju, commonly known as KJ Choi was like a rock star on the course at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC). A video team followed him around recording and interviewing him for his legion of followers.
We were at the par five 10th hole of the West course. My third shot landed in the bunker before the green. I went in and swung. Not out. Swung again, not out. Third time, still not out. Not on video fortunately.
The writer Salleh Harun (far right) with Mikami when he visited RSGC
KJ was watching. He was two on. He came down into the bunker, gestured to me and demonstrated how to swing out of the bunker. He watched me practice his routine. Voila, it worked. This great guy took the trouble. I was really touched by his humility.
My bunker game was ok for a while until the fasting month, after which I forgot KJ’s tuition.
KJ Choi I would not forget!
