The Golf Convenor Ezani Abu Bakar arranged for me to meet Mithell
Congratulations on your first RSGC Championship victory. How do you feel about this achievement?
Indeed, securing my first championship at RSGC is a monumental achievement, marking my initial accolade as a club member, previously having engaged only in inter-club matches. The curiosity about my background from fellow golfers has been overwhelming. To shed light, my competitive golf journey commenced at a tender age, including participation in the Malaysian Junior Championship representing Sabah in the early ’80s, alongside victories in various Malaysian State Amateur tournaments. My tenure at Moor Park Golf Club in England, where I clinched the Club Championship, significantly contributed to my performance at the RSGC senior event. Despite not hitting the ball as I wished, my putting game was crucial in this victory. Golf is peculiar in its way — fluctuating between the long and short game. The opportunity to play alongside the esteemed Datuk Ishiro Suzuki was an honor; his well-rounded skills and sportsmanship over the two days were inspirational. I’m eagerly anticipating the upcoming Club Championship knock-out stages, aiming to be a formidable contender.
Photo captions: In 1983, Mitchel was the runner up in the Malaysian Junior Championships at RSGC
Your performance, particularly your birdies on this challenging course, was notable. Could you elaborate on your strategy?
My approach remains a work in progress, yet I managed to excel, especially in my short game, which was critical given the course’s length and the improbability of hitting every green in regulation. Emphasizing the importance of the short game to juniors, I advocate dedicating 70% of practice time to chipping and putting, taking advantage of RSGC’s excellent facilities. For those inquiring about the most crucial aspect of golf, it unequivocally revolves around the short game. As the old saying goes, “drive for show, putt for dough,” highlighting the significance of precision over power.
