Journey to the greens of PGA—Final Part
April 9th, 2007 by Olaf Bound.sThrough part one, part two and part three of the interview, we have grown to know a lot more of Calvin. And now, the final parter….
Olaf: Who in this planet right now is your favorite golfer?
Calvin: Without a doubt Tiger Woods
Olaf: And your fantasy foursome?
Calvin: Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Fred Couples.
Olaf: Your favorite golfer has started a foundation called Tiger Foundation? It has influenced a great number of youngsters in the US. Do you think this has also generated a great interest in Asia, overall?
Calvin: Yes, most definitely. The possibilities are endless now with his move.
Olaf: What can we do to help influence young people in Malaysia or Asia like what Tiger’s foundation has done?
Calvin: Well, I believe Malaysia needs to set up a similar foundation but the keyword here is professional sports management, people like the IMG. Not only for golf but for many other sports. Keep away the interest of political influence and then you will realize the potential of Malaysian sports.
Olaf: Keyword to all of this?
Calvin: No personal interest!!!
Olaf: Calvin, let’s talk real. How much sponsors or endorse do you have?
Calvin: Only Wilson as a product sponsor.
Olaf: Looking at the scenario, how much would you need to play full time and join the Asian Tour?
Calvin: Actually, I can’t give you a figure but any endorsements in terms of monetary will help. You see, Thai Golfers actually have Thai Airways to sponsor their travels. But in Malaysia, sigh…..
Calvin: Olaf, did you know that only three countries in the world grants you tax exemptions for prize monies won? Only Malaysia, Brunei and Hong Kong. This is an encouragement.
Olaf: How about the MPGA (Malaysian Professional Golf Association)? Any support from them?
Calvin: What about them? They need to get more sponsors to do more tournaments and we could do with a lot more publicity. I mean if the publicity is better, the sponsors will gladly come in.
Calvin: I am sure GOLFNICK readers will help spread some of the word? I can imagine the thousands reading throughout the world able to read our plight.
Olaf: Blush!!!
Olaf: We know it’s difficult for you. But if say, your children show potential as a touring pro, would you encourage him/her to follow in your footsteps?
Calvin: I hope so. If they have the talent, I will support them all the way.
Olaf: So will we be able to hear more from you in the future?
Calvin: I most definitely hope so.
Olaf: One final thing! Will you look at my golf swing and show me a few tips? (Olaf hopes for a free lesson, you know?) Olaf swings and Calvin looks! I believe I saw him shaking his head!
Olaf: So Calvin, will I ever make the tour?
Calvin: (Reluctantly) Sure you will. But you must practice more. (Breaking up the subject) I hear your blogging has audience all over the world. That is interesting, can you show me some of your earlier post…….
At that, the interview ended and Olaf was spared the blushes. There is no hope for Olaf as a touring pro, I guess but there is still hope for Calvin. Support him in any way that you can, tell your friends. Send us a comment. Ask him for lessons. Ask him for help!!! But remember, you heard it first from GOLFNICK!
You can contact Calvin at calvinkong@hotmail.com to book an appointment for lessons. Say you heard from GOLFNICK and he will charge you less, I think!!
