Journey to the greens of PGA—Part II

Following the first installment of the interview, the saga continues as we now try to find out just how Calvin thinks on his game as opposed to the current greats of the game and how he thinks he can stack up against them……

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Olaf: Now we come to the ultimate questions of truth and honesty from your side. A lot of us, ordinary golfers or hopefuls wish to stand face to face and tee to tee with some golf heroes we see on television. You have obviously teed up with a few of them and probably can stack well against them? So first question: How far can you drive on the average?
Calvin: I would average around 290 to 310 yards.

Olaf: How does that compare with Tiger’s?
Calvin: On a good day, he can out drive me say 10%.

Olaf: Your irons?
Calvin: About the same, but the major difference is the accuracy these guys can hit it.

Olaf: You mean you can’t hold your own against them?
Calvin: I believe if I had the backing and time to practice, I stand a much better chance. As it is some of the players you see on the television sets have a great financial background. Their families can afford for them to practice and play full time. However, they are exceptional cases like Vijay.

Olaf: Still, right now. How do you fancy your chances against Jeev Mikha Singh (currently one of Asian Tours leading players in the USPGA) and Tiger Woods (whom needs no introduction)?
Calvin: Well, Jeev Mikha is playing really well at the present moment. He is about a class above. BUT Tiger, that is a different equation altogether! This man is exceptional. I dare say, there isn’t anybody who is in a similar league or class right now.

Olaf: Right, say you were stacked up against Ernie Els or Phil Mickerson. How would you fare?
Calvin: Against either one of them for a single day, I‘d put up a good fight. But over the course of four days, well….??????? (Calvin gives the impression that I’m not going to get an answer).

Olaf: How good do you think Asian golfers can get in the world of golf? Do you think any of them stand a chance to bag a major?
Calvin: Great! But I think it will take at least another 10 years before we see that happening.

Olaf: Any particular golfer that you fancy his chances?
Calvin: A few, KJ Choi from Korea, Prom Meesawat from Thailand and Shigeki Maruyama from Japan.

Olaf: What about Malaysia boleh (Malaysia can do it)?
Calvin: Not a chance in hell! Zero! Only Danny Chia made the exception of qualifying for the British!

Olaf: Why not?
Calvin: There is a genuine lack of tournaments in the local circuit. Also, this leads to lack of exposure for most of us (touring pros in Malaysia)! We do have quality players. Airil Rizman (winner of Pakistan Open 2007) is one of them. Just we need a lot of assistance. Corporate sponsors are hard to come by. Malaysia corporations are not really into golf sponsorships or endorsements.

Olaf: You see yourself getting a chance at it?
Calvin: At the present moment, not likely.

This again portrays the kind of treatment, talented golfers in Malaysian get. GolfNick appeals to everyone to give these talented sportsmen a helping hand. Those who think they may be able to help can write us a comment.

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Stay tuned as GolfNick will continue on his mission to dig deeper into this interview where Olaf will be digging further into the thoughts of Calvin. Also coming up, catch a glimpse of Calvin’s golf swing…

All in the Journey to the greens of PGA part III.

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