Journey to the greens of PGA—Part III
April 2nd, 2007 by Olaf Bound.sIn the previous part one and part two, Calvin has given his thoughts on the Malaysian and Asian Golf Tour. The saga now continues…..
Olaf: How do you rate Malaysian Golf Courses on a scale of 1 (best) to 5 (worst)?
Calvin: Definitely in the 2nd category.
Olaf: Which 3 courses do you think are in the top three?
Calvin: The Saujana, Kota Permai and The Mines (All three courses have been hosting major golf events in Malaysia for quite a while now).
Olaf: How can you concentrate, while you have to coach students and at the same time play on the Malaysian circuit?
Calvin: Well, it depends on the ranking that you wish to get to. At present, I am ranked at about 35th in Malaysia. I hope to get near the top 15. But that would mean sacrificing a few students. But we really haven’t had any tournaments in the local circuit since last year and I am raring to go!
Just for knowledge sake, Olaf did some digging and for the hopefuls out there, to qualify for the Malaysian tour, you need either;
- To be in the Asian Tour Top Sixty
- Order of Merit in Malaysia Top 6
- To qualify to be a golf professional. Pay RM 100 and try to qualify.
Olaf: Let’s move a bit into your students? Do you have any students that you think may one day be a tour pro?
Calvin: A few of them but Jeremy Ooi (6 years old) has the most potential.
Olaf: Tell me about your students? What is the mix of crowd that you get?
Calvin: Well, 10-15% are young children. 20% are executives and the rest are from all walks of life.
Olaf: What do you think is the major stumbling block for most normal handicappers out there to join the tour?
Calvin: One is interest. Two is the attitude. Three, the gambling factor (Most golfers out there will never lower their handicap to the extent of submitting only their worse scores).
Olaf: What is, in your opinion the greatest majority of fault when students come to you?
Calvin: El Slico, The big SLICE!!!!
Olaf: Any advice you would like to anyone aspiring to become a golf pro?
Calvin: Work on the mental aspects of your game. The fitness levels and definitely the short game!
Olaf: How much do you think equipment can help a golfer improve his game?
Calvin: At least 40 to 50%!
Olaf: And you will rank them as….
Calvin:
- Wedges / Putter
- Mid Irons
- Woods / Driver
- Balls
Olaf: You seem proud and happy with your equipment sponsor?
Calvin: But of course, I am entitled to a new set whenever the need arises. And WILSON has happily obliged to back me on my equipments. Notice the letters in bold, Calvin wants Olaf to really emphasize this.
Olaf has made sure that we are able to catch a glimpse of Calvin’s swing. Watch the below tour pro swing and believe me, PHEW can he smite it!
We will hear more of this interview in the final and conclusive parter. Stay tuned to GOLFNICK for the final installment in which, Calvin will give his review on Olaf’s Swing…….