KAESHAFF FIRST YOUNGEST AMATEUR GOLFER TO PLAY IN BIG HOLE GOLF

Kaeshaff became the first amateur golfer to play in the Big Hole Golf event at Palm Garden Golf Club. He talks about his idol, Tiger Woods and the love of his game. Also his parental guidance and support which made him what he is today.

GOLF DECLINE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS CONCERNS MELAKA GOVERNOR

Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob describes Palm Garden Golf Club as his favourite golf course. “I find it interesting and challenging. You need to be a good golfer to enjoy at Palm Garden.” He then talks on the Junior Golf scene in Malaysia and also the decline among University students playing the golf game. Lastly but not least, he briefly talks on Golf Tourism in Melaka.

THE POWER OF RE-FRAMING : JURGEN KLOPP

Jurgen Klopp is an interesting character.

Klopp has recently been given the job of manager of Liverpool football club (a top-flight English football club).

One of the reason's Klopp was given that high-profile job in football is because of his impressive track record as a football manager in Germany.

And one major factor behind his impressive track record in football management is Klopp's charismatic character and ability to motivate his players to perform beyond their natural abilities.

A case in point of Klopp's charismatic motivational powers:

Back in 2003 a young Klopp was manager of Mainz - a small-time, semi-professional, non-league

German football club.

At the end of that season many fans had congregated in Mainz square to pay homage to the players of Mainz football club.

The fans mood was a mixture of both respect tinged with a palpable sense of resignation.

See Mainz (who had played exceptionally well under Klopp's management) had - just the day before -missed out on gaining promotion into the German Bundesliga (the top-flight league of German football).

It wasn't the first time, either.

Because just the year before (2002), the same "so-close-but-so-far"  fate had befallen Mainz football club under Klopp's management.

And the fans in the square that day at the end of the 2003 season (naturally) felt resigned to the idea that Mainz would never break into the top-flight Bundesliga league.

But then Jurgen Klopp changed that resigned, wistful mood rather quickly.

Klopp, jumped up on stage in front of 15,000 fans, took the microphone and addressed the crowd:

"I've been thinking about yesterday and decided that it must have happened for a good reason. And I've decided that someone, somewhere wanted to show to the world that when you get knocked down, not once, not twice but even three or four times, that you can get up again and keep fighting. And that person decided there is no better town to show this to the world than Mainz."

"Which club experienced what we did last season? Which club have gone through what we've been through this season? And now which club are going to have the story we're going to have next season when we come back even stronger?"

Talk about RE-FRAME the perception and the mood of the fans!

Jurgen Klopp, in just a few sentences galvanized the fans and inspired them to see that the season was not a failure but part of an unfolding history of the club in the making.

Oh, and by the way, Mainz football club (under Klopp's management) were promoted into the Bundesliga the following season (2004) for the first time in their history.

One suspects Jurgen Klopp's ability to inspire and motivate his players (and the fans!) played a HUGE factor in winning promotion to the top-flight league!

This story is an good reminder today about the undoubted power of re-framing!

IN THE NEWS: PLANE CRASH IN JOHOR

IN THE NEWS: PLANE CRASH IN JOHOR

Piper Warrior Light Aircraft Crashes Into Golf Course

A Piper Warrior PA28 light aircraft crashed landed on the 11^th hole and skidded along its fairway before crashing into a palm tree at IOI Palm Villa Golf and Country Resort Course in Johor today. The incident happened round 1.00pm today.

Luckily no one was injured as the golf course was closed due to heavy rain.

Picture courtesy of Suresh Kumaran.

Suresh Kumaran, the Golf Superintandant was contacted over the phone and told us that the light aircraft could have lost control due to bad weather and crashed along the 11^th fairway. "We found some debris sitting on its green and fairway," said Suresh who captured photos using his mobile device.

“Luckily the course was closed, thank God no one was injured,” said the 35 year old Suresh.

Suresh continued: "I received a phone call from the airport (name not revealed) who was aware that a plane had crashed. They sent a rescue team who quickly rushed to the location where the aircraft had crashed and the airport authorities quickly rushed the pilot who was a Singaporean to the nearest hospital.”

Picture courtesy of Suresh Kumaran.

“A chief engineer from the airport (name not revealed) told us not to remove the debris of the plane and will send an investigating team (officers) from Kuala Lumpur tomorrow to conduct a detailed investigation,” Suresh concluded.

Meanwhile the club manager when contacted, Mohamad Fadil Bin Ami told us that he had seen an aircraft hovering above the golf course earlier noon.

“I saw some smoke at the planes tail and knew something was not right. I went for my Friday prayers and got a call from Suresh who notified me on the incident. By the time, I went to the crash site, they have taken the pilot away to the hospital."

"Thank God the plane did not hit any nearby homes or golfers.”

IN THE NEWS: Big Hole Golf

Interview with Datuk Vijaya who spoke on Palm Garden Golf Club and the recent launch of Big Hole Golf which he thinks is pretty cool and good for the golf industry.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO INTRODUCE MALAYSIA?

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO INTRODUCE MALAYSIA?

I Think It’s The Bunga Raya

One major problem that seems to be escalating within Malaysia in recent times is social intolerance rooted in religious and racial differences, further fueled by the growing political crisis.

So, is there anything the average person can still do now to bring about a positive change to our country?

I read once that the writer suggested that we start wearing the Bunga Raya on our lapels wherever we go to proudly declare we’re “Friendly Malaysians” and even grow these hardy plants outside our homes.

Perhaps I should add, grow them at all golf courses too.

It’s always a good way to introduce the Bunga Raya to our guests which is Malaysia’s national flower.

Harry Lord (left) with V. Rao the General Manager of Sungai Long Golf Club.

I met 65-year Harry Lord from Western Sweden today at Sungai Long Golf & Country Club who played at the World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship, final round. At a first glance, he looked like Jack Nicklaus. A second look, a little like Robin Williams.

We spoke about Bunga Raya at first and I told him that it was declared by Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1960 due to its abundance throughout Malaysia. Their bold red color symbolizes courage, while the 5 petals symbolize the 5 Rukun Negara (National Principles of Malaysia).

Then I asked him how he landed in Malaysia?

Harry Lord, a Journalist writes on Golf & Tourism and was invited by the Turkish Airline.

“This is my first to Malaysia. It’s a very beautiful country. People are friendly and nice. Very good atmosphere and a little warm though,” he said.

Harry Lord (Blue T.Shirt) at Sungai Long Golf & Country Club.

“We started playing golf in Langkawi two courses and now in Kuala Lumpur. Sungai Long Golf & Country Club is perfectly wonderful and I really mean that. It’s in very good shape and so are the greens. Probably it’s the best course we have played this week. A little wet spots due to rain but it’s natural. The food has been good. A bit spicy but it’s good. I like to try new things.”

“When I return I am going to be very positive about Malaysia. Many Danes have been visiting Thailand and perhaps they should now take a look at Malaysia for a change. It’s about the same distance. Plenty to discover here too.”

“I will be writing once I get back on Golf & Tourism. Oh ya! And on the Bunga Raya, too!”

MAKING IT HAPPEN By Sandakan Eagle.

WIND BENEATH HIS WINGS

Mardan Is An Inspired Man

Mardans  wife possess unique power to inspire her husband. Her loving vision has propelled him.

When he won the US$1 million Resorts World Manila Masters last year he credited his wife.

“You are the champion, you are the winner and you are the man. These were her words to me. My wife and I have been talking a lot about my game and confidence. She always inspires me and feeds me positive thoughts,” said Mardan.

Mardan Mamat 3rd right (seated).

When he played the pro-am (on Tuesday), there were a lot of good memories coming into his mind.” He shot 20-under-par 268 aggregate and won the event last year by six shots.

“It’s nice to be back. I always have good support when I come to Manila. The fans always make me feel at home. The Philippines is almost like a second home to me now,” added 48-yaer old Mardan.

An inspired man he is ready to defend his title. He’s a man who’s empowered; a conqueror. His wife has given him some “wind beneath his wings!”

He returns to his “second home” ready to successfully defend a title for the first time in his career at the Resorts World Manila Masters which is the richest golf event in the Philippines, will also help in his Olympic dream.

Mardan is currently 59th on the men’s Olympic rankings, with the top-60 by next July qualifying for Rio de Janeiro.

“It’s an event every athlete wants to be in. I would like to keep myself in that position. To have the chance to represent my country in the Olympics would be a dream come true,” he said.

MAKING IT HAPPEN by Sandakan Eagle.

WHAT DOES GOLF MEANS TO GRANDPA NELLAN

Life is short afterall. Like a round of golf.

There is a close connection between life and golf - Awareness!

"I have led a blessed life. Beautiful wife and children. Career with self respect, relative job security, and reward beyond anything measureable."

"And a love for a game that quite literally can be compared to life."

"I have faced countless challenges. I have managed to grow, mature, survive, and prosper. In life and in golf. I have come to realize how fortunate I am."

When he steps up onto the first tee there is an enormous anticipation.

"Will this be the day I make my first ace? Will I shoot low? At the end of the round the one thing that is certain is that I will be talking about the day's events and play."

"More memories have been made, yet another round in the books."

"Life is short afterall. Like a round of golf. But if I have learned anything I have learned that it is not the length of the round or of the hole. It is what you make of it while you are there."

MAKING IT HAPPEN By Sandakan Eagle.

KAESHAFF NICKLESH IS INSPIRED BY TIGER WOODS

How Do You Get Inspired?

Whether it’s for his talent, money, fame, looks, or his infamous cheating scandal, it seems that people will always love Tiger Woods

14 year old Kaeshaff Nicklesh was fortunate to know about Tiger Woods through his dad.

Young Nicklesh at the driving age.

“Tiger Woods is the greatest golfer in modern history. His focus, determination, and drive to continue to play the sport he loves through thick and thin demands to be met with respect and admiration.”

“I never knew the game of golf until my dad told me about Tiger Woods. I started showing interest and started to follow my dad to the golf course. I like Tiger Woods and he is my idol and will always be him.”

“He made the game of golf famous.”

“On the course Tiger Woods has good character. I like the way he plays, he has style, and always been a cheerful golfer. These qualities motivated me to take up the game.”

Love golf and take it slow & easy!

“I plan to turn professional in the next 3 years.”

“My advice to beginners – Take it slow and easy, do not stress yourself.”

“And most important, Love golf!”

MAKING IT HAPPEN By Sandakan Eagle. 

A PITIFUL BOGEY THAT WOULD HAVE BROUGHT GLORY TO NICHOLAS FUNG

This Is Golf!

Nicholas Fung shot a bogey on the 16th hole at Laguna National Course, Singapore and that cost him the inaugural World Classic Championship title. It went to Thailand's Danthai Boonma who won it by a single stroke firing a 69 to take the win on 282.

Nicholas, who had shared a two-stroke lead with Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman going into the last day, shot one-over 72 in the final round at the Laguna National course to finish second with a four day, one-under 283.

Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.

Was the 25-year old Nicholas disappointed not to win in the US$750,000 (RM3.15 million) Asian Tour event?

Probably he was. Screw-ups are part of the game. We're human, so we forgive ourselves, we forgive others, and then we move on.  He managed to prove himself playing in challenging conditions.

In the words of Danny Chia - “This is golf. What is yours will be yours one day.” Danny ended a 13 year Asian Tour title drought when he won the Taiwan Masters, finished a respectable joint eighth alongside Australian Scott Barr on 287.

Short & Sweet by Sandakan Eagle.

SIZZLING SASIKUMAR

Sasi Confident Of Winning CGC National Finals 2015

Sasikumar made headlines in the historical city of Malacca after winning the Carlsberg Golf Classic Gross Trophy at A’Famosa Golf Resort on 15 November, 2015.

The 39-year old golfer who hails from Kuala Lumpur and a loyal supporter of the Carlsberg Brand shot a gross score of 76. He will qualify to the National Final on 9 December to play at Palm Garden Golf Club, PutraJaya.

Sasi who started playing in the CGC series since 1998 has made it to the finals 8 consecutive times. This year itself he has tried hard to play at three various venues in order to qualify to the National Finals and finally found his luck in Malacca!

The 7-handicapper gave thumbs up to the event organizers Key Vector Sdn Bhd and also painted a positive picture of the Carlsberg Golf Classic series.

“It’s a wonderful event and I always enjoy playing in the Carlsberg Golf Classic. I have seen the event make progress over the years with increased value of prizes and with the noble charity element incorporated where funds collected from golfers will be channeled towards the J.C.Jacobsen Fund”, said a happy Sasi.

His best buddy Eric Foo also present to try his luck in Malacca only managed to emerge 5th in the gross category and made a vow to return when the CGC series visits Sungai Long Golf & Country Club on 22 November.

“I hope I will make it at Sungai Long GCC,” said Eric who is looking forward to play at the National Finals for an 8^th consecutive time.

“The selection of golf courses has always been good. It will be great to have new venues such as The Mines Golf Resort into the golf circuit and for Sabah just continue with the good work. Hopefully I can travel to Sabah and win at one of the preliminary legs there,” concluded Sasi.

Short & Sweet by Sandakan Eagle.

GROW THE GAME OF GOLF

MIDF Continues To Support Professional Golf In Malaysia

Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) has pledged to continue to support Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) in its efforts to develop local professional golfers.

A total of RM400,000 was contributed officially by MIDF to PGM witnessed by MIDF Chairman,  Tan Sri Dato’ Mahmood Taib and PGM Chairman, Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid during a presentation ceremony held at Menara MIDF in Jalan Raja Chulan.

The contribution will be used to organize the upcoming PGM MIDF KLGCC Championship held from 25 – 28 November 2015 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).

“This is MIDF’s fifth year of involvement in PGM’s noble efforts to develop professional golf in Malaysia and we are honoured to be given the opportunity to be involved in this effort,” stated MIDF Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Mahmood bin Taib in his speech.  “MIDF will continue to support PGM achieve its goal.  It is through this effort that MIDF and Malaysia is fortunate to develop local talents in this field.”

MIDF is honoured to have had a pertinent role in developing local professional golfers in the last five years.  “We are happy to note that the local professional golfers continue to raise their performance and improve their positions in the world ranking.  We hope that the golfers will not only be successful in the PGM events but also the Asian Development Tour,” continued Tan Sri Dato’ Mahmood.

As PGM MIDF KLGCC Championship is an Asian Development Tour event, the top 6 winners will earn world ranking points and since the event is also the final event for the ADT, the top 5 players will qualify to play in the Asian Tour events in 2016.

WHY 8 INCHES? BIG HOLE GOLF IS SIMPLY A COOL IDEA

Palm Garden Golf Club Introduces Big Hole Golf

Brandon Chin, General Manager of Palm Garden Golf Club giving his speech.

There are smart people always thinking how to grow the sport and Brandon Chin the General Manager of Palm Garden Golf Club is a man of vision.

On November 11, they invited Celebrity Harith Iskandar, Malaysia’s Number One Stand Up Comedian to officially launch "Big Hole Golf" in the country.

Harith Iskandar takes a putt.

“We are open to new ideas and having Big Hole Golf in my opinion will attract young people and beginners. Those who have left the game would bring them back into the game,” said Brandon Chin, the General Manager of Palm Garden Golf Club.

Big Hole Golf was founded by Murray Blair in Melbourne and over the years the game has gained popularity spreading its wings across 80 golf courses in Australia, United States, United Kingdom, and even South Africa.

Harith Iskandar does the official launch of Big Hole Golf.

Brandon Chin and Harith Iskandar flanked by officials from Tourism Malaysia and MGTA. 

“The hole is big enough to fit a football. The larger holes would hasten the pace of play, bring lower scores and attract interest as a result. We hope corporate companies would implement Big Hole Golf and this will be ideal for their customers,” said K.C. Yum, the Marketing Manager of Palm Garden Golf Club.

The distinct difference of Big Hole Golf is that it measures 8 inches in diameter as opposed to the standard 4 ½ inch cup. The flagstick remains in the hole throughout the day.

Big Hole Golf is set to see more youngsters taking up the game, and hopefully an upsurge in tourism as well.

Meet Darren Clarke

Team Captain Of Europe


Darren Clarke and Jeev Milkha Singh will respectively captain Europe and Asia at the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from January 15-17, 2016.

Clarke and Singh have been friends for as long as they can remember, and they are clearly relishing the opportunity to lead their Continents to what would be an historic first victory at the EurAsia Cup, after an unforgettable 10-10 draw at the event’s inaugural staging in 2014.

Following his amazing four-and-a-half-stone weight loss which saw him shrink from a 41-inch waist to a svelte 32, the golf ace revealed that he does the majority of cooking at home so he can make sure the ingredients are healthy!

Short & Sweet by Sandakan Eagle.

Watch The Video Below:

Know Thyself The Greatest Guru Within

Know Thyself The Greatest Guru Within SPIRITUAL TALKS is a series of wisdom talks delivered lovingly by Swami Guru Sri Kriyathasa Sekar of 7C Life. This video (Part 1) was filmed at the Theosophical Society in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia - August 2015.