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My mobile phone just rang before I sat down to write this. A dear friend Prakash called to inform me that he had a stroke a few days ago. This was not quite the intro I had in mind to start this memoir to bade adieu to a roller-coaster year. Prakash had been a friend that came into my life two years ago. He, like many others, family members, are blessings that somehow were given to me without asking. Like him, there were many others that have been there for me during the darkest hours and days. Human beings that helped me without asking for anything in return. Among the highlights this year would be the emergence (or reunion!) of true friends from my past. Boy, how I neglected you over the years, chasing glory at work and that so called career ladder. I've always had the view that friendships were like marriages - they are for better, or for worse - we will never ever know how long it lasts. However, nothing is forever as they say. But those that are there to listen, car

If your ship had sails, the wind would be your obvious ally. Life is similar, or at least what comes with the package. The toughest and unexpected challenges breaks down egos. But we face them, even if it makes no sense. Does life go on even if the ship is sinking? Of course. Love presents the hardest and most challenging emotional scenarios. If darkness befalls us, blessings will also present itself unexpectedly. That is pure joy. There's no right or wrong. Alone or not. Just make sure you love with passion and compassion.

The SUV segment is somewhat more appealing. The Mazda CX-5 is one that just oozes dynamic sensuality. Ever noticed the difference in atmosphere when you travel in different vehicles with friends? There may be more chatter about the car and perhaps, it becoming their dream car someday. Receiving the keys, or rather a dongle for the smart keyless system of the Mazda Cx-5, I did not know what to expect of this aerodynamically-styled SUV. The timing was perfect too, as it coincided with my trip to the Swiss-Garden Beach Resort for the inaugural Shafie Memorial Cup at the Damai Laut Golf & Country Club. It will be hard to forget a dear friend of the media and the Swiss-Garden Cup. The alarm on my mobile “crowed” at 5am, as I had to get ready to fetch Eddie Hoo and his wife, not to mention having to squeeze prizes into the SUV. My arrival at 6am triggered off the barking of dogs in Eddie’s neighbourhood, as they sniffed a stranger, and a new ‘deep crystal blu

Sunday’s hot and humid final round was a nail-biter with the leading flight providing the oohs and ahhs to the large gallery. After Moore dropped a shot on 16 th , his lead was down to one shot on -16 with Gary Woodland and Kevin Na lurking. With the humidity taking its toll, Na was the first to crumble on the 17 th hole, sending his tee shot into the trees on the right. His ball was declared lost, on top of an oil palm tree. Meanwhile, Moore nails his approach for a tap-in birdie, his eighth of the day. He now had a comfortable three-shot lead heading to the 18 th . With a final putt for par, Moore became the first man since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back PGA Tour titles. Final round anecdotes… Angelo Que wins hands down for wearing an all-CIMB red apparel. Only Danny Lee outplayed him in the fashion department with red checked pants. Lee Westwood wasn’t hard to spot. Westy had his favourite neon lemon-coloured Dunlop shirt on. The tree on the

Day 3 at the CIMB Classic. I arrived at 9.30am and KLGCC was filling up already. As expected, the weather seems to be a creature of habit and play was suspended again. The crowd was distinctly larger than Fri and they weren’t disappointed. No animals were harmed and the Heineken Green Experience tent continued to be the best place to be when the rain came. Kevin Na and Ryan Moore fired a 5-under-par 67 to tie for the lead on 12-under 204. But here’s how I saw it today in no particular order… Noh Seung-Yul’s yellow pants remind me of Dijon mustard. But this boy’s swing is flawless. I’ve gone blind looking at Angelo Que’s neon green pants on TV. But that’s fashion guts. Angelo Que rarely practices at the driving range before tee off. The man’s a true talent. The quiche is addictive. Someone stop me. From the air, the bunkers on Hole 15 look like mittens. I wish I had Kevin Na’s hairstyle. Maybe I should just let it grow and start playin

It's a cloudy Friday morning at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. Most of the late starters are expecting rain to come. The crowds weren't as big as yesterday I felt, but it sure made it easy to pick out some buddies. Most are volunteers this week and what would we do without them. You guys and gals are saints to sports events. While the action is ongoing, may I be so bold to wax lyrical with some anecdotes? : 1. Bill Hurley III must be a morning person - the boy posted six birdies, starting on the back nine, first out with Charlie Wi and Antonio Lascuna from the Philippines. 2. Overnight leader Rikard Kalberg makes having facial hair look cool. 3. Maybe its time to stop asking Guan Tianlang if he is turning pro. His reply to a question: "Not in this couple of years I think. For sure not this year, not next year." A very intelligent boy indeed. 4. Ryder Cup team mates, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia were playing in the same group as Patrick "Shh"

5 years - that's how fast time flies. And, it took me nearly half an hour to get to Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club for the CIMB Classic for round one. Seated on the second row in the media centre, I can't help but remind myself how fortunate golf fans are in Malaysia right now. As I write this, four players are currently leading on 5-under par - Rikard Karlberg of Sweden, Americans Davis Love III and Jeff Overton, and Angelo Que of the Philippines. While some critics might say that there is not enough stars in the field, they must also realize that this is a major sporting event. And, it is the PGA Tour. I never imagined 16 years ago that I would be writing about such a mega golf event in my own country. I had a glimpse of watching Ryder Cup stars Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Patrick "Shh" Reed starting their second nine. They certainly attracted the crowds but the biggest "Pied Piper" match of them all has to be the two Japanese stars, Ryo I

T. O. Tan (left) of the APIC Group with the home's founder, Morgun A/L Nadesan during the presentation of the RM100,000 mock cheque. Last Friday was the 4th of July. While America celebrated its Independence Day, I was privileged to be part of an inaugural charity golf tournament. The APIC Charity Golf Day organized by Transview Golf Sdn Bhd was held at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club. "Another assignment on my favourite course with clients," I thought to myself. Arriving at the bag drop about 11am, the club's staff Hairy greeted me, like he has always done so at every other tournament. "Hello again Pat. Third time in three weeks that you've attended events here. Maybe you should consider buying a membership!" he quipped. Perhaps I should. Sooner or later. A handshake with Transview's COO and long-time friend Frankie Choo was followed by a beeline for the changing room to get kitted up. Teeing off from hole 18 on a shotgun start

This year's Kota Permai Club Championship that started with the Ladies and Senior Championship on June 14-15, and culminating in the Men's Championship from June 20-21 was indeed a fine example of setting high benchmarks in the industry. This was the second time in three years that I have attended the event. I must say that I am truly impressed and in my short 15 years in the business, must admit that this club has earned the right to be called an industry leader.  Kota Permai Golf & Country Club's general manager, Tang Meng Loon, and his staff must be commended for their hard work and dedication to the members. The members too must be lauded for taking time off to be part of a fantastic event that really brings back the true meaning of clubbing and what it means to be Malaysian. I missed last year's championship but was rewarded for my effort to attend by having to interview two worthy champions in the Men's and Ladies categories. Four handicapper Kiishaa

Yes, no. Maybe. Why are you reading this? Our brains are a powerful tool. It just made you read that line. Why am I writing this? The brain made me do this. Why? We learnt, and were taught language in schools. We were privileged to have education. From kindergarten (yes, many Malaysian friends spelt 'garten' as 'garden'), all the way to college, words have ruled our lives and thoughts. The thoughts are what makes us. It woke me up.... Thinking about thinking. Using these words to make these sentences... Is it even a story? Thoughts can become powerful reality. It can be good or evil. I'm learning how to control my thoughts. Wars happen because of the brain. So, learn to realise what and how your thinking dictates life. It develops actions.

Golf Digest Malaysia Editor, Patrick Ho, reflects on a memorable road trip to Manjung, Perak in a vehicle that served its purpose well. May 1st, 2014... The alarm clock wakes me up at 8.00 am, on a public holiday. It was time to get ready for the long drive to Swiss-Garden Golf & Spa Resort for the Swiss-Garden Cup. Some may call it a working holiday but after nearly 10 years of covering this event, it has become more of an annual pilgrimage for me. I can’t explain it but there’s something about the route to the resort that brings many of us golf journos back. Obviously, the great friendship that we share with the folks at Swiss-Garden is the key factor. The plan this year was to car pool with Brian Alexis of Fairways. Whilst we may be great rivals in business, we are also great friends who have known each other for many years. The best part about this year’s road trip was that I had the privilege of testing the first hybrid MPV launched in Malaysia – th