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My job allows me to meet a lot of people. I mean all sorts too. Human complexities being what it is, not every meeting is memorable. Heck, I've even met a Dato who was so boastful that the ignorant would believe that he could beat Tiger Woods with a bad back. I am still learning after being in the golf biz for the past 16 years. But let me share one of my many experiences. Perhaps, management executives could use this as a lesson of "what not to say during a networking session". Recently, a long-time acquaintance  (I shall call him Q in this post) told me of another common industry "friend". Apparently, this "friend" had been showing off his OMEGA watch to Q and a few others after a golf tournament. I burst out laughing when Q told me the story because Q owns several branded watches himself. But Q said it wasn't about the fact that he owned AP's and FM's, the fact was it did not matter because no one asked. "I collect watche

I had no clue. You just appeared. It was as innocent as the breeze stroking your face. Never was it ever my intention but we became friends anyway. Not by design at least. Now you are my life, even though you're not there. But I never once complained. I will always have hope no matter what the outcome. I can't sleep worrying about our future. Although, it is not always my decision, even though I am the "man". No r ight, nor wrong whatever the outcome. Just be compassionate and love life y'all!!!

Remember your first job? You were energetic, enthusiastic even. Nothing could stop you. You were part of a team that was so intelligent and talented. Extremely inspired to work. Until... Your ideas were stolen by a colleague whom you thought you could trust, someone you believed was a friend. This scenario is all too familiar to many. This is reality in the working world. Let's not even talk about the starting salary... There will always be a bad apple in every company. The "mister know it all", the "I know them" so called mister connections and the "I knew already..." boss types. The truth is, these boys and girls are no different than junkies on a high. They love their self-declared wisdom just for the sake of saying something. Most often than not, they suffer from an inferiority complex. And, they never seem to bring in any revenue or benefits to the company. True? The most glaring fact, their companies don't even realise the BS

"Do not make the same mistakes," said my manager and first boss in my life at A&W Restaurant, Mr. Eddie. "And, when you do something, do it right." I will never forget his words at 17 years old. The same words that were drilled into me by my parents. They were trained during the colonial era of course. At work, those principles have kept me out of trouble. As humans, we do make mistakes. We have to learn from them. However, what saddens me is how the new generation today are not even affected or moved by their mistakes. "Is this an ugly Malaysian trait?" I once asked myself. Maybe it is upbringing? Or could it be the lack of accountability that has crept into the very foundation of the country's society? While no concrete answers can ever be given by those responsible, we must act now at home. Disciplining our children starts at home. Don't even expect teachers to do it for you, although I harbour hope that there are some heroes lef

Sept 21st was a Monday. I was scheduled for a embargoed media briefing at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort. And, not even a ruptured old radiator in my car could stop me from going. Are Mondays really that bad? The cab ride was a refreshing change and I can't do without the My Teksi app anymore. I was early by half an hour as I entered the Golfers Terrace. It was great to bump into an old pal Steven Tan, the  deputy general manager of Tropicana. After exchanging pleasantries with Stevie, I sat down with the Titleist SEA Team for breakfast. I truly enjoy product briefings like these because it gives me a chance to catch up with like-minded, and dedicated, industry professionals. It was great to catch-up with Justin Fong and Singapore-based Aussie Gene Saunders again, although we haven't had the chance to play even 9 holes together over the past few years! And yet again at this meeting, we vowed to organize a game. Fingers crossed, it may happen soon enough. After br

In my capacity as the editor of Golf Digest Malaysia magazine, I am often bombarded by some of the most intriguing questions that I do not have an answer for. Here are some that I would like to share on Merdeka Day, which coincidentally is also my wedding anniversary: 1. How do you hit the ball so that it backspins like how the pros do on TV? 2. Why is Tiger Woods playing badly? 3. Why isn't there a Malaysian Open champion yet? Those are three of the most commonly asked questions that I have been thrown throughout my 15-plus years in the golf industry. But one question that touches a nerve has to be, "Have you ever had a hole-in-one yet?" The answer to date is "no". But by my standards, I have come agonizingly close. Here's a list of hole-in-one prizes that I have missed so far (and measurement from the hole!): 1) One million ringgit (12 feet wasn't near but it was a million!/The Mines) 2) Mercedes-Benz E Class (Missed this twice in two co

3.8 That's what our Ringgit's number against the U.S. Dollar. Companies that deal with American imports are obviously facing a headache. So how does it affect golf? Most golf brands are American icons. Retailers, already faced by the onset of the GST implementation, has some serious accounting to do. And let's face it, the majority of the population has cut their spending due to the rise in the price of goods caused by the GST wave. Consumers report that most goods and food items actually cost more than 6%. It is still unclear why traders charge more, but some have reportedly blamed it on unscrupulous companies and opportunist owners. At the CIMB Hari Raya Open House yesterday, I bumped into Mr. K. P. Low of MST Golf, Sylvester San of Fujitsu and Chuah Choo Chiang, the Director of Communications for the Asian Tour. We discussed the downtrend of golf in the country caused by the effects of the GST on consumer spending and the weak performance of the Ringgi

What are the best prizes to give at an amateur golf tournament? Well, there are no hard and fast rules but most corporate events would look at value and branding that reflects their status. The mistake many organizers make is to hand out "everyday" golf equipment and accessories. Whether it is for the main prize, novelties or the lucky draw categories, its best to be sensible. The majority does not need a new driver or fairway wood... they just need lessons. Just think lifestyle and family once in awhile. It is all about making their time worthwhile to travel to the course and creating an experience. Here are some possible prize items for your next tournament: 1) A Bosch drill set 2) Fujifilm Instant Camera 3) Robotic vacuum cleaner 4) A set of branded chef's knives 5) Men's grooming kit 6) Air tickets to Bali 7) An electric guitar 8) A case of whisky 9) iPhone 6 or an iPad 10) A set of sports rims What not to give: 1) Shaver

There are many ways to beat a dull economy. It's just a matter of good service and humanization  One month ago, I attended an event organized by Vin Sporting House - distributors for Mitsubishi Rayon and Aldila shafts. Guests comprised mainly key retailers and custom fitters. After Mr. Katsunori Nakashima, the assistant  manager of Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. for Carbon Fiber & Composite Materials Division (Graphite Shafts Department) concluded his briefing, and answering eager questions from the usual media suspects, the event became a reunion of sorts. Most of the guys and gals present that day are passionate industry leaders and loyal staff to companies that have ridden some of the wildest waves and bumpiest rides to grow this game. Some I have known and shook hands with for nearly 16 years. With the implementation of the GST, all of us are experiencing its effect on consumer spending. It is a new type of challenge. "Why is this happening bro," one bu

From straight highways to the windy roads up to Cameron Highlands, we gave the Mazda 6 a thorough shakedown It has been years since I collected a Mazda 6 for a test. Boy, now I know what was missing from my life. Having the car for five days at my disposal was a treat indeed and it certainly allowed me to explore the car’s performance and blend it into my lifestyle. I had two outstation assignments in four days with my golf bag in tow. The first was to attend the Horizon Hills Media Golf tournament at the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club in Johor. After exiting the toll gate at Sungai Besi, it was pretty much a flat out drive to Johor Bharu. The all aluminium Skyactiv-G 2.0 engine purred softly as the car accelerated swiftly moving up to the sixth gear of the Skyactiv Drive 6-Speed AT. There was no jerky torque traits. The aerodynamics that was derived from Mazda’s ‘Kodo-Soul of Motion’ design concept was evident. The car cut through the air effortlessly and

Was it the best ever national open? Without the rain it was.  By Patrick Ho, Editor - Golf Digest Malaysia Memorable? No, not for me at least. That's because I picked up a new back injury during Tuesday's pro-am (age is catching up). Furthermore, some may not realize that an editor is very much a desk jockey. I could only make my grand entrance to Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (we call it KLGCC) on Saturday morning. Yes, I was there by 9 a.m. And, 8.15 a.m. on Sunday. Enjoyed my walk, got sun burnt and nearly saw two players ace the 11th on Saturday. No Malaysian player found the water water hazard there. No hornets attacked me on the 14th too. My opinion alone may not be justifiable or taken seriously, but here's my top 20: 1. Counting crows - even a 'QUIET PLEASE' lollipop could not stop those menacing buzzards on a player's downswing. No wonder Jimenez threw his wedge to the ground on Saturday after pulling his approach on the 10th. May

Sunday, January 25th 2015 FREE  Days go by, as if the water's surface is calm. Challenges met and challenges avoided. Happiness and sadness intertwined. But yet we cling on to things, feelings and material wealth. Pain and suffering dance in constant victory. Not just today but for many generations past. Nobody dares admit their pain or anguish in today's society. Angels appear to set the balance right. Pain does not linger. Time heals wounds, we just have to be patient and be faithful. Each time I look into your eyes, the pain stops. For a few hours, I am no longer hurt by loneliness. Precious moments that are rare. Your smile releases me from shackles of pain locked by fate. You are my soul mate that brings light into the darkness of my empty heart. A ray of light that makes me smile again. Be free, fly on to whatever you are searching for. No man can chain you anymore. Fly on, be free. Maybe someday I can fly with you. - PATRICK HO SENG.