Professional golfer, Tiger Woods, described as one of the world's best golfers. - Photo by AFP
Why golf should be a people’s sport?
By Malik Ridhwan Zaihan
Why were the people angry when the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he wanted golf to be people’s sport and no longer for the elite?
Who would ever think that the sport that has always been associated with the middle and upper class should be people-centered? While everyone is busy talking about other things, the Prime Minister talked about golf. This is certainly a great idea so why should we be angry?
What does it mean if golf become a sport that can be played by all citizens and not just a small group of elite? Maybe big problems of the country can be solved – for example, bridging the gap between people.
When everyone can play golf that means no other sport will be associated with any group of people. No matter what kind of sport, all sports are for everyone.
Secondly, we build the character and personality of the people. This is very important especially when we only have five years left before reaching ‘Wawasan 2020’ (Vision 2020).
The vision which was founded by former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, among others challenges us to change the perception and character of the nation.
Yes golf can be slightly expensive to play and not everyone can afford to buy a golf set. How do we encourage everyone to pick up golf? Golf clubs or golf sets should be made available for rent at golf courses and driving ranges.
Besides having to pay for the rent, the green fee for the course should be priced at an affordable rate. This is to ensure the amount paid by golfers is worth their money in par with the facilities provided.
Worst case scenario, driving range is available everywhere and you do not need to pay any fee to use the facilities except for the number of golf balls you rent!
The challenge today is already quite remarkable, how will the challenge be in the future?
That is why developed countries need people with strong personality and character.
Think of it this way, a small golf ball, a golf club and a small hole on a huge course.
How can you put or aim a small golf ball into a small hole that is at a distance of approximately 200 meters away if it wasn’t for your own discipline, focus, calmness and smart decision-making?
This sport needs accuracy. The process is repeated again and again until the 18th hole or at least 9 holes.
If you have examined the environment and make a decision, a golfer must be confident enough and be sure of the decision he/she had made. Sometimes it could be a risky one.
That is life – we must believe in ourselves and be daring enough to take risks, then we can succeed.
Golf is not a competitive sport. Opponents in the game are not the real contender, for the real opponent is yourself. We fight with our own self.
What separates a good golfer with other players is how far a golfer is able to master himself – to make decisions, confident with the decision and execute it right.
Unlike other sports, golf has no referee. Have you ever seen a referee taking control in a golf tournament like football, hockey or basketball?
Golf needs honesty. Golfers must be honest. They cannot cheat. Cheating an opponent means deceiving yourself. If your friends know you are deceiving them, they would not want to play with you again.
In life requires the same thing – to be honest, sincere and trustworthy. Once we cheat, no one will trust us anymore.
That is why golf can mould the character and personality of a person.
Imagine the potential that exists in this country if more people play golf.