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THE GRADUATE: Q&A WITH BEN LEONG Describe your emotions when you finally secured your Asian Tour card? I was relieved. I knew it would be tough as they were a lot of top players in the field. Did you expect to finish on top in your first attempt at Qualifying School? I exceeded my expectations there. Everyone aims to play well but I never imagined that I would finish on top but that result has boosted my confidence ahead of the season. I was very happy to secure my card because the Asian Tour is a tremendous Tour to be playing on now. What are your initial impressions of the Asian Tour? The Asian Tour is a great Tour. The staff members on Tour are fantastic and it's a great place to be. It is one of the fastest growing Tours in the world and has a lot of potential. There are plenty of good players here and the future is very bright for the Tour. Tell us a bit about your golfing background? My father (N.C Leong) introduced me to the game when I was very young and he has been the pillar of support ever since. I then headed to the US on a golf scholarship during my teens. I was at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in United States. Playing golf during my amateur days in the States was very hectic but it was quite an experience. How and why did you start playing golf? Golf has always been fun for me. It's an individual sport. Ever since I picked up the game, I have always been intrigued and have a lot of fun. That kept me going during my younger years and I still have a lot of fun on course even till today. Who has been influential in your career and why? My dad of course. He kept me going right from the start. He knows my game really well and has been very supportive. We get along well on and off the course too which is very important. What are your principles in golf? Never say die. What's the best advice that you've received? Be patient. My dad has been telling me that everyday since the time I went into the academy. What are your hobbies? I love to watch football. My favourite team is Manchester United. They are a great club. Name as your dream fourball? Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and John Daly. What was your first official score? 86. What is your best ever score and worst. Tell us about those. I shot a 62 when I was playing in a friendly match. But my best official score in a tournament is 65 when I competed in collegiate golf event in 2005. If you were not a golfer, what would you have been? Working in a golf club. What's in your golf bag? Titleist driver, Taylormade R7 3w, Taylormade 5w, Titleist irons, wedges and putter. HEAD TO HEAD: MINOZA VS GIBSON How do you warm up? Minoza : I'll start with my 60 degree sand wedge and move up to the nine, seven and five irons, hitting no more than 10 balls each. Then I'll hit a few drivers and then back to the wedge. Then it's off to the putting green. Gibson: It starts in my room where I do about 15 minutes of yoga. I'll eat an hour before teeing off, spend 20 minutes at the range hitting the odd-numbered irons on one day, even numbered the next day. I seldom hit the driver. Then I'll hit some putts and chips. What do you do after completing a round? Minoza : Depending on what time I finish, I'll normally have something to eat and then hit a few balls at the range. Gibson: It depends on the weather. If it's hot, there's a big chance I'll be going home! It takes 45 minutes to get from the hotel to golf course. How do you kill time on the bus? Minoza : Thank goodness I have my ipod . Gibson: I've just got into Sudoku . What's the worst thing that you fear when you're playing? Gibson: The only thing for me is if the clubhead comes off after a shot. After a round of 65, what do you do afterwards? Minoza : Go practice again and stick to my normal routine. Gibson: I'll practice for about 45 minutes. But it's more of an emotional thing as you'll have to forget about the round quickly. How about after a 78? Minoza : If I'd missed the cut, I'll go straight back to the hotel. If I'm still in the event, I'll go to the range and work out the faults. Gibson: You definitely want to forget about that quickly. I always try to stick to my routine no matter what. You have two putts from 10 feet for par to win a tournament. Do you go for glory? Minoza : I'll check the line carefully, take a few deep breaths and concentrate on my tempo. Gibson: I'll try to make the first putt, don't get out of routine as if you do, you could be in trouble. After posting a double bogey, what goes through your mind at the next tee? Minoza : Sometimes, I get really angry which is normal. But I'll be thinking of starting all over again and not carry the anger to the next hole. Gibson: I normally play better. It's like an awakening for me. What do you think off when faced with a five foot downhill putt? Minoza : Normally about the speed. There's water on the right and OB on the left at the 18th hole, 480 yard par four and you're in position for a top-five finish. How will you play the tee shot? Minoza : I'll use the club that I'm comfortable with. If it's the driver that I've used the whole week, I'll use it again. Gibson: I'll be aggressive and swing it a bit harder. I've never had the luxury of hitting a soft driver as I'm quite a short hitter! Will you speak to your playing partners if you're in contention on the back nine on Sunday? Minoza : Yes, if they talk to me, I'll talk to them. Gibson: Yes. When I'm playing well and in contention, I'm extremely relaxed. If you're drawn to play with Tiger Woods, how do you think you'll react? Minoza : Maybe there'll be some pressure … probably a lot of pressure! I always enjoy playing with top players, it always helps me to concentrate better. Gibson: It'll be completely different now compared to eight or nine years ago. I've played with Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino in the past and I know Tiger's caddie quite well which should help if that happens. You're playing in the Pro-Am and one of your amateurs can't get it off the deck. What will you do ? Gibson: Get him to relax. In some cultures, that'll mean a beer! I'll get him to talk about his interests and give him a general tip. My best tip is never grip the club any harder than when you shake a lady's hand. PARNITA GAREWAL - Interview yesterday became the first ever woman in the world to make the cut in a men's pro event. Parnita Garewal, one of India's top ranked amateurs turned professional in year 2006. In only her first season on the women's professional circuit, she took the bold decision to compete in a men's professional event at the Surya Nepal Masters 2007, an event played under the aegis of the Nepal Golf Association and staged at the majestic Gokarna Forest Golf Resort &Spa. With no woman golfer in the world with the exception of Michele Wei of the United States having ever competed on the men's Tour, Parnita's decision ranks among one of the most memorable and historic in world golf. Her making the cut at the Surya Nepal Masters was an even more fantastic achievement considering the field for the tournament boasts of the crème of golfing talent from India and Nepal . . . all men. We had a short interview with the charismatic girl from Chandigarh on her unique golfing achievement in the Himalayan Kingdom. You were one of India's top ranked amateurs. What made you decide to turn pro in 2006? I have always wanted to test myself in the toughest conditions, against the best in the business. When I was an amateur, I aimed at nothing less than making the National team. Once I had done that, I was looking for avenues to better myself. Sometime early on in my career, I had dreamt of turning professional and playing golf for a living. When this opportunity arose through the DLF Indian Women's Golf Tour, I grabbed it with both hands. Then when the opportunity to play a men's event came along, I loved the challenge involved and accepted it gleefully. Playing the women's pro tour is one thing but what made you decide to compete in a men's professional golf event? Sayeed Sanadi of Tiger Sports Marketing asked me around two weeks ago, if I would be interested in playing the Surya Nepal Masters. When I realized it was a men's event, the challenge rally excited me. However, my mother and sister were both very apprehensive and in fact against the idea. They felt there was not way I could match up to male golfers. I too started thinking along those lines, but by then it was too late. I had already confirmed my entry. In hindsight, I am really glad I came. How did you prepare for the event? I hardly had any time to prepare. One week is not sufficient at all, but worked a bit on my swing and fitness. Describe your feelings as you stood on the first tee box at the Gokarna Forest Golf Resort on day one of the Surya Nepal Masters 2007. Boy! That was one moment I will never forget. I was so nervous that my arms turned really stiff on the tenth tee box. I was just hoping and praying that I reached the green. I managed to do pretty well with the ball landing eight feet from the pin. I missed that birdie but the par was equally confidence boosting. What was your initial experience of playing a men's event like? There was and continues to be a lot of pressure. Especially on a golf course like the Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa, one can hardly afford to err considering the thick jungles are waiting to gobble the ball up. Also, the men hit it so fat that they get to the green in two on most cases. For someone like me, I have to lay the ball up regularly and at the Gokarna course the water-bodies and bunkers all come into play I such a case. That I tee off from the men's tee box doesn't really make things easier. You made the cut after day two. How did that feel. Did you ever imaging you would qualify for the money-making rounds when you set off for Nepal? I felt Great . . Great . . Great! Initially I was extremely unsure about how I would do but I certainly turned out really well. Your first pay-cheque in your very first event on the men's professional tour. How do you plan to spend it? I will give it to eighteen year old brother, who will probably buy a play-station with ot or something like that. What are your goals in men's golf now that you have made a successful start? This is a one-off tournament I am playing on the men's Tour. Actually we girls need an opportunity, we need to be invited to compete on the men's Tour and I am sure we will all accept the chance gleefully. I will I know. I must mention here that the course yardage has a lot to do with the result if a woman plays a men's tournament. In a course like the Chandigarh Golf Course, it will be harder for us considering it is a flatter course that plays much much longer than the Gokarna course. So it is very relative. What is your ultimate golfing dream? To hit the ball as long as the men. I would like to beat Tiger Woods one day off the tee box. Jokes apart I would like to become the best woman golfer in the world. INSIDE
THE ROPES WITH SIMON YATES
Yates now shares with asiantour.com
about what's in his golf bag, his favourite city and golf course in Ans : Driver – R5 10, Deuce 3w
Callaway, 3-4 Callaway X 12, pw 3 Cleaveland, Putter Never Compromise Ans : Shan Shui Golf and Country Club. I
won the 1998 Sabah Masters there and the course was in superb condition. Ans : None.
Q : Best ever round on the Asian Tour? Ans : 61 – 2005 Hong Kong Open Ans : Playing with Clay Devers. It is
just fun. Ans : None Ans : My dad, Chris Yates – He thought
me the game at the age of six. I had a field at the back of my house where I
played. I never took up the game seriously though until I was about
15-years-old.
Q : Best player in Ans : Andrew Buckle – He is ranked
well and is on good form. Q : Who is your golfing idol? Ans : None. Ans : Jack Nicklaus, Nick Price Ans : Don’t give up! Ans : Three good looking girls Ans : Divot in fairway – you should be
able to place the ball Ans : Racing car driver Ans : Enjoy it! Ans : I hit some balls in the field at
the back of my house. I did not take up golf seriously until I was 15.
Before 15, my interest was in skiing. In the latest segment of Inside the Ropes, Kumar reveals his self-confidence, his favourite course and the biggest influence in his life. Q : Favourite golf course in Asia? Why? Ans : DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon, India. It's a good facility and is always in good shape. Q : Any superstition, rituals or lucky charms at tournaments? Ans : If you work hard, luck will be with you. Red is also a lucky colour for me. Q : Favourite city in Asia? Ans : New Delhi. Q : Best ever round on the Asian Tour? Ans : 65 at the Myanmar Open last year. Q : Biggest moment in golf? Ans : Whenever I have a chance to play, that's the best moment for me. It's not winning (Note: Ashok has won 11 times on the Indian circuit). It's because I love to play golf. I'm not worried about winning or losing. Q : Favourites past times on Tour and at home? Ans : In my free time, I always like to be at the golf course, talking to my friends or the caddies. The golf course is my second home. Q : Ans : Amit Luthra (the 1982 Asian Games gold medal winner). I caddied for him and I didn't have a golf set those days and couldn't play anywhere. In 1997, he gave me a Callaway golf set. He's like my godfather. Whatever I have achieved today, it's because of Amit. He also spoke to the committee at Delhi Golf Club to obtain permission for me to play on the course. Caddies those days were not allowed to play then. Q : Best player in Asia at the moment? Why? Ans : Me? Q : Who is your golfing idol? Ans : Tiger Woods. Q : Most famous playing partner? Ans : Arjun Atwal Q : Favourite playing partner? Why? Ans : Amit Luthra. He's a good golfer. He's always very positive. Q : Best advice received? Ans : You must always be in control in the mind. It controls everything. Amit told me this. Q : Your dream fourball? Ans : Tiger Woods, Nick Price and Amit Luthra. Q : If there's a rule you can change, which one would it be? Ans : All golf courses must have thick rough. Q : If you were not a golfer, what would you be? Ans : I've got no idea. Q : Best advice to an amateur golfer? Ans : Just believe in yourself. Always think positively. Always give it 100%. Q : How and why did you start playing golf? Ans : I was a caddie. I didn't have an option for anything else and I learned my golf from there. I didn't have any job. My passion was to play golf. Being a caddie, I made money every day and I was interested in the game. AMIT DUBEY, Leading professional on the PGAI tour Q: When and how did you start golf? Q: What has been the highlight of your golfing career? Q: Which is your favourite hindi and english movie? Q: What kind of food do you like best? Q: What is the secret to being a top professional golfer? Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress(hindi and
english)? Q: Who is your idol and why? AMARDIP SINGH MALIK is one of the most promising young pros who has come very close to winning two tournaments in his rookie year itself. Q: When and how did you start golf? Q: What has been the highlight of your golfing career? Q: Which is your favourite Hindi and English movie? Q: What kind of food do you like best? Q: What is the secret to being a top professional golfer? Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress (Hindi and English)? Q: Who is your idol and why? Know Your Favourite Junior Golfers of India. AJEETESH SANDHU • Favourite colour? • Favourite movie? • Favourite Hollywood actress? • What golf magazine do you follow? • What kind of cuisine do you like? • Where do you see yourself in the next 3 years? • When do you plan to turn pro? AMAN JYOT SINGH • Favourite colour? • Favourite movie? • Which golf magazine do you follow? • Favourite Bollywood actor and actress? • Favourite Indian Golfer? • Favourite international golfer? • What do plan to achieve in the next two years? • When do you plan on turning pro? ROMMEL MAJUMDAR • Favourite movie? • Favourite actor and actress? • What are your hobbies? • The best book that you have read? • What do you want to achieve in the next two years? • Favourite dish? VIRRAT BADHWAR • Favourite colour? • Favourite Cartoon? • Favourite movie? • Which golf magazine do you follow? • Favourite Indian Golfer? • Favourite international player? • Favourite Ice-cream? • When do you want to turn pro? • What do you want to achieve in the next two years? FATEHBIR DHALIWAL • Favourite movie? • Favourite actor and actress? • Which golf magazine do you follow? • Your favourite cuisine? • What do you want to do in the next two years? RAHUL BAKSHI • What do you want to achieve in the next two years? • When do you see yourself turning pro? • Favourite golfer? • Favourite actor? • Favourite actress? VIKRANT CHOPRA has been a member of the Indian Amateur team and a leading amateur on the tour, he has recently turned pro and is in his rookie year. Q: When and how did you start golf? Q: What has been the highlight of your golfing career? Q: Which is your favourite Hindi and English movie? Q: What kind of food do you like best? Q: What is the secret to being a top professional golfer? Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress (Hindi and English)? Q: Who is your idol and why? SANDEEP SYAL has had a great start to his pro career with some scorching rounds giving him a few top 5 finishes... Q: When and how did you start golf? Q : What made you turn pro ? Ans : I wanted
to turn pro since i was in school , but the decision came only after college
and I went to q school after I got back from the States. Q: What has been the highlight of your golfing career? Q: Which is your favourite Hindi and English movie? Q: What kind of food do you like best? Q: What is the secret to being a top professional golfer? Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress (Hindi and English)? Q: Who is your idol and why? Q : Expectations for the year ? Ans : Hopefully get my first win and would like to improve my ranking from last year. Q : What are your future plans ? Ans : I would like to get on the US Tour, almost every golfers dream KARAN SINGH: One of the young pros who has had a very successful amateur career. Q: When and how did you start golf? Ans : I started golf at the age odd 10, playing with my father on weekends. Q: What has been the highlight of your golfing career? Ans : Winning the inter-zonal tournament as an amateur and qualifying for the pro circuit. Q: Which is your favourite Hindi and English movie? Ans : Hindi: Vaastav, English: Patriot. Q: What kind of food do you like best? Ans : Indian food. Q: What is the secret to being a top professional golfer? Ans : Perserverence and love of the sport. Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress (Hindi / English)? Ans : Favourite actor: Mel Gibson, favourite actress: Priyanak Chopra. Q: Who is your idol and why? Ans : Jack Nicklaus because he's accomplished it all and lived a balanced life at the same time. BASAD ALI: Winner of over 50 events on the Indian tour, a living legend. Q : When did you turn pro? Ans : I turned pro in the year of 1973. Q : Your carrier titles? Ans : My 1st win was the EASTERN INDIAN OPEN in 1981 after which I won it in the years of 1982, 1983, 1985 and 1987. I won the CHARMINAR OPEN in the years of 1984 and 1985. I was part of the National Team in the years of 1985, 88 and 89. In 1999 I won both the NAVI OPEN and the CYNAMIDE OPEN. Q : How many members do you have in your family? Ans : I have six members in my family myself, my wife, 3 daughters and a son. Q : According to you what are the qualities required to become a good golfer? Ans : I think regular practice, a good swing and intense concentration makes a good golfer. Q : Whom did you have as your sponsor? Ans : I had Williamson as my sponsor. Q : How do you feel winning the Life Time Achievement Award? Ans : It’s a great feeling, I’m really thrilled because all those years of hard work has finally paid off. FEROZ ALI : Indian Open winner and one of the best shot makers on the tour. Q : When did you turn pro? Ans : I turned pro in the year of 1983 at the age of 12. Q : How many members do you have in your family? Ans : I have 2 sons and a wife. Q : Your favourite food? Ans : Chinese. Q : Your favourite actor and actress? Ans : Shahrukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. Q : Your career victories? Ans : My major win was the INDIAN OPEN in the year of 1998 held in Calcutta. But I started my career by winning the WILLS OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP, Bombay and the WARREN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, Calcutta in the years 1987 and 1988 respectively. In 2000 I won the HERO HONDA WESTERN INDIA, Pune. 2001 I won the HT GOLF OPEN and in 2002 I won the HERO HONDA OPEN, Pune and DUTCH BANGLA BANK OPEN, Bangladesh. Q : Who are your sponsors? Ans : My sponsor is Wilson Staff. Q : According to you what makes a good golfer? Ans : I think discipline in ones game is the most important. AMIT KHAITAN: A rookie on the Indian tour. Q : How did you start golf? Ans : My father introduced me to the game. Q : What you made you turn pro? Ans : I realized that I had the potential to compete in the professional field, with all the other pro’s. Q : Expectations for the year? Ans : I would not like to miss a cut and would try and get into all the majors this year. Q : Your future plans? Ans : Right now, just to play on the Indian Tour and then take it from there. Q : Your funniest golf moment? Ans : When I had a hole in one with only my 2nd practice golf ball. RAHIL GANGJEE: Winner on the Asian tour in his rookie year. Q : How did you start golf? Ans : I started golf when I was 8 years old at the Tollygunge Club, Calcutta when the Thai Airways were having a camp and then coach was Alan Singh. Q : What made you turn pro? Ans : Fame and fortune were the driving reason for my turning pro, it was what I dreamt of. Q : Expectations for the year? Ans : I want to finish in the top 60 in the Order Of Merit on the Asian Tour, currently I am placed 105th. Q : What are your future plans? Ans : I want to play on the European Tour first, that’s short term. On the long run I would like to play on the US Tour. Q : What is your funniest golf moment? Ans : Nothing as yet, haven’t encountered any. Q : What is the hi-light of your carrier? Ans : Winning the China Masters. SHANKAR DAS: One of the most promising young pros from the east. Q : When did you turn pro? Ans : I turned pro in the year of 2002. Q : How many members do you have in your family? Ans : My wife, mother and my seven and half month old son. Q : Your favourite actor and actress? Ans : My favourite actor and actress are Sunny Deol and Madhuri Dixit. Q : What are your best finishes till date? Ans : My best finishes are: Q : According to you what are the important qualities required to become a good golfer? Ans : I think to become a good golfer you must have self confidence and you must keep your mind free. YUSUF
ALI , One of the consistent performers on the tour (winner on the Indian tour and is
known to have one of the best short game on the tour). VIJAY DIVECHA, leading coach, INGA teaching staff Q:The world knows you as one of the leading coaches of our country, what are the qualities that are important to be good coach. HYDER
KHAN: winner of over 15 events on the PGAI tour
in the 80s and has been known to have a deady short game and accurate tee
shots S.S.P CHOWRASIA Q: Which has been your best year on tour? Ans : Ironically the last season was my best where I finished 3rd on the order of merit even though I was injured for the first part of the season. Q: Tell us about your family? Ans : I am unmarried and have no plans to get married in the near future…..(laughs) Q: A lot has been written about your injury, tell us the actual story. Ans : It was very strange. I was returning home from a friends place late at night when an auto drove in from the wrong side of the road. I was driving at a pretty high speed but still managed to brake, I did not fall but I did bang into the auto. I felt a bad jerk in my wrists but thought it was nothing serious. When I woke up later than night my right wrist was swollen. I had a fracture and this took me out for over 6 months. I am lucky that I can play again. Q: How do you spend your free time of the course? Ans : I am not a movie going person, I just like to stay home and watch tv, there are times I just go and hang out with friends. I have started going to the gym three times a week too. Q: Future plans? Ans : I want to get on the asian tour next season. Hopefully I will find a sponsor. Q : Who are your sponsors? Ans : At present Cleveland golf is sponsoring my equipment Q: Tell us about your past sponsors Ans : Sarda Plywood were my first sponsors Q: Most memorable victory? Ans : Sir Padampat Singhania Open, Noida this season as it was my first after my injury, I never thought I could win again, this win got all my confidence back. NONITA
LALL QURESHI |