Happy New Year!

It's time again for my once a year new year post!

Plenty happened in 2022. Notably, the world came to grips with Covid-19 and closer to home, we saw a monumental change in the ruling (unity) government. 

On the health side of things, I am very glad to report that I have achieved my goal of becoming healthier. To be honest, I didn't exactly get to work right after my last post on 3.1.2022. By the first quarter of 2022, I weighed a hefty 90.9kg. I was feeling sluggish, unfit and had a big belly to boot. 

Shit got real round about July 2022, when I finally mustered the courage to have another blood test. You see I hate needles and wasn't keen to see my results which would explain the delay. Anyways, as expected the numbers weren't great. Cholesterol, Uric Acid and Sugar levels had exceeded the normal accepted range and I was feeling rather pissed at myself. During my consultation, the doctor (bless her) gave me a much needed kick in the behind. 

"Your numbers aren't great and if you continue on like this, I will probably have to prescribe you some medication for your cholesterol to prevent early onset of heart disease. But the good news is, it is still reversible."   

With that, I gave myself a 6-month target to get into shape and embarked on this health reset journey. 

I started to exercise more frequently (30-40 minutes on the treadmill, 5 - 6 days a week - with a round of golf on the weekend) and made wholesale changes to my diet and took control of what I was putting into my body. Cutting out a lot of sugar (think soft drinks, sweet drinks, processed foods), eating healthier and cultivating better food habits (hardly any supper and eating lesser portions than I would usually gorge). This wasn't a race but a steady marathon and I was seeing progress gradually. 

By the first week of December 2022, I reached my desired weight of 79kg (that's a loss of almost 12kg). The belly had flattened significantly, I had better stamina and I felt fitter than I had been in years. I mean, I was playing better golf too as a result! 

All that was left was to take another blood test and I was anxious. I knew there had to be some improvement but was cautious to manage my expectations. So imagine my delight when I saw all worrying stats drop! Total cholesterol had dropped to normal range (some work left to do to bring down LDL and Triglycerides further), sugar was back to normal as was my uric acid level. Even the Doctor was surprised and suitably impressed with my efforts, might I add and said what every patient wants to hear "Keep up the good work." 

The only downside to this is that a lot of my clothing no longer fit properly 😂 but I suppose that's a good problem to have. The journey continues though and now that I have hit my desired weight, my plan now is to tone and shape up the body with some weight training. Nothing serious or too muscly. 

I have had a number of friends compliment my trimmer look and if anything I feel way better about myself and health in general. Some have also asked how I did it, so I will share that in the next post. 

Till then, here's wishing everyone a healthy and safe 2023!

 

Another year goes by

Makes me laugh seeing the last post, this time last year. Talk about procrastination. I will admit, the blogging juices haven't exactly been running. Covid is still here (to stay?) but fortunately, 2021 showed some semblance of normal and glimpses of a better 2022. Never one to make lofty new year resolutions. I try to keep it simple. This year will be an extension of the last. To continue eating healthier and do more exercise. Cholestrol level is on the higher side so a concerted effort, exercise wise is required. Looking forward to a good year and I hope you're doing well and are safe. Till the next post.

Happy new year and a bone to pick.

 And just like that we said farewell to 2020. 

While most of us are glad to send off 2020, I am just thankful to make it through safe and sound. The Pandemic is still taking numbers and Malaysia in particular has had a big spike in recent weeks. 

If you happen to be one of those who flaunt SOPs and don't think the pandemic is a big deal, YOU are one of the problems and best stay away from everyone else. This isn't a joke and we all have a part to play in this war against this infectious disease. 

This isn't the time to slack or be complacent, so remember to be alert at all times and take all necessary safety precautions. 

Stay safe everyone.

Back to #1

What a season it's been so far for Justin Thomas. 3rd win of the season, his second WGC title and a triumphant return to the world number 1 spot. 

 Photo from Golf Monthly UK

JT's built up quite a resume ever since he earned his PGA Tour Card for the 2015 season (multiple wins, a major win, Fed Ex cup win, world no.1) and he's only 27 years young!

I was a volunteer during the CIMB Classic in 2015 and I have to admit, I didn't know much about JT prior. He quickly became the topic of the week though, after carding a sublime course record 61 in the second round. This young man was talented but it wasn't until the final round that the golfing world would witness his grit and maturity after disaster struck on the 14th hole. 

That Sunday, I was in charge of holes 2 and 13. The 14th tee is a couple of steps away from the 2nd tee, so I was able to watch some of the action when JT's group arrived. Measuring 358 yards, the 14th is a shortish par-4 (even drive-able when the officials push up the tee box). 

View from the 14th green

Unfortunately JT found the water with his second shot. A double bogey and he was suddenly 2 shots behind the lead. Adam Scott was playing so well in the group ahead and it was looking like a lost cause. 

I didn't get to watch the final stretch, but what happened next was nothing short of incredible and nail biting. 2 behind, JT fired back with 3 consecutive birdies to take back the lead and would par the 18th to win by 1 stroke for his first PGA tour victory. Re-live the action here. 

 

Caught up with JT after his victory. Been a fan ever since. 

JT would successfully defend in 2016, sparking off a remarkable season. How's this? that season, JT won 5 times. 4 PGA titles (carding a 59 at the Sony Open), the PGA Championship and became the Fed-Ex cup champion. How's that for super impressive. 

Apart from his prodigious talent on the course, I appreciate the way he carries himself. He's great with the fans (always obliged my requests for an autograph and photo over the years) and his regular interactions with his younger audience and charity works are certainly praise worthy. 

JT smashing down a drive in 2017

Would catch JT in action again in the next two editions of the CIMB Classic but sadly, the curtain came down in 2018 and the tournament was replaced with the ZOZO Championship in Japan. I am not privy to the organizing of the tournament, but it's a shame Malaysia isn't hosting a full fledged PGA tour event anymore. But that's a topic for another day. 

It's great seeing JT back at the number 1 spot and he's a firm favorite this week at the PGA Championship. Let's go JT!! 

 

A year older a year wiser?

It's not everyday you get to ride in a personalized pimped up golf buggy. 

The fine work of my mates (bless them) and they even surprised me with a cake. 

The golf wasn't too bad either, so it was a really good day. The older I get, the fact that happiness comes from a simple life becomes more apparent. Good health, loving family, great friends and some time to chase a little white ball into a hole. Can't ask for more really. (Well, maybe find more fairways and greens in regulations perhaps)

In other news, it looks like golfers can now twin-share buggies, albeit with a facemask during play. I have been wearing a facemask each time I tee it up but notice that several don't. Have you been wearing a facemask to play? 

Back at it!

Finally returned to the course after 86 days. To be honest, I didn't feel an extreme urge to tee it up during the MCO / CMCO. But gosh, did it feel good to be golfing again. 

Couldn't have asked for better weather and the course was in good shape. Glad my first tee shot found the fairway but it was such a comedic / appalling round. Clearly the rust had set it and I did my part, contributing 8 balls to the course. 

Getting used to the new SOP but still, it was great fun. Looking forward to the weekend!   

The new normal

The last few months have been anything but normal.

When the Control Movement Order was announced on 16th March 2020, Malaysians in every part of the country were left rather somewhat clueless. The Covid-19 Pandemic was spreading at a dangerous rate and we were headed into unprecedented and unknown times.  

It's been an odd time to say the least but fast forward two months later and we now find ourselves adapting and adjusting to the new normal. Wearing a face mask before going out is now automatic and washing your hands (or sanitizing) has become routine.

On the golf front, golfers too have started returning to the course (from 12th May 2020) albeit with new conditions and regulations. That said, I have self imposed a break from golf until the condition movement control order expires on 9th June (or longer if it is extended). 

I envy my mates who have started teeing it up but I tell myself "there's plenty of time in the future for golf". Perhaps I am in denial, but I guess there's no harm in playing it safe for now. 

In other news, the PGA restarts the season in a few weeks at the Charles Schwab Challenge. All top 5 players in the OGWR (Rory, Jon Rahm, BK, JT and DJ) have committed to play so it promises to be a deep field. Haven't read about fan policy but it's definitely something new. I guess if I am not playing, it will be nice to watch some golf on the telly. 

Stay safe everyone.