Caught an eagle (my first!)

So I finally made an eagle over the long weekend.

For the uninitiated, an 'eagle' in golf means a score of (-2)  on each hole. Meaning you sink your ball in 2 strokes on a par 4 and 3 strokes on a par 5. An eagle on a par 4 is much rarer than an eagle on a par 5. Depending on the length of a par 5, long hitters (or pros in general) make it a habit of getting on the green in two strokes, which leaves them with a putt for an eagle. But I digress!

We teed up at the Samarahan Country Club on Saturday (3.06.23) and while the course was slightly wet, we were blessed with lovely weather throughout. Hole 12 is a par 4 measuring some 330m from the blue tees. Not a very long hole but the sloping green provides a good challenge. That said, put yourself in the fairway with a decent drive and you will have a good chance of scoring.

I tend to play a draw or miss with a hook off the tee, so aiming to the right side suits my eye at the 12th. Hit a pretty decent tee shot and was left with about 115m to the front pin. Contemplated hitting my approach wedge for my second but my playing partner, Aaron suggested I hit an easy PW instead. Thankfully I followed his suggestion! 

Hit a lovely shot and while I couldn't see where the ball landed, I figured it would be close. It was only after we heard our friend shout out loud ahead did I realize just how 'close' it was.   

Judging from the pitch mark, it landed just short of the pin and rolled about 2 meters into the cup. Hurray!!

No $$ reward for the achievement but I will get a certificate from the Club and my name on the Eagles achiever board. While a hole in one is the most coveted shot in golf, I would argue that an eagle on a par 4 is harder to achieve. For starters, you get to tee it up nicely on a par 3, whereas you are left with all sorts of possible lies on a par 4. Again I digress. 

Anyways, my collection is now almost complete. Managed a hole in one in 2019  and now have an eagle to add to the collection. Will probably never get an albatross (2 strokes on a par 5) so I am very, very content. As usual, I have sent the ball and score card to my reliable frame maker for another memorabilia. Just need to find a space on my almost full wall.   

Sustaining a weight loss / health plan.

If I had to to narrow it down, it would be these four things.

1.    Surround yourself with positive support

This is a big deal. You need to be around people who understand and support your efforts. Hanging out with people who tell you "haiya, won't kill you one la" as they hand you that can of coke for instance, will derail you and throw you off course. Positive vibes and energy will get you through tough times. 

2.    Discipline

Make a concerted effort to list down what you need to change and keep at it. To quote Kevin Kisner "This ain't no hobby fellas". Damn straight! It's not easy by any stretch and there will be days when you want to 'give up' or postpone your plan, which is why (1) is also very important. 

3.    There is no short-cut

This ties in with number 2. There really is no short cut. Don't hype yourself thinking you are going to lose 10kg in 1-2 months. It is unlikely and will end in frustration. Consistency is the name of the game and setting achievable targets is crucial. I.e. lose 1 - 2kg a month, exercise for half an hour at least 5 days a week. 

4.    Exercise and eating better

Exercise and diet go hand in hand. 

Now when it comes to exercise, do what's comfortable for you and as long as you exercise and work up a sweat, you won't go wrong. I knew I couldn't sustain a heavy intense gym kind of workout long term, so I did my exercise on the treadmill (30-45mins sessions, 5-6 times a week) and gradually progressed from walking > brisk walking > to jogging. Sure I golfed on the weekend but with the golf buggy, I wouldn't exactly call it vigorous exercise.

Now when it came to food, I spent some time to really identify what I needed to cut out from my diet and what I could tweak and add to make it viable long term. I was pretty liberal with what I drank or ate previously and while I wouldn't call it reckless, I was eating a lot of food portion wise. 

There are some who go on an extreme change and incorporate a "healthy" food diet, cutting out various elements completely from their diet. It may work for some but it really isn't for everyone.  So what I did was cut out the unhealthy stuff (soft drinks), rarely ate processed foods, ate healthier (more veg, natural foods, ate more home cooked food) and controlled my food portions. 

Controlling my food portions was somewhat a mental exercise. By controlling, I don't mean skipping meals. I was eating less-er and conditioning my mind to accept that I wouldn't die of starvation if I only ate 'this much food'. I am not kidding when I say I was a big eater. For example, lunch for me would be a serving of char kueh tiaw, topped with a fried egg and a side of 6 dumplings or nasi biryani with a side of roti telur or a Mcd large value set with an extra order of nuggets. You get the idea. 

Everyone is different. As long as you cut out or eat less of the unhealthy stuff, tweak around with your diet and see what's best for you. By all means, have a cheat day once a week, eat that piece of fried chicken (home-cooked) but remember that balance and moderation are key. 

I am no health guru, but the above really helped me to reach my health goals and maybe it will help you too. 

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?