My week with the Pros

During the recent PGM MNRB Sarawak Championship held at the KGS, I was lucky enough to hang out with 2 pros from the Asian Development Tour. I owe my mate, Chris a big thank you for making it all happen.

I met Chris during the 2014 CIMB Classic. He was working with the PGA during the tournament and was taking care of the players and caddies behind the ropes and was stationed outside the scoring centre at the time. 

There I was, waiting to meet the pros and score some autographs and he must have thought I was crazy at first waiting under the hot sun, but he was really friendly and we had a good chat over the few days and the rest as they say is history. 

Chris currently caddies for ADT Pro Nick Pugh and is a social media consultant when he's off the golf course. Which brings me back to the PGM MNRB.

Catching up with Chris earlier this year during the Maybank Open.

Earlier this year we caught up during the Maybank Malaysian Open (above) and Chris mentioned that he would be heading over to Kuching with Nick for the PGM event. Needless to say I was looking forward to hanging out with Chris again and getting to meet Nick (who I have followed on social media).

So the guys arrived the Sunday before the tournament and I met up with them at the KGS driving range after their practice round on Monday.

Nick getting in some range time

Nick was such a nice guy. Really friendly and approachable right from our first handshake. He was humble too and had a great sense of humour. Oh, and it was very cool being able to watch Nick practice up close.  

As it turned out, Nick and Chris were staying with another ADT pro, American golfer, Greg Moss. So that Monday evening, I was taking the boys out to dinner and got Chris to invite Greg along and that's how I met Greg and ended up hanging out with 2 pros!

Now when it came to food, these guys were great! They loved the local fare (except Chris, but he tried haha) 

Brought the guys for some seafood at No.25, Top Spot which was a great choice. Quality food with plenty of laughter. 

With Nick's 'gentleman' ball. Moustache was faded after day 1.

Unfortunately, Nick didn't make the cut after round 2 and both Chris and him left that Thursday night, not before we had another dinner together. This time at the Carvery where I would witness Greg's eating prowess! Unknown to me, Greg use to be a competitive eater back in the states.

But before leaving, Chris and Nick left me with some very nice gifts. A box of brand new Taylormade Tour Preferred X balls (which I had won from Nick's sponsor, Hole in one golf's facebook contest) a Taylormade cap and a player's towel from Nick. Be sure to check out their facebook page and stand a chance to win great prizes!

Thanks Nick, Chris and Hole in One Golf!

How sweet is that?

Greg had made the cut and was going to be playing the weekend rounds so we got to hang out more. More food and Good times!

Awesome Pork Knuckle at Pinoy Ihaw Ihaw. One of 5 dishes we had. 

I should also mention that Greg is currently 4th on the Order of Merit, thanks to a tied-second place finish in Chinese Taipei two months ago (which included a stunning second round score of 62!)

Day 4 took place on a Saturday, so it gave me a chance to watch more of the action. Needless to say I was following Greg's flight and did I mention the guy (who plays lefty) can hit it milessssss? Seeing it on the telly is one thing, but seeing it up close live? completely different story altogether. I play on the Matang - Santubong 18 from time to time and my word, he was driving it (from the tips mind you) to spots where I had never imagined were possible. As they say, these guys are good.

Apart from watching the action up close, it was the level of interaction and the small things during the round that really stood out for me. In between shots, we would chat and I would give him a fist bump after a good putt for instance. May seem trivial to some, but if you are a golf fan like me, you know stuff like this don't happen everyday so it's pretty cool.

Greg eventually completed his 4th round with a nice 71 to finish 38th on the leader board.

After the round, it was time for a lunch of roast pork at the BBQ specialist before Greg's flight to KL.  

Dropping off Greg at the airport. All the best mate!

I was a little hesitant at first but Greg was very obliging when I asked for an autograph for my growing collection. You are a legend mate!

Time flew by rather quickly that week and I was a little bummed that the PGM MNRB was all over. 

But as they say all good things come to an end and it was fantastic getting to hang out with my mate Chris and two new friends, top blokes in Nick and Greg. Catch you guys again soon!

With the Gawai break coming, it's time for the Kakigolf crew to embark on our annual golfing excursion. This year, we visit Bandung, Indonesia! 

Flight leaves at 7.15am so I really should be catching some shut eye. Super excited. Hope you guys and gals have a good break! Happy Gawai to those celebrating and stay safe!