A name synonymous with golf

Woke up to news today of Lexi Thompson's retirement. 

Like most young golf phenoms, Lexi played competive golf from the age of 12 and turned Pro in the year 2010. At 29 years young, she's won 11 times on tour (1 major in 2014) and pointed out in her U.S Women's open presser that professional golf is all she's known. That's an eye opener. 

She's a fan favorite and always makes time for fans. I personally witnessed this during the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia back in 2015. Like many other spectators, I was waiting outside the scoring tent for players to drop by the autograph zone. At the time, I spotted Lexi who had just submitted her score card and let's just say you could tell she didn't have a good round. 

Nevertheless, she came over with a big smile, interacted with the fans and obliged everyone who waited for an autograph and photograph. 

It's no surprise she such a good ambassador for women's golf. Like her golf, I am sure she will excel in the next chapter of her life and wish her nothing but the best! Hoping she caps off her last season with a bang. 

Happy New Year!

In true procrastinating manner here's a rare post! The end of 2023 was fascinating to say the least. Covid struck unexpectedly and I spent close to two weeks isolating and recovering. Just in time to play one last round for 2023 on new year eve-eve. Felt some post covid fatigue towards the end of the round but still managed a respectable score. 

Looking back, I was quite pleased to achieve a better short game overall in 2023 (there was that one bunker shot that derailed my otherwise nice looking score card. Took 3 shots to escape a silly fairway bunker). Chipping has become more consistent and I finally feel like I own my chipping as opposed to the chip and hope approach before.  

The dreaded overswing and early extension is still present in the golf swing and this continues to cause inconsistent shots. I am hoping to groove these out sometime in the new year. 

Hope everyone is having a blessed start to 2024. 

What's in the bag 2023

Time for a post this cloudish Friday afternoon.

You might have noticed from the side bar that I have made whole sale changes to my bag this year. Starting up with the Big Dog. I have been a fan of Ping drivers over the last couple of years. Starting with the G400, the G410 and then the G425. 

While the performance of the G425 was pleasing, I was somewhat let down by the 'dullish' sound off the face which lacked the nice metallic sound of a ball well smacked. I bade farewell to the Ping and got myself a Cobra LTDx. 

The LTDx looked really good and resembled the younger, flashier brother if you would of the Ping G425. I was hitting it well, but the relationship was over when Ping launched the G430.  

Let's just say, the let down of the G425 was quickly forgotten. This was the Ping feel and sound that I recalled from the days of the good'ol G410. Paired with my trusty Fujikura Speeder Evo3 shaft, I was getting good distance and forgiveness. Don't think I will be changing out the big stick for a while.

No changes in the FW and Hybrid department. My Titleist Tsi2 3w (also with a Speeder Evo3 shaft) is still fantastic off the tee (sometimes outdriving my driver). While my XXIO hybrid is still reliable. I did change the shaft though. The stock (stiff) shaft was a tad too flimsy. 

Perhaps the biggest change were the irons. I don't think of myself as a JDM fan but these EPON Af-306 irons are a game changer. 

I have tried EPON irons in the past and while they were nice to hit, didn't justify the hefty price tag in my book. I was hitting the Titleist 718TMB irons pretty well but was searching for that extra forgiveness. The Af-306 provided just that. 

Matched with the OTI-95(s) shafts, I was hitting them with ease with a nice ball flight. Sound hits felt buttery and were rewarding. Sure the occasional shit shots creep in, but overall I am hitting them consistently better than the 718TMB. Haven't sold them yet though. The EPONS didn't come cheap but it came 4 - PW and so far, worth every cent spent. 

Wedges. The last two sets of wedges I had were from Srixon. The RTX4 and then the ZIPCORE. The Latter were sexy. Loved the clean and sleek look and they performed really well too. The grooves were getting worn and it was time for a replacement. My choices were narrowed down to the ZIPCORE 6 or the pricier SM9. Titleist make lovely wedges that come with an even 'lovelier' price tag. I played the SM4s and the SM6 before switching over to Srixon. Bit the bullet and switched over to the SM9. All I can say is, no regrets. 

What can I say about the putter. Won't be changing my beloved Evnroll Er5b until it becomes unusable. Starting to show wear and tear, but just look at it! I mean 😍😍

Also switched from my PXG cart bag to a flashier, less bulky J.Lindeberg stand bag. Cart bags are a thing of the past. Way too big and heavy for the modern day golfer. Only thing I do miss are the individual dividers, but that's not a deal breaker for me anymore. 

And that's WITB for 2023. 

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? 

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. 

World Handicap System

https://www.golfchannel.com/news/what-you-need-know-about-new-world-handicap-system

Am I the only one confused about this new world handicap system...?

Matchplay time

It's Matchplay Time!

The KGS-Obyu inter - team matchplay tournament started two weeks ago and Team TOC (Tee Off Club) were in the fray. Yours truly made the line up during our first scheduled match up against the formidable team HKH (due to a scheduling conflict, a few of our first team players were unavailable) and I was raring to go.  

Took the field in the final four ball grouping and sad to say we were beaten rather comprehensively (5 up I think it was). 

There were a couple of missed opportunities for us. As a pair, our putting just wasn't as sharp that morning (I missed a 3 foot birdie putt to win the hole .. gah) but our opponents were the better team on the day, so kudos to team HKH. 

Plenty of golf left to be played, so it's time to regroup and come back stronger this weekend. 

Happy New Year!

Fore! 

And just like that, we said farewell to 2019 and welcomed 2020. 

It's been raining cats and dogs since Christmas, so the golf courses here have been inundated with water. Last Saturday, the course at Samarahan (though playable) was wet and soggy in several parts. The weather forecast looks bleak tomorrow, but hopefully we will get some good weather to kick off the 2020 golf calendar. 

But it's not all bad news. Titleist ran a sweepstakes on Instagram in December, offering a Team Titleist Cap and a choice of a dozen Pro V1/V1x balls to two lucky winners.

 

All you had to do was tag a friend and post your choice of balls and guess what? I was one of the lucky two! Yeahhoooo! 

Thank you Titleist! Good start to 2020 I have to say. 

Christmas Medal - Brain farting

Joined the Christmas Medal tournament over the weekend at Samarahan Country Club and there was a very good turn out with over 100 golfers participating in the last tournament of the year.

Pimp my ride?

I am currently playing off a 14 handicap (still don't know how it's dropped that low. For my game that is) and it's been a challenge playing to it. That said, the game felt pretty good leading up to Saturday so I was raring to go. 

Alas, it was not to be (surprise surprise!) 

It was a rough start from the get go. Starting off on the precarious 10th hole, I managed to put two balls into the hazard to card an ugly massively deflating "8". From there, it was all about damage control.  

My very colourful scorecard. *sigh.

On a positive note, I managed 2 birdies (including a sandy birdie on the 16th) and left a couple of pars on the course. Considering the horrid start, I guess coming back +1 wasn't too bad... 

What pisses me off about the round is that I haven't had problems with the 10th hole over the last few rounds.  Plus, bad drives off the tee basically led to implosions on holes 7, 10 and 13. "If only". Well, that's classic brain farting for you. 

But it wasn't all bad. My three flight mates all went back with a prize. Not to mention, our 13 year old (1 handicapper) snagging top honours with a gross score of 72! talk about talent. 

On that note, we will be welcoming the new year in just over a week. Time really flies and as I mentioned in the last post, 2019 has been a fantastic golfing year. 

From (L-R) : Justin Thomas signed CIMB flag, Rory McIlroy signed 2014 Open flag, TW signed Masters flag (GOAT) and my HIO ball. 

Didn't go for any golf trips outside of Malaysia this year though. So that's probably something I want to pick up again in 2020. Would love to golf in Chiang Mai or any other place in Thailand for that matter. 

Until the next post, always remember to fix your balls marks, speed up play and I wish you the best in 2020! 

The Hole-In-One

The odds of an amateur golfer ("hacker") making a hole in one is 12,500 : 1

I have been playing golf as a serious hobby for some years now (since 2012) and it has always been a dream to hit that coveted shot.  

That day finally came on 3rd August 2019, during the Pusaka Golf Tournament at Kelab Golf Sarawak. 

It was a shot-gun start that Saturday morning and our flight teed off  on the par 3, 17th hole of the Demak Nine. There was a Proton Saga up for grabs for an ACE and I didn't even find the green. So it wasn't quite the electric start I was looking for.  

We prodded along and the swing had warmed up so I was starting to hit solid iron shots. Eventually we arrived at the par 3, 6th hole of the Siol Nine. A fairly long-ish hole that played 165m from the blue tees with some water on the right, just before the green.

It was a yellow flag setup (middle) and I decided on my 6 iron. A solid strike would get me on the green comfortably. "LFG!" 

Walked up to the tee, did my pre-shot routine and aimed at the flag. Exhaled and it was off to the races. I struck the ball and immediately knew I hit a beauty. Off the screws and on a seemingly good line. 

I hold my finish as I watch the ball sail through the air magnificently. Where's Top tracer when you need it. 

The ball lands before the pin ("Hmm not bad, close." I think to myself) and starts rolling towards the hole. "Surely not." I continue starring. A few seconds later, my ball disappears. Time stops and I-am-stunned. My flight mates erupt in cheer and rush to hug me. I am in sheer disbelief. 

I quickly look to the spotter standing by the right side of the green and he's waving his hands in the air and as he starts walking towards the hole, I screammmmm! my hands raised, goosebumps all over. I could not believe it. 

Needless to say the ride to the green was a noisy one and that walk up the green was surreal. Still couldn't believe it when I saw the ball at the bottom of the cup. Golfer's Euphoria.

Like the other par 3s, this one came with a pretty nice prize. So it was doubly sweet. 

I was still on a such a massive high when we left the green. To be honest, I didn't give a crap how I was going to play the remaining holes but as it turned out, I played pretty good (an 83 / - 8) and ended up in second place in the gross category. 

An Ace, a prize for the Ace and a TV. Talk about a triple celebration. 

What an incredible day and what about the ball? Well if you know me, I had it framed up with the score card and it's hanging nicely in my office now. 

A hole in one and getting to meet Tiger Woods. Suffice to say, 2019 has been an awesome golfing year and I can now die in peace. 

Until the next post, here's hoping you get an Ace too. 

The day I met Tiger

I know. It's been more than two years since my last post. Plenty has happened since then (I finally made a hole in one in August), but for now I am posting this to preserve my account of what is still, a surreal day.

About two weeks ago, I made a trip to Tokyo, Japan for a much needed break and the plan was to squeeze in two days at the Zozo Championship, Japan's first ever PGA tour event played at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba. 

So I ended up buying tickets for the practice round on 22nd October and day 1 of the tournament on 24th October. 

The weather on Tuesday wasn't great. It was raining, wet and cold. Plus it was really crowded.

Have to hand it to the Japanese fans. In spite of the weather, they turned up in droves on a Tuesday morning.

Speaking of crowds, it was totally packed inside the merchandise tent. People were grabbing stuff like it was free and the queue.. oh the snaking never ending queue. 

Managed to grab some souvenirs but was very peeved that the pin flags were sold out by 10am... was very unimpressed. 

It wasn't all gloom though as I managed to catch Charles Howell III who kindly signed a photo of him and me during a rain delay at the CIMB Classic in 2017. Such a nice guy. 

"Thanks for your help!" talk about personalized

We left in the afternoon and as luck would have it, my friend asked if I would be interested to head to the course during the pro-am the next day. Does a bear shit in the woods!? Needless to say I jumped at the opportunity. 

I woke up really early on Wednesday morning and reached the Harajuku JR station shortly before 6.00am. Then it was a journey to the Keisei Narita station, nearly two hours away. 

The day was chilly at first (14 degrees as I recall) but along the way, the sun was making an appearance and it was turning out to be a 'perfect weather kind of day'. 

Then it was a short taxi ride to my next destination. Fast forward to 8.30am and who do I bump into? Mark Steinberg. I mean what's the big deal right? he's only like Tiger's super agent. 

After that it was off to the golf course. I should mention that my friend got me an all access pass, which would explain why I was able to enter the course during the pro-am. Pro - am days are usually closed to the public so there are much less people on the course. You couldn't buy the pass even if you wanted to. I mean, you probably could but it would cost you both arms and a leg.

Beats a golden ticket any day

Did I mention the weather was fantastic?

Stark contrast from the wet and gloomy day during Tuesday's practice round. A number of players were out on the course playing the pro-am as was a certain Mr. McIlroy. 

That in itself was very cool, but I was looking for Tiger's flight and after making a few inquiries, I chanced upon the tee times meant for the media and I tracked them down. Making my way through the course, I eventually spotted the flight walking up the 17th hole. 

I had only ever seen Tiger in action on screen prior to this moment, so it was starting to get surreal.

There he was, Tiger Woods, the comeback king, the pro on the precipice of tying Sam Snead's record of 82 PGA tour wins, the G-O-A-T. 

I had with me the Masters 2019 pin flag and was hoping to get Tiger's autograph. So there I was by the 17th green, flag in hand, ready.

As he was walking to the 18th tee, I called out asking if he would sign my flag. 

"After we're done. Promise" He says, gesturing towards the 18th hole. My first interaction with Tiger.  

I was a little disheartened but it would take more than that to discourage me. So, I followed his group for the rest of the round and after he finished on the 18th, officials whisked him away to one of the VIP tents. Tiger's autograph was proving elusive. 

But I did meet Joe, his caddie and told him it was awesome to meet him.

Asked for a wefie of course but pardon my unflattering look. 

Undeterred, I waited along with a bunch of others at what appeared to be the exit of the VIP tent. But somehow, I was convinced Tiger wouldn't be there. 

I will spare the details and cut to the chase. Eventually I ended up at the driving range, where Joe was with Tiger's bag. I mean if Joe was there, certainly Tiger would eventually come. 

A couple of players (including Jordan Spieth) were hitting balls at the somewhat empty range. I was hanging about near the grand stand when Joe spotted me. I guess he must have remembered me asking for a wefie a while ago, cause he waved (which was pretty cool) and I decided to approach.

"Hey Joe, is Tiger coming to the range by any chance?" I ask in hope.

"Yea, he's coming. Just wait a couple of minutes. He will be here." he says with a smile.

I thank him and retreat. 

So there I was on the range, excited and in anticipation. 

"This is it.", I thought to myself. I kill time by watching the action on the range, but found myself constantly looking the other direction, checking to see if Tiger was coming. 

That's Joe (in maroon) in the background and me trying to keep it together. Notice the TW cap?

Some 10 minutes go by and I eventually catch a glimpse of a buggy coming from a distance. I look closer. It's Tiger! 

I scamper to the path leading to the range and wait for the buggy to come through. A short moment later, the buggy stops to drop him off and Tiger sees me as he alights. This was my fanboy moment. What do I say??

"Hi Tiger." I greeted, heart beat racing. 

"Hi there." he responds casually.

"I am sorry to bother you, but can I please have your autograph?" I ask with the masters flag and black sharpie in my shaking hands. 

"Sure thing." he replies.

I hold the flag out as he nears. I am almost in a daze. 

"No problem, I have got it." Tiger says as he reaches for the flag and sharpie in my hands. "I am a huge fan." I manage to say. 

I couldn't believe it. I was talking to Tiger and he was going to sign my flag. Somehow, I managed to remember "Photo! Wefie!" and even had time to figure out where the sun was. 

We were both walking towards Joe at that point and I quickly moved to the other side when Tiger hands me back the flag. "Here you go." he says.

"Thank you Tiger. Can I also trouble you for a quick photo?" I was conscious of the time.

"Sure thing." He replies and we both stop. 

"Thank you so much Tiger. I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome." He says, as he continues to walk. 

"I flew to Japan just to watch you play. All the best." I add. He turns around and I give him a thumbs up.

"Thanks for the support." He replied with a smile and walked on. 

O.M.G

Imagine if you will that there were no cameras, no minders, no officials or other fans. In that short time, I was alone with the greatest golfer of my generation, got his autograph and snapped a wefie with him. The whole exchange was probably just a minute or two but never in my life did I think I would have the chance to meet him.

I was still processing what had just happened and was gazing at his signature on the masters flag, when a japanese couple who were passing by, gestured at it and said "すごい" (sugoi) which means, great. They weren't wrong. 

The rest as they say, was gravy. I carefully kept the flag away in my bag and then spent the next 20 minutes watching Tiger, hitting balls, up close. Say What!?    

I was basically just 8-10 feet away.

I know what you're thinking. 

Eventually he made his way to the practice green and I too, left the range.

As the sun was setting, I eventually made my way back to Tokyo and we concluded the night with a delicious kaiten sushi meal in Shinjuku. 

So satisfied was I that I decided to skip day 1 on Thursday. Truth be told, I wasn't quite keen to squeeze with the thousands of other spectators. (Some 17 thousand spectators attended on day 1 and 20 thousand people on Sunday - Yikes!) 

Plus, as it turned out, the wait for the shuttle bus from the nearest train station to the course was a crazy 50 minutes... (started out at 20 minutes). I applaud the Japanese golf fans. They are seriously passionate.

So while I wasn't there to see Tiger claim his 82nd win, I got to meet the GOAT in person and that will remain a highlight for the rest of my golfing life. 

Thank you Tiger!