INQUIRER – I have started my formal golf training at the age of 5 and have become a junior squad member of the Hong Kong Golf Association since 9. I love playing golf because I feel it so satisfying when I can hit the ball far and straight. Not only is it a game, but golf also teaches me the skills necessary to hit a good shot. Golf involves many other things apart from skill, including physical strength, emotional skills, honesty, independence, self-motivation, and interpersonal skills as well. Every shot of every hole or every round is different. I am curious to learn more about the history of golf, as there are many interesting stories I haven’t heard of yet.
PRINCIPLED –The saying “Golf is a gentleman’s game”, shows that if you have done something wrong, you must be honest and tell the referee about your mistake. There may not be a referee, so it is possible that one could cheat in a tournament. Golf has made me understand that honesty is a very important principle. Others respect honest people even if they make a mistake, but cheaters and liars will be forever looked at with suspicion. Some people think winning a competition means the most and they feel the urge to cheat, but for me, I believe if the win was not genuine, it does not even count.
RISK-TAKERS – Golf can be a game full of uncertainties and this is where the fun is. In golf, as in life, there are times when we are not doing well, but as with life, there is always room to improve. In Golf, another thing is that when there are many obstacles in front of you, and being a risk-taker, you have to make the decision of whether to go for the pin or not. The outcomes always either end up really good and you’re close to the pin, or you leave yourself in a situation that may make you lose the tournament. So that’s how this sport has taught me to have the courage and stay positive whenever I face obstacles and setbacks. Try to search for the cause, rethink the strategy, and take a different approach in order to play better next time.
OPEN-MINDED – Golf is a sport open to all players of different levels or “handicaps”. Whether you are relatively strong at long game or short game, there is always more than one approach to hit the ball into the hole. Golf teaches me that we should always stay open-minded, able to adjust ourselves to options when we approach different situations. Again, this can relate to being a risk-taker. Whether going for the pin or being safe and laying up before the penalty area.
MINDFUL – Golf is a game of ups and downs. Like life, it has its ups and its downs. Golf has trained me to stay calm, accept failures and learn from the mistakes. Being always prepared so when the opportunity comes, I can be ready to advance to the next level. But also when I am up against people who are not as experienced and is relatively new to golf, I have to learn to be mindful and be patient with them, so they can gain experience for the next time.
INNOVATIVE – My coach has taught me the necessary skills to tackle various kinds of shots while I am on course. However, there are still times where I could be facing a new situation and have no clue how to approach the situation. So the most important tip for me is to keep my mind innovative. Being able to think skillfully and perform smartly are usually the key to success, not only in golf but in life as well.
SMART – Golf is not an easy sport. To hit a nice shot or to play a round of a good game, it may take years of practice. My coach always says, “only perfect practice makes perfect, as practice can only turn permanent.” So I have to understand what and how to practice in order to achieve the results efficiently and effectively.
EMPATHETIC – Golf has helped me make many friends throughout the years and has taught me the way to go when it comes to teamwork. When I was selected as one of a player to go to Myanmar to represent Hong Kong during the SEA Games, I felt honored to be part of the Hong Kong team, which motivated me to try my very best towards the tournament. No matter how good or bad I played on a hole of a round in the tournament, I would remind myself to be appreciative for what I have achieved to become in the position I am now.
I have been very fortunate to be given the opportunity to go down the path of golf. Over the years, golf has contributed a lot to my personal growth including helping me build my confidence and motivation to do better in all types of tasks. I also have learned many life lessons through golf, some that were positive, and some that were negative, with a moral to finish.