But your knowledge of horse racing gave you plenty to talk to Lee Westwood about, when the two of you were paired together in the Pro-Am for the HSBC Champions event ...
That was fortuitous. I have been a good customer of HSBC for many years and along with Vincent Lo, was invited to join the then HSBC Chairman in Asia to play with Lee Westwood. I jumped at the chance. Lee had just become No. 1 in the world and playing with him was a real treat. He is a very amicable and personable guy. Surprisingly we didn’t talk much golf that round, having found a common interest in horse ownership and having had jockey Frankie Dettori ride for both of us.
And you've met Westwood's great mate, Darren Clarke, too?
As a member of Eagle Springs in Vail, I was invited to join by the developer of both courses to join Queenwood as an initial member. The club is near Sunningdale and Wentworth in Surrey, and with its exclusivity has been able to attract professional golfers like Darren, Ernie Els, Justin Rose, Adam Scott and several others.
Darren was the first member I met, even before the course had opened, and he remains approachable, friendly and cordial. He often participated in the Club Championship with other members, and of course he won each year he entered. I remember he gave a speech on the terrace, with his ailing wife Heather and two sons in attendance, accepting the trophy and emphasizing how much it meant to him and for his family because it was the only golf trophy he won that year!
He showed his humbleness and vulnerability as a person. It was heart-warming. Now that Darren has been selected as the European Ryder Cup captain, his legacy continues.
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