Five Minutes with Jason Kwok

For golfers and investors out there, you might find golf and investing share a lot of similar attributes. In this, the fifth in a series of interviews presented by Charles Schwab, Hong Kong, Ltd., Jason Kwok – the head professional at Discovery Bay Golf Club – talks about how he started playing, his love of Spyglass Hill and the lessons he’s learned through his investing experiences.

Jason Kwok – the head professional at Discovery Bay Golf Club

What connections do you see between golf and investing?

Golf and investing both require a similar approach to achieving success. A good round of golf is usually the result of having a solid game plan, but you must be able to adjust and adapt when things don’t go according to that plan. The same applies to investing. I have learned to develop a strategy when it comes to investing to help achieve my financial goals. Both golf and investing also require calmness and discipline. Learning to limit losses and maximise gains is invaluable in both endeavours.

When did you start playing?

When I was nine. My father was a member at a country club in New York State, Mount Kisco in Westchester County, and I joined a summer golf camp there. We moved back to Hong Kong the following year and I got involved with the summer programmes at the Hong Kong Golf Club. I became a single figure handicapper at the age of 13.

How often do you play?

Two or three times a week. I’m still a member at Fanling and play there quite often. I also have a regular game at Discovery Bay on Wednesdays. I have been struggling with injuries over the past few years, so I don’t play in competitive events as much as before, but I still enjoy it.

What’s been your best ever round?

In 2003, I shot a 65 round the CW Koiner Course (#1) at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena, California. I only had one bogey that day and made a lot of putts. My best round in Hong Kong was a 64 I had over the New Course at Fanling. I was playing with Dr Brian Choa and got to seven-under through 13 holes. I really wasn’t thinking too much. Then, when I realised my score, I choked my way in, thanks to a bogey on the 16th.

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