Q: Dicky, you were at the inaugural Ho Tram Open early this month. How was it for you?
A: Yes, my team and I were invited as Media to cover the event, and it was a trip to remember. You read the rave reviews on The Bluffs, you see the wonderful pictures, but you have to be there to believe it – the whole development is beautiful beyond words.
The Asian Tour and its partners did a great job holding and promoting the event. With Garcia winning the title, it gave a lot of positive exposure to the development of golf in Asia.
Q: The week after you returned to Hong Kong and took second place in Nett Stableford of the HKGA Pairs Tournament. The perfect Christmas gift for you, yes?
A: Yes, we were very lucky to claim runner-up. The course at Discovery Bay was in excellent condition like always. My playing partner Emma Wan, a member of the HKGA Junior Squad and my niece, learned a lot in this tournament.
Q: Speaking of junior golf, your daughter Summer is also a keen golfer like yourself.
A: The passion for the game certainly runs in the family. She took part in a number of junior tournaments this year, winning some, losing some. I am proud of her either way.
Q: I was chatting with another parent the other day, and a recent ‘trend’ worried him: Some kids, for fear of upsetting their parents, would report a false score or fake injury, even when they aren’t in contention of any prizes. As a golf lover and parent, integrity of the game must be the first lesson you teach your daughter?
A: A big YES to your question and I am so glad you brought it up. I have seen my fair share of dishonest behaviour on the course. So I always tell Summer: “It is more important to play fair than to play well.” Golf is very much about self-discipline. You can always ‘miraculously’ find your ball in the bushes, but I don’t want my daughter or any junior golfer to become a cheater.
Like you mentioned, a lot of the kids who cheat aren’t even near the top 10. Why do they do it then? From what I observe, they do not want to disappoint their parents. With all the time and money invested, a 7-year-old is probably ashamed to say “Daddy, I play 20-over”.
It is therefore important for children to learn the integrity of the game at an early age. Only then can golf grow healthily.