Md Shahid Ul Haque is the current joint secretary of Bangladesh Professional Golfers’ Association. A national and Army level hockey player during the ‘70s and ‘80s, Mr. Shahid turned to a golfer pretty late in his career but his devotion and passion for the game turned him into one of the finest amateurs in the country. He still plays golf regularly and serves the game in
various scopes. He would be one of the officials for the golf team of Bangladesh to the Asian Games in Indonesia this month and he has high hope about the team.
You all are going to Indonesia with a team of golfers for the Asian Games. What is your expectation from this team?
An eight-member team is going to the Asian Games, with four male golfers, two female golfers and two officials. In the past we have participated in the Asian Games and South Asian Games. We are hopeful that our golfers will do well this time. There was some disruption due to prolonged rain in taking full proof preparation as we would have liked. But still I’m hopeful that we will do well and bring laurel for the country.
What training facilities were provided to these golfers?
They have been trained by national coaches. We selected these six golfers based on merit. We allowed them enough time to train themselves in the KGC course so that they get used to the real deal. Those who participated in this tournament in the past have turned pro by now. The current golfers are no less talented than those professionals. I believe they will soon turn pro after their return from Indonesia.
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Also read:Â VIETNAM: A PARADISE GOLF DESTINATION
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There will be huge number of golfers taking part in the event from different countries of Asia. Don’t you think the competition would be tough?
We are organising Asian Tour, ADT and PGTI events regularly in the country, where our golfers compete with golfers, come from different countries of the world and prove their worth. There will definitely be a lot of competition in Indonesia, but I’m hopeful that our boys and girls will do very well.
Tell us about your golfing background.
Let me go back in time a bit. I actually used to play hockey in late 1970s and 80’s. I have played at the national level. Since 1975, I played for eight years in Bangladesh Army Team, while serving for Bangladesh Army. Golf came late though. I started playing golf in 2003 and I am not that bad at it. Once upon a time my handicap was even 2, but due to aging and not being able to keep the same fitness, I currently have a handicap of 8.
What is your golfing routine?
I am golf addict. I play 365 days a year. I played even today, went for a 39 at the back nine. I play two sessions a day. I won a few trophies at one point in time. Two of my sons used to play, but now that they are busy with their career, they cannot make time.
Do you think golf has the potential to become the second biggest sport in the country by 2025?
I don’t think we’ll have to wait till 2025. The way our boys are coming up and the way the game is being patronized by the BGF and BPGA, I think we will have many more Siddikur Rahman in near future. Our golfers need more patronization. Apart from BGF and BPGA, there are R&A and a host of corporate houses who are working together to take our golf forward.
TheGolfHouse, the first ever golf magazine, is celebrating three years of publication. What is your message to the magazine and its readers?
I remember the first time it came out, I was present there. However, due to my busy schedule I could not contribute to the magazine, but I’m really glad to see the progress the magazine has made in such a short time. It has now become an international standard golf magazine. I have noticed your devotion and dedication towards golf. I extend my best wishes to TheGolfHouse and all its members on this auspicious moment.
