Brigadier General Mahbubus Samad Chowdhury has three decades of experience of serving the Bangladesh Army in various capacities at home and abroad. Now serving as a director of Infantry, Bangladesh Army, Mr Chowdhury also holds the position of Secretary General of Bangladesh Golf Federation and Club Captain at Kurmitola Golf Club. An avid golfer and keen follower of the game, Mr Chowdhury is striving to improve the condition of the ball boys and caddies at the club while also ensuring best opportunities and facilities are provided to the professional golfers. In this interview with TheGolfHouse, he speaks about these issues and his affiliation with golf.
How is BGF patronizing professional golfers?
BGF tries to support pro golfers in various ways, including giving facilities to play regularly, special mentoring before international competitions, facilitate sponsorships, financial assistance, and so on. In addition, BGF provides guidance and advises to the BPGA to do more pro-tournaments and arranging sponsors for individual professional golfers.
What is your advice to pro-golfers?
Pro-golfers should try to participate in as many international tournaments as possible, especially in India, Thailand, Nepal, Malaysia, Vietnam and other South and South-East Asian countries. That’s how they can improve their game and ranking.
Last year, unfortunately, the Asian Tour didn’t take place in Bangladesh. What about this year, since BGF is the Bangladeshi ambassador of the Asian Tour?
Yes, the Asian Tour did not take place last year for a variety of reasons, the most notable of which were the national parliamentary elections and the lack of sponsors. This year, we’ve already contacted some potential sponsors and are hoping to organize the Asian Tour at the end of this year.
As the club captain of KGC, could you brief us about the facilities of this prestigious club and your massage to its regular golfers?
KGC is the only international standard golf club in our country. Apart from playing golf, it has many associated facilities like swimming pool, sauna, gym, restaurants and bar, etc. At times, we struggle to manage the pressure of golfers, especially during peak season. I would request all respectable golfers to maintain the pace of play so that maximum golfers can play with ease and comfort.
Do you have any special memories related to this club?
I have many wonderful memories from KGC. But I recall the first time I played golf at KGC in January 2017. It was a mixture of excitement and fear of the unknown. You know, many senior officers play in KGC, and I was nervous about who I’d play with, how I’d do, and other concerns. I was hesitantly approaching the front 9 tee and happily met one of my favourite senior officers. As I described my situation, he took me on his flight, and we had a great time playing while also cherishing our old memories.
Caddies are the key for a golf club. How does KGC support them along with ball boys and other staff?
KGC has over 450 registered caddies and ball boys. This is a lot for any golf club to manage. However, we understand their financial situation and always try to help them in any way we can. We recently raised their monthly fees. In the previous Eid al Fitr, we provided them with special remuneration and an Eid package of food. There is a welfare fund for them, and we provide monetary support from it as and when required. Our members are also helping our caddies which are much appreciated contribution by our fellow KGC members.
In person, How did you get associated with golf?
I knew nothing about golf before 2009. While I was in a United Nations mission in Congo, one of my senior colleagues gave me a book called “Learn Golf in a Weekend”. He also suggested I watch some golf clips on YouTube. The beginning of learning was difficult. However, I gradually developed an interest and eventually purchased a golf set from Entebbe, Uganda. There was no golf course there. So I started by practicing chipping and pitching in a small field. When I returned to Bangladesh from the UN mission and was posted to Sylhet Cantonment, there was no proper golf course there either. However, I was fortunate to find that senior colleague in the same cantonment, and we used to play at SI&T’s golf course. Later, when I was posted to Cumilla cantonment in 2012, I became an avid golfer and won a number of prizes.
What is your golfing routine and who are your favourite golfers?
I am a regular golfer at Kurmitola Golf Club (KGC). I try to play four to five days a week, but I only have time in the afternoons. And Tiger Woods my favourite golfer, like so many others, has always inspired me. Rory Mcilroy, Jason Day, and Justin Rose are also among my favourite players.
Your message to those who are not playing golf.
I always encourage my colleagues and friends to play golf. In certain circumstances, I’ve been successful. I try to organize informal golf tournaments on weekends for my friends and welcome non-golfers to watch and be encouraged to play. I believe that one should begin learning golf in his or her 30s, preferably with spouse and children. Golf is a game of passion, a challenge to oneself, and a social sport in which one may live a quality life in a peaceful setting while relieving stress.
