Mohammad Razu from the Savar Golf Club has been a professional golfer. He may not have had enormous success like Siddikur Rahman, but the ball-boy-turned-caddie-turned-pro wants to follow the same path to success. And I also understand there is no alternative to playing Tournament Abroad. Here are his thoughts on golf
Kindly tell us about your journey in golf?
I am Mohammad Razu, a professional golfer from Savar Golf Club, where I started playing golf. I started off as a ball-boy in 2000 and then turned a caddie in 2012. I turned pro in 2017. So you can say it’s been seven years since I’ve been playing the sport professionally.
How did you get introduced to the sport?
We had a golf club close to our home. So one day a cousin of mine took me to the club, where I got my introduction to the game. I used to work with foreigners on Fridays and continued studies alongside. Slowly from there my interest in the game grew, and as I’ve said before, the rest fell in its place.
I began as a ball-boy, became a caddie, and eventually turned pro in 2017. It’s been a rewarding journey ever since.
Is there any incident that motivated you to take up golf as a profession?
Siddikur bhai went to Savar Golf Club in 2013 to play a tournament. He had just won the Hero Indian Open in Delhi. So, I asked my seniors to know more about him. When I came to know that he was a ball boy and a caddie, too, in the beginning, I thought if Siddikur bhai could do that why couldn’t I?
What is your golfing routine and practice regimen?
Golfing routine is a very important thing for a golfer. I try to maintain a strict routine in this regard. I wake up early and do some exercise before heading to the golf club where I get dressed. I do some chipping and putting before playing 18 holes on the course. Then I practice putting for two to three hours in the afternoon since putting is the most important thing for a golfer.
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Share some details about your most recent tournament experience.The last tournament I played was in the Jashore Golf Club. I almost won that tournament but for a mistake of mine. I had two penalties as I didn’t know the rules properly. Unfortunately, I had to settle for second with a score of 15-under-par. Jamal Mollah won the title at 17-under-par. That was a lesson for me that when you play golf you have to be aware of all the rules and regulations properly.
What was your initial handicap score when you started, and how did you improve upon it?
When I was a caddie, my handicap was 5. I took it to zero before turning pro.
Why do you think Bangladeshi golfers are not able to compete internationally?
Bangladesh has a few quality golfers who can compete at international events. The biggest drawback is lack of sponsorship. Without sponsorship, golfers can’t concentrate on their game. Since most of us are from low-income families, we need more support from sponsors. It is an expensive sport. I have some personal sponsors who help me out. My golf club also gives me some financial assistance. That is why I can still survive as a professional golfer. But that is not the case for most of the golfers.
Do you have a favourite golf course? If so, which one and why?
My favourite is of course Savar Golf Club. I have grown up there and I know the greens and the fairways inside out.
Which golfer do you admire the most?
I have two favourite golfers. First is Siddikur Rahman bhai and the second is Sajib Ali.
What has been the most memorable event in your golfing career so far?
I won a three-round tournament in Khagrachari in 2018. That is still the most memorable event for me.
What are your goals for the next few years? Are there any specific tournaments or milestones you’re aiming to achieve?
My understanding is, if someone has to flourish, he will have to play a lot of tournaments abroad. So, my plan is to qualify for the PGTI next year and perform well in the Indian circuit. And then I can take my game to the next level.
