Osman Rafidi Bin Ramlan is the Asia-Europe Tournament Administrator of the Faldo Series. He was in Dhaka recently for the fourth Faldo Series, held at the Kurmitola Golf Club. TheGolfHouse caught up with this golf administrator and talked about the impact of series worldwide and about Sir Nick Faldo.
Give us a brief introduction to the Global Faldo Series.
The Faldo Series started in 1996. Sir Nick Faldo wanted to give back to golf and develop golf on a junior level. So he started the series with the help of the R&A. They started in England and slowly spread it across all of Europe and now in Asia.
When did the Faldo Series start in Bangladesh?
This is the fourth year that Bangladesh has hosted the series. More and more players are participating now which is very encouraging. It’s good for golf in this region and this is a platform to develop their game and get them better in golf.
How many players are participating this time?
This week we have about 80 players — most of them boys. There are seven girls which is a shame because last year there were more girls.
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What are the categories that the participants are competing in?
There are actually five categories – U-21 boys, U-18 boys, U-16 boys, U-21 girls and U-16 girls. But since there are not enough girls, there is only one girls’ category. We’ll take one from each of the four categories and they will go to Vietnam in March, 2019 where they will have chance to meet Sir Nick Faldo. They can ask questions to him during the clinic and get tips from the legend.
Will they get training from him?
He will conduct clinics and do some demos. He’ll do some driving, chipping, putting and other things every day. The clinic will be a great opportunity for the young golfers to get up close and personal with Sir Nick Faldo.
What is the impact of this series?
A girl named Nasa, one of the winners of the Japanese Faldo Series three years ago, competed in the Open Championship this year. Madappan, an Indian boy who was a Faldo Series winner in India, turned pro last year and won an Asian Tour event. There are of course famous people like Rory McIlroy who are previous winners of the Faldo Series. It is the only series of its kind.
Tell us a bit about Sir Nick Faldo.
He’s a living legend. I think he’s the only person who is doing something like this. He’s a nice guy, very approachable and always willing to help. You can ask him anything and he will tell you about how he succeeded in his career and all. His stories are invaluable to kids. Some of the young kids don’t really know him since he is old, but people of my generation look up to him.
Why should kids get involved in golf?
There is so much opportunity in golf. You don’t have to just play golf, you can do a lot of things in golf industry. It’s a great sport: it teaches you discipline, it teaches you how to be a gentleman. It’s a game you can play till you’re old. You can’t play football when you’re 50, but you can definitely play golf till and after you’re 50.
This is the fourth time that Faldo Series is being held here. How has been your experience?
I was quite surprised when I first came. I didn’t know what to expect. I like it, I love the food. The weather is really nice this time of the year. Everything’s great.
Your impression of TheGolfHouse, the first ever golf magazine in Bangladesh?
I know TheGolfHouse has been covering this event for the last four years. You have a good online presence. I have read your magazine; it is quite informative and you keep in touch with the local scene which is very important.
