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This month we feature a young promising golfer. Recognise him? Of course not. Maybe in a few years time you would have the name Goh Kun Yang rolling out from your lips, unless his studies get the better of him. He is 12 years old, standing no taller than 1.48 metres, and he has already 5 years of golfing experience under his belt. I had the pleasure of playing with Kun Yang and his father, Dave Goh, two months ago and I was really impressed. His physical appearance may be that of a normal chubby cheek primary school boy but once let loose on the golf course, his swing is so matured, smooth and natural and unleashing so much power effortlessly - the power which eluded so many adult golfers. Playing with this small chubby boy can be a humbling experience especially if your drive is less than 180 metres. He makes it looks so easy. His father, a keen golfer with 17 handicap, first took him out on the golf course at age 7, "as a family outing and exercise", but soon recognised his natural talent, decided to put him under the wings of a local pro Phua Thin Kay. For more than three years Kun Yang underwent regular weekly lessons and coaching by Mr. Phua at the Executive Course located at Seletar Reservoir. Within a year at age 8 he obtained his PC and his official handicap when he was 9. "He (Kun Yang) is a disciplined golfer - practices hard and is keen to improve. He is one of the best golfers in Singapore in his age group. He has potential and has done well in the local junior tournaments. In one, he scored a gross 89. Give him another two years and he will be a single handicapper" commented Mr. Phua who also expects to see better results from him in the near future. His handicap is 19 at this moment and dad has already lost a few games to him. Guess what? His favourite player is not Tiger Woods. He prefers the more calmly demeanor of David Love III. Dad has not pushed or set any targets for him to achieve, but rather prefers to let him progress at his own pace inorder to sustain his interest. At the same time he helps by being his sparring partner and makes practice fun and enjoyable. Keppel Club, the club he belongs, recognised his ability and has recommended him to the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) who is currently providing guidance and training to nurture his game to another level under Ali Rathim (SGA's pro). With such support and his parents encouragements I wish him the very best and have no doubt that he will very soon be a scratch handicapper and winning golf tournaments. Kun Yang's particulars: Date of birth: 11 June 1988 Height: 1.48m School: Kheng Cheng School Our email interview with his dad, Dave, and Kun Yang as follows: Golf-Asia.com: What age was Kun Yang (KY) when he first took up golf? Dave: Kun Yang first took up golf when he was 7. Golf-Asia.com: How did you introduce him to golf? Dave: As a family outing and exercise. Golf-Asia.com: Did you teach him yourself initially or you got a pro to teach him? Dave: I taught him initially, then got a pro. Golf-Asia.com: Who was his pro? Dave: Phua Thin Kay. Golf-Asia.com: When did you notice that he has potential to be a good golfer? Dave: I noticed that he had a good natural swing. Golf-Asia.com: Did the pro say that he can be a good golfer? Dave: The pro commented that he had a good natural swing.? Golf-Asia.com: At what Age he got his PC? Dave: He got his PC when he was 8. Golf-Asia.com: Age he got his first handicap? Dave: He got his first handicap when he was 9. Golf-Asia.com: Age he got his current handicap 19? Dave: He got his current handicap at age 11. Golf-Asia.com: What is his average driving distance? Dave: His average driving distance is 160 to 180m. Golf-Asia.com: Is there a target for him to get to scratch handicap? Dave: Yes. Golf-Asia.com: Notice you play golf together, has he ever beaten you based on official handicap? Dave: Yes, he has. Golf-Asia.com: Please provide a list of his achievements, eg the competions he entered and what were his positions. Dave: No achivements except some Junior games at Executive golf course in positions of 1st & 2nd. Golf-Asia.com: Do you want him to be a pro eventually? Dave: Yes. Golf-Asia.com: What will happen when he gets into secondary school? Will he continue to golf? Dave: Yes, he will continue golf. Golf-Asia.com: The following are some questions for Kun Yang. With regards to golf, what is your ultimate aim? Do you want to be a pro someday? Kun Yang: I hope to be the world most outstanding player.Yes. Golf-Asia.com: Who is your favourite golfer and why? Kun Yang: Davis Love lll.He is very calm. Golf-Asia.com: What makes you want to play golf and not say swimming or other sports? Kun Yang: At first, I started golf because of my asthma.But soon, I started taking up golf as I heard that I had a good swing. Golf-Asia.com: Do you think you can beat your dad in golf? If not now when? Kun Yang: Sometimes, when I've got my stroke and rhythm. Golf-Asia.com: What is your best stroke score? Kun Yang: Gross 85 when I was 9 years old.

Webmaster-:Daniel Ng Updated on 30th. April 2000 Copyright © 1999 email:- webmaster@golf-asia.com

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