- What’s your journey into golfing and becoming a pro?
I started picking up golf from my father. When he played with his business partners or by himself, I followed him sometimes and I started learning about golf. I asked my dad to let me play as well and that’s how I become a golfer. I started playing since I was ten years old. Then I became good enough to join national competitions. I later had a chance to represent my country in the national team. I also competed in many amateur competitions locally and abroad. At the age of 16, I turned pro.
- How do you end up as an instructor/trainer?
I competed in regional pro tour from 2016 till 2019. In the middle of 2019, I got a serious back injury. I stopped joining the tour and decided to become a coach/trainer.
- How common is golf as a sport in Myanmar?
Compared to last time, there are a lot more golfers now-a-days. But the players are more into fun and friendship golf, rather than pros or into competitions. The most common match being the weekend game among business partners. Yet the awareness and pick up of golf is now a lot more than before.
- Describe your typical student/trainee?
Most of my trainees are amateur golfers playing for fun. Not pro. Yet among my pupils of amateur golfers, there are two female golfers who become outstanding as a result my training. Both are beginners yet eventually both reach the level of pro golfers. You can never get perfection in golf. Every single part of your body is involved and a slight variation or mistake can affect where the ball ends up on the course.
- How is the competition scene in the golf training business? Any foreign pros here?
We have more local coaches. We do have a small number of foreign coaches, working in clubs like Pun Hlaing. Obviously, regardless of the number of teachers, golfers would be wise to select someone who can communicate with them well.
- How do you stand out among the crowd?
Well I am a rare breed of female golf coach in Myanmar. Plus I have experience as both as an amateur and a professional player. I know the feelings of the golfers. I also listen to my students to understand their circumstances and their bodies well.
- What are the critical success factors for a golf pro, esp., in Myanmar?
Not just for a pro, but to become a very good player; You needs lots of practice to up your skill level. You need to build up your body strength. You will need to prepare for your competition too. Last, you need a healthy lifestyle including a good nutrition plan. Both physical and mental strength are important.
- What are your future plans?
Currently i am a pro coach, due to my back injury. I am currently in the process of recovery and eventually, even if i am unable to join foreign or regional tours, i would like to compete in local events. I am also trying to study more on golf for self improvement and new techniques of coaching for my students.
- What would made people come back to you for further game improvement?
It’s not a matter of making them come back. As long as you listen to their difficulties and help them improve their games in times of need, they would come back when the need arises again. It’s about fulfilling client’s expectations.
- What is the thing that you are most proud of?
During my tour, I have won many prizes representing the country. The most memorial one would be during 2010, within one week, I become the champion of three consecutive tournaments. Also, we made history in 2013 27th SEA games; Myanmar has never won an individual prize in golf. I won silver prizes as an individual and for the team Myanmar in the SEA games.
- What would make people to play more golf in Myanmar?
Generally two different group of golfers: business partners and competitive players. The former group is significantly larger. The main thing is to get more people interested, you need to have more competitive players. But becoming a good pro is not easy. You need resources behind you to support your journey throughout. Golf is not cheap. We need both emotional and financial support.
In order for the children to pick up, both the parents and child must be interested. Just one would not do. Golf balls, golf clubs, range fees, green fees, caddy fees, buggy costs, etc., are all costs to be incurred every week. The parents have to help balance between the normal education and game improvement time too.
