I still remember when i was only 13 years old that i started to earn my first cash as a caddie for keppel country club. I still remember mi and my other 4 friends went to interview to keppel golf club as a caddie. I still remember the manager asking mi if i can carry the golf bag myself. Summoning all my courage, i told them yes. And there begins my short stint as a caddie in Keppel Club.
I remember i wake up at 5am and made my way to keppel club waiting for golfers to come. The caddie card that we got is C license and everyday during the school holidays we will wait at the driving range counter. Every morning by 6 am i will reach Keppel Club. I remember i enjoy the nasilemak, it cost us $1 and it can last me till lunch time.
It was my first exposure to golf. There are total 18 holes in a golf course and normally people like to play in the morning from 7:30 till 12:00 pm before lunch. I still remember that i waited there with other people waiting for golfers to come and it was by first come first serve.
My first day as a caddie, i carry the bag around for the golfer and walk around the 18 holes. It was tiring but i hang on. I enjoy the scenary and also vast golf course. There were trees, grass, pond, sand and a flag. It was my first experience of walking with golfer and i felt proud as back then in 1990. Only the rich and famous can play golf. I was like a pumpkin kid from a small 3 room hdb, never been exposed to the rich and vibrant life. After the 18 holes, i got paid $18 & $2 tip. I was very happy that i earn my $20. It was hard work but it was worth it. And i also get to know about woods and iron, if i'm not wrong back then 30 years ago there were not many books about golf. For tee off, depending on the distance of the hole, people may use wood, normally at keppel club, i see most people using wood 3, then along the way use iron 6 or 7 depending on their skills. Those that have handicap -sign, means they are really good and they can complete the golf course within 2.5 hours. However most of the time i meet the golfers that complete in 4 hours instead. Then that's the sw golf club, whenever the golf ball hits the sand, the golfer will use the sw. All these i pick up along the way as i study and look at the golfers along the way. It builds up my eye for detail and i guess determination as well. That i don't give up easily as well.
Depending on my energy and time sometimes i work the 2nd time, earning a total of $40 for the day before i go back home. Back then i did not tell my parents, they thought that i was going to school. My parents didn't really ask and i didn't really tell them as every night i will be at my father shop to assist him to close the shop. Eventually I was able to save up and buy Sega for myself and my brother to play. I also use the money i earn to buy comics. I was really crazy about comics. I always imagine myself being the hero in the comics and save everyone. I remember i like dragon ball character Goku. Always humble and looking for the next challenge, fighting fair and square. Till today i still maintain fighting fair and square. Looking back 30 years ago, that experience as a caddie although is short, build up my character. And that experience will always be with me.
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