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Brunei's first pro breaks the ice

Pengiran Hassanal Alhaj may have shot eight-over-par in the Brunei Open on Thursday but the 34-year-old will go into golf history as the first Brunei player to take the plunge as a professional.

Hassanal, who owns a landscaping company in the oil-rich sultanate, knows he may not measure up against the likes of Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh but hopes that his landmark decision will pave the way for younger kids to follow in his footsteps.

He received a late invitation to compete in the US$300,000 Asian Tour event at the magnificent Empire Hotel and Country Club and surprised organisers by announcing his decision to turn professional this morning.

A scratch handicapper for the past 18 months, Hassanal struggled to put up a good number at the Empire course, dropping seven birdies, one double bogey against a lone birdie. But after submitting his scorecard, he hammered home the significance of his round.

“Being a golf fanatic for the last two years, and seeing how golf has become, I decided to go one step further. I often ask when will Brunei ever have a professional golfer?

“It’s all due to the Brunei Open (launched in 2005) that I’ve decided to do this. It’ll be nice to see the Brunei flag at golf tournaments,” said Hassanal.

“I am doing this for the country. At least by taking this decision, I am hoping that we will get more youngsters to become professionals. I’m breaking the ice for them, so there is no fear for them to join the professional ranks. If I can be in this level, why not them?”

A late starter in the game after picking up the sport at the age of 17, Hassanal said he will compete in the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School slated in November and December to challenge himself.

“I’m quite keen to get more exposure out there. My first step will be to go to the Asian Tour Qualifying School. Once I get through, that’s when the business starts.

The Brunei Open has inspired me. Looking at the scores, I realise that good also can also miss the cut,” said Hassanal.

“This is the starting point for me. I’m not well coming into the week and I didn’t have much time to prepare for the event. Hopefully, I can play better tomorrow.”

August 30, 2007