By Emb Hashmi
Raza Samar, a Chartered Accountant by profession and owner of RUS Chartered Accountants in Birmingham lives breathes and sleeps golf, his passion has led him to achieve many hundreds of golfing trophies and he is keen to promote the benefits of this sport to his diaspora, as he feels there are not enough south Asians taking up the game.
Raza was born in Pakistan and came to the UK when he was 4 years old and did very well in life he has now been selected to become a Director of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP board.
Asian World caught up with the golf loving accountant to find out more about the sport and why it is important for more south Asians to try for a whole in one.
Can you describe golf in three sentences or less for the Asian World reader?
You have to get the ball in the hole with the least number of shots.
A par 4 hole requires you to get the ball in the hole in 4 shots. If you can then you have to be a very good player.
That person is called a scratch player. Most of us take many more shots, some more than other. This is where the handicap system comes in. If you have a high handicap you are a bad player.
When did you start playing?
I started playing about 15 years ago when. I was invited to a function for a bank’s corporate day. I played so badly they were tempted to get me off the course. From that day I decided that I wanted to conquer the sport and I rapidly learnt to play the game.
Do you play in tournaments?
I play in about 15 tournaments each year. You need to see the trophies I have in my office.
Why do you think it is important for more people to play golf?
One round of golf requires a person to walk about 4-5 miles. It is also good exercise.
Why pick Golf as it is not the stereo-typical chosen sport for a Pakistani Man?
Most Asians from the subcontinent are good at cricket and golf is a similar sport that all Asians have potential in. Unfortunately the expense issue deters many from entering and taking up the sport.
Is it an expensive hobby/sport to take up?
Yes. It costs a lot of money to play at a quality courses. If you are a member of a club the annual fees are about £1000 per annum.
Did you ever dream of being the Pakistani Tiger Woods?
It is every golfers dream to be a Tiger Wood. But we all have to be realistic. These people play golf all the time and have no other jobs.
Is there any south Asian golfing heavy weights on the international circuit?
We have all heard of Vijay Singh.
What for you would be the ultimate golf ambition?
To become a scratch player.
