Siddikur of Bangladesh has been one of the success stories on the Asian Tour. He started his journey in golf as a caddy at the Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka before elevating his game and stature on the Asian Tour when he won the 2010 Brunei Open. His life journey is almost like a scene plucked out from a movie but his story is far from over. We talk to the jovial Bangladeshi and here are 10 things which we wouldn’t have known about Siddikur if we had not asked.
1) What’s your favourite club in the bag?
My 52-degree Titleist wedge. It has been one of the reasons for my solid short game.
2) Who is your favourite golfer?
Ernie Els because of his strong mentality and the way he plays the game.
3) What car do you drive in Bangladesh?
I don’t have a car yet! My dream car is a Mercedes Benz and when I can find the time to drive, I will buy it.
4) If you were not a professional golfer, what would you be?
I’ve never really thought of that before because I’ve always wanted to become a professional golfer.
5) What songs do you have on your BlackBerry?
Mostly oldies.
6) Do you usually stay alone or do you have a roommate while you’re on Tour?
I prefer to stay alone because it is more relaxing that way.
7) What do you do when you are not playing golf?
I’ll be talking to friends at the Kurmitola Golf Club and most of our conversations would be about golf. However, I’m planning to go to Europe for a holiday soon to recharge.
8 ) What do you do to calm yourself when you are leading on the final day?
I actually like playing under pressure because it gives me the motivation to play better.
9) Do you have any routine before your round?
I start off with some stretching and would then hit some golf balls. I try to keep myself relaxed and focused.
10) What would you do if you had US$10 million in the bank?
I will donate some of the money to the less fortunate in Bangladesh. I will also use the money for the junior golf programmes in my country. The game of golf has given me the life I have today and I believe in giving back.
About SIDDIKUR
Country: Bangladesh
Date Of Birth: November 20, 1984
Residence: Dhaka
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2007
ASIAN TOUR ORDER OF MERIT
YEAR RANK US$ Pld 1st 2nd Top10 MC
2009 84 32,980 13 – – – 5
2010 7 267,693 16 1 1 4 3
Totals – 300,673 29 1 1 4 8
ASIAN TOUR VICTORY: (1) 2010 Brunei Open.
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT TOUR WIN: (1) 2011 Grameenphone Bangladesh Masters.
OTHER WINS: (4) 2010 American Express Bangladesh Open, 2009 Global Green Bangalore Open, 2008 HUDA-GTPL – Unitech Haryana Open, 2008 PGTI Players Championship at Poona Golf Club.
AMATEUR WINS: (12) Five wins in Bangladesh, two each in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, one in India.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Siddikur wrote a slice of history in 2010 when he became the first ever player from Bangladesh to win on the Asian Tour. He triumphed in the Brunei Open, beating Jbe Kruger in a play-off. It was a memorable victory as he was hailed a golfing hero back home. He finished second in the Mercuries Taiwan Masters and posted two other top-10s. Only missed three cuts in 16 starts and ended the year in a high seventh place on the Order of Merit. Also enjoyed a tied 11th finish at the PGA Tour co-sanctioned CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia where he earned praises from Adam Scott. He earned his playing rights on Tour by finishing in the top-40 at Qualifying School in 2009 and posted three top-20s to show glimpses of his potential. Siddikur dominated the amateur scene back home with five wins and claimed seven other titles abroad.
PERSONAL: Siddikur worked as a ball boy at Kurmitola Golf Club in Bangladesh to support his studies. He made his first club with a broken seven iron head stuck on a metal rod. Was picked from out of 100 kids to train by his club and represented his country in the Asian Games. He is currently attached to Kurmitola Golf Club as an honorary member. His full name is Mohd Siddikur Rahman but he informed Tour officials to use only Siddikur in all scoresheets. “I prefer it that way,” he says.
