ParGolf recently sat down with the Malaysian Golf Association’s (MGA) Chairman of Rules & Amateur Status, Deborah Wong, the first woman in the country to ever hold the position, to find out why the Rules of Golf fascinates her so much and her aspirations for the exalted post she commands. She emphasised the need for more qualified referees in Malaysia and promoting greater gender diversity and equality in the Royal and Ancient sport of golf.
What is it about Golf Rules that fascinates you?
The Rules were “good to know” as a golfer when I started. Later, it became “I need to and want to know”. And finally, as a Captain, it evolved into “must continue to learn and know more” as a Rules Instructor.
There was a progression, and with different perspectives at every stage, it is important to have a growth mindset where Golf Rules are concerned.
It was important for me to know the Rules, so I would not be bullied. It made me more confident in knowing my rights and the dos and don’ts while playing the game, especially in a golf tournament.
Golfers often ask for advice – “Can I clean my balls?” “My ball landed on a towel; how do I proceed?” Some golfers ask the caddies for advice, and often wrong advice results in players getting penalties. So, it is better to know the Rules as a player. At least I know my options when I get into trouble, such as the ball in the penalty area, an unplayable lie, or when a monkey takes away my ball. There were a lot of monkeys at the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), the event I officiated recently. I firmly believe that knowing the Rules will make you a better golfer.
What made you want to gain an in-depth knowledge of Golf Rules?
I joined Kota Permai in 1998, and my hubby, a golf pro then, had always wanted me to play better golf and learn the Rules of Golf; I found the Rules too hard to understand and never quite pursued it.
In 2000, I was appointed the lady captain of Kota Permai, a position I hold till today, which is a long 23 years!! As lady captain, I needed to know more about Golf Rules and started to study and learn them with much more effort. It was not an easy task due to the old English used in the Rules Book then.
I am thankful to our MGA/MALGA referee, Maria Yoon, who conducted Rules classes for the few of us who were interested to learn, and that was truly helpful. I went on to attend the Rules School run by the R&A in Singapore in 2006 and passed with distinction (93 marks) on my first attempt, and I was really motivated.
Did you find learning Golf Rules easy? Levels 2 and 3 can be challenging.
It wasn’t easy initially, but after I passed in Singapore, I felt positive and motivated to continue to Level 3. I became an MGA Rules instructor in 2013 until now. I was passionate about it and hence could overcome the difficulties.
With the Rules Modernisation in 2019 by the R&A, it is now a lot easier to learn Rules because the language has been simplified, and the digital Rules App is also beneficial as it is easy to use when looking up Rules.
How did you feel when appointed Chairman of Rules & Amateur Status? And on top of that, the first woman to have been given this opportunity.
The appointment came as a shock, and I was somewhat reluctant to accept the position, initially knowing that the role comes with great responsibility.
But I also realised that this is an honour where the MGA recognises the capability and potential of women who can contribute their fair share, just like their male counterparts.
The MGA has walked the talk to promote the Women in Golf Charter (WIGC) in this aspect.
I humbly accepted the honour to be the first woman to helm the chairmanship of Rules and Amateur status in our country. I will work hard together with my team.
What are your aspirations and wish to achieve during your tenure as Chairman of Rules & Amateur Golf?
There are still lots of work to be done. Some of it will not happen overnight, and we must start by taking baby steps towards a more significant, grander vision. There is a need to promote Rules knowledge among the golfing fraternity, specifically among women. I hope to see more golfers interested in learning the Rules of Golf and playing golf according to the Rules and etiquette.
I hope there will be greater recognition by golf club management on the importance of Rules and the willingness to organise Rules seminars for their staff, committees, members and even caddies.
I like to see management and committees of golf clubs in Malaysia giving greater emphasis on knowing the Rules and, perhaps, having in the selection or recruitment criteria that only those who have passed the Rules Level 1 or 2 are qualified to be considered for their golfing staff and committees. With this, we will progressively see the elevation of the qualities of staff and committee members and, eventually, their members. This will help in the proper course set up for tournaments, social play, and handling of Rulings issues at the club level.
I like to see more competent and qualified referees, especially from the younger generation and women, not just for local events but also at the international level.
I hope to continue to improve the Referees’ SOP and work with the MGA to improve the operational efficiency in Rules administration.
The translation of Rules to Bahasa Malaysia has been an unfinished task over the years. I hope to complete this during my tenure as Chairman and be given sufficient time to do so.
Are there any areas you feel can be improved in promoting Golf Rules to golfers in Malaysia?
Besides the above, I would like to promote using the Rules of Golf app. The R&A has stopped printing the small Rules booklets and is now promoting the use of the digital Rules App.
Currently, only 2.4% of golfers in Malaysia have downloaded the app. We will continue to promote and hope every golfer in Malaysia will eventually download and use the Rules of Golf app.
Do you remember the first event you refereed? What was the experience like?
I think it was a local event which wasn’t too pressurising. But the real test was the 2008 Maybank Malaysian Open held in my home course Kota Permai, a European Tour event then, and I was part of the Rules Team with the European Tour Referees.
I was nervous and had to be alert and vigilant in responding to any rulings required over the walkie-talkie. I gradually gained confidence with the support given by senior referees. I made some mistakes, but I learnt from them and the guidance of the senior referees.
After having refereed so many prestigious events, do you think Malaysia lacks the number of knowledgeable women referees?
Indeed, not just the women but we need more qualified referees in Malaysia. We need referees who are competent enough to officiate higher-level golf tournaments as well as confident to be Tournament Directors and Chief Referees in elite events.
When you attended the R&A Rules Conference at St Andrews, were there many women representing their countries?
It was indeed a great honour and experience to attend the R&A’s Rules of Golf Conference at St Andrews, the Home of Golf. It was attended by many Rules Experts from over 30 countries and Rules organisations. Sad to say, there were not many women. I would say only 10% of the delegates who attended were women. So, it is not just in our country but globally, women’s presence still has room for improvement.
How do you think the WIGC can help enable more women to partake in the golf industry at all levels?
To begin with, men in the industry must recognise that women are equally capable and given a chance, they can also do a good job or even better in some areas.
On the other hand, women must respond confidently in accepting the opportunities that arise and be bold enough to step forward.
Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh made our nation proud recently by being the first woman of Asian descent to win an Oscar award, so there is a beacon of hope and possibilities, as she said in her speech. Another good example is YB Hannah Yeoh, our Youth and Sports Minister.
There are two sides to it; men (who are currently sitting in high positions) need to accept and recognise that women are equally capable and give them opportunities. And women must be bold enough to step forward to demonstrate that they can do the job when given a chance.
WIGC will continue to work with MGA affiliates/ golf clubs to create awareness and perhaps highlight the success of women, support women who have the potential and create opportunities for them to shine.
In Malaysia, what is the WIGC doing to bring more women to the fore in the golf industry?
MGA has given much recognition to women by promoting greater gender diversity and equality in golf. We need to enlist more affiliates to become signatories to the Women in Golf Charter. Currently, 35 clubs have come on board. We need to encourage more organisations to join and be part of the efforts to promote WIGC. We must encourage and support more women to take up roles in Rules or any other golfing area.
Is the Charter also looking into equality at all levels, including salaries?
I do hope so, but this is really beyond our control
When did you first start to play golf?
In the mid-nineties, my girlfriend started learning golf and asked me to take up the game. So, I decided to give it a try. I actually liked it, and the rest is history. I never look back. I have won many trophies, including the club championship numerous times. But the funny part is my girlfriend, who introduced me to the game, lost interest and decided to quit.
After having had a successful career in the corporate world, does this seem like the second innings for you being club captain for 23 years, being a referee, and being appointed Chairman? Do you wish for more?
My husband often jokes that I am busier now than when I was working!!
When I retired, I planned to do things I liked but never had the time to do while working. I wanted to do more volunteer work (social work serving the disadvantaged community, the global leadership summit GLS), play more golf and refereeing, and travel.
The appointed chairmanship was an unexpected item. But all that I am doing now is on a volunteering basis. So, it’s not a second career but a different phase in life that I can contribute back to society, some of which I could not do while working.
More importantly, I am thankful to God for giving me a chance to serve various communities, and I am enjoying every bit of what I am doing now and remain passionate about it all.
Do I wish for more? No, I think my plate is complete for now. I want to concentrate on my current work and do them well.
