Home is certainly where the heart is for Ben Leong, especially since his son Zac turned two just a few weeks ago.
The one-time Asian Tour winner is sitting out the suspension of professional golf and the Movement Control Order at home with Zac and wife Kai Nee in Kota Kinabalu. However, he’s been anything but bored with strength and fitness training, household chores and an energetic toddler occupying his time.
“I try to stay as active as possible so I’ve been working out at home a lot as it’s important to keep fit … and helping my wife out with the housework also helps with that!” said the 34-year-old, noting that this is the longest period he has been at home since getting married in mid-2017.
“It’s really a joy to be able to spend time with Zac everyday and to be able to care for him like a normal dad, since I’m not traveling to play golf. He’s a bundle of energy and it’s just amazing to see him trying to speak and learning new words … definitely puts a smile on everyone’s face,” he added.
Ben noted that he is also enjoying the responsibility that comes with being a father. “I think the best part about being a dad is I have this extra responsibility to provide for the family and also to set a good example for my son … it definitely makes me grow as a person.”
Photo by Masuti Ahmadi
Ben’s last tournament was the Bandar Malaysia Open at Kota Permai in early March, where he tied for 47th on four-under-par in the rain-shortened event. He had played just two other Asian Tour events in 2020, missing the cut in Hong Kong and finishing in sole 47th place at the SMBC Singapore Open.
“I was actually quite satisfied with my form even though it wasn’t great. The reason I say this is because I always tend to start off real slow at the beginning of the year,” noted Ben, adding that he cannot wait to get back to practising once golf is allowed to be played.
Ben is one of four Malaysians who have won on the Asian Tour and is the only one to do so on home soil, achieving that milestone with a one-stroke victory over Thai legend Thongchai Jaidee in the 2008 Selangor Masters at Seri Selangor Golf Cub. A serious back injury put him out of action for the most of 2012 and 2013, but he made a triumphant comeback and has since won twice on the Asian Development Tour.
Story by Jonathan Ponniah/ Main photo courtesy of Ben Leong
