this article appears in PAR Golf Magazine Malaysia for February

Behind the Scenes with Professional Tour Players

BEFORE THEIR FIRST TEE SHOT, PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS DO MORE THAN PRACTICE. THEIR EQUIPMENT IS METICULOUSLY CUSTOM FITTED TO ENSURE THAT ALL IS IN ORDER BEFORE A TITLE ASSAULT.

By
NATHAN HAUSER

The Maybank Malaysian Open last year was one of the first tournaments of the year that offered a custom fitting and repair service for the top Asian Tour and European Tour players.Not surprisingly, our repair shop at KLGCC then was a hive of activity, as more than 100 players walked in and out of the shop over the duration of competition.

Over the week, our staff was busy from 8am right up to 10pm daily, catering to simple loft/lie adjustments, re-gripping, shaft changes, even to the extent of customizing a new set for Miguel Angel Jimenez. When Jimenez arrived in Malaysia, his clubs were lost somewhere in Europe. Therefore, my partner James Nicholls, staff Wayne Cheah and Subraniam was entrusted with the task of building the Spanish star a new set.

Fortunately, Colin Field of PING was able to supply a set of irons and driver heads, which James put together from scratch. Jimenez also received some help in the form of Malaysian professional Airil Rizman, who gave Jimenez his tour bag and also a three-wood which had his name on it. However, Jimenez had to blackout Airil’s name on the bag to avoid any confusion at the first tee box!

Most players over the Malaysian Open week were exceptionally particular about their grips. Needless to say, the staff on duty that week had injuries like cuts and sprains by the end of the week after changing more than 400 grips.

We have to thank the guys at Golf Pride and Grip Master for sponsoring the grips during the Malaysian Open. Among the star names that sought our services was Irish-star, Padraig Harrington, who was extremely meticulous with his grips, which he changed a few times. Harrington would have his grips installed slightly closed at the butt end, then a little more under the right hand.

When each grip was installed, Harrington would double-check the grip by closing his eyes and feel the grip, before adjusting them into the correct position.

The repair shop became a great meeting place for the players to relax. They also showed their appreciation to our repair staff by making some time for photos with them, and members of the public. Autograph hunters who hung around the shop were also rewarded. Mind you, James was rewarded by the cigar-chomping Spaniard, who gladly parted with one of his prized Cuban cigars for his hard work.