By Marlynda Meraw
Anson Yeo Boon Xiang, an 18-year-old golfer from Kuching, Sarawak, has always been drawn to the gentle hum of golf carts and the quiet rustle of leaves on the golf course.
Anson made his debut in the Malaysian Games (Sukma) XXI Sarawak 2024, where he clinched a gold in the individual event and a silver in the team event. Reflecting on this, he felt a deep sense of pride.
“For my first Sukma, this is good. I’m quite happy and proud because it was in my homeland.”
The home advantage in Sarawak felt like a return to his roots, where he trained as a young boy; the memories of night practices were still fresh in his mind.
However, his journey to this moment has not been without its twists and turns. Initially set to compete in the Sukma 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, Anson found himself instead in the United States, representing Malaysia in the prestigious Junior Presidents Cup. It was a daunting decision, yet one that opened a new chapter in his life, as he earned two and a half crucial points for his team.
A childhood in golf
Anson’s love affair with golf began at a young age, inspired by his father’s passion for the sport. His older brother was also in it, which encouraged his participation, and when Anson hit the range, he immediately fell in love with golf.
From there, Anson’s journey was marked by countless hours on the fairways, his small hands gripping a club that seemed large to him.
“Every day, when it was nighttime, I would go and practice,” he recalled, describing a childhood where the golf course became a second home.
His father, a constant figure by his side, recognised the spark in his young son’s eyes and invested everything into nurturing his talent.
“My dad supports me a lot, invested in me, and has always been there for me,” Anson shared with a smile, expressing deep gratitude for his father’s unwavering trust.
From range to recognition
Anson quickly progressed from a boy merely hitting balls to a young athlete with immense potential, starting competitive golf at just seven years old. It was a defining moment when he realised golf could be more than just a pastime—it could be his life’s career.
As his skills grew sharper, so did his recognition on the greens. He began to sense the ripple of respect his presence inspired on the course—a quiet nod here, a watchful glance there. Each stroke, each swing, seemed to carve his name a little deeper into the golfing world.
It was a proud moment for Anson, not merely because his name was being spoken with admiration but because that admiration was rooted in something far more meaningful—an acknowledgement of his talent, his unyielding dedication, and his profound love for the sport.
It was this recognition that filled him with happiness, a deep contentment that went beyond the applause, knowing that his passion was seen, felt, and honoured by others who understood the beauty of the game.
The solitude of fairways
The path of a golfer is often one walked in solitude, where the loneliness of a green can be both a blessing and a burden—a place of peace yet also where silence amplifies self-doubt. There were days when he had the company of friends, but with most moving on and furthering their studies, Anson often found himself moving from one hole to the next on his own.
These quiet moments, however, are essential. It’s in these stretches of solitude that he refines his game, where every swing is a dialogue between his mind and body; each step towards the next hole is a journey of self-discovery.
“It (playing alone) can be good because you can train without distractions,” Anson said thoughtfully. However, he also enjoys having company as it helps him evaluate his performance against his friends.
Lessons from the links
Over the years, Anson, who is presently a former student of Borneo International School, has come to realise that golf, much like life, is a lesson in humility. The sport has taught him the value of perseverance—the necessity of grinding day in and day out, even when the odds seem insurmountable, even when the skies seem to darken with doubt.
There was a time when he thought of quitting, about stepping away from the game that had consumed so many of his years. But how could he? How could he abandon the path he had carved with so much sweat and sacrifice? With great momentum at his back, there seemed no point in stopping. His determination remained unwavering, fuelled by a personal drive to succeed and a profound sense of duty to honour his father’s sacrifices.
Throughout Anson’s journey, his father has been a pillar of strength and support, a constant presence on the sidelines whose belief never faltered. His father encouraged him to leave the past as the past and focus on the future, and his steadfast dedication instilled in Anson a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. Every word of encouragement, every nod of approval, was a reminder that he was not alone—that he was playing for something greater than himself.
In the world of golf, Anson has found more than just a sport. He has found a calling, a purpose, and a way to connect with the world around him. Golf symbolises more than youthful ambition; it embodies the power of passion and love—both for the game and for the family that stands steadfastly behind him.
As he steps off the course, Anson knows that every play is a step toward a future that, while uncertain, is bright with promise. And in that promise lies a world built not just on victories but on the unwavering belief that with every new day comes another chance to swing for the stars. — DayakDaily
