This is the first “Quick Nine” featuring Legends of Hong Kong Golf. This month we take a look at David Largent who, apart from being able to hit his 3 iron further than the large majority of golfers hit their drivers, helps run Sports Life Asia. Read on to find out more about this legend of Hong Kong golf!
1. Tell us how you started your golf business…
I have always been fortunate to work in a business which I love. Previously it was the music business, but after I picked up golf, and realized that the music business was no longer a career option, I decided to work in the golf business. I saw that there were many products in the market that I wanted as a golfer, so the best thing I could think of was to start a company selling the great golf products that I could not get anywhere else- and that were also suitable for the Hong Kong & China golfers.
2. Tell us about your golf game?
I started playing since the year 2000. I went to the San Diego Golf Academy in 2001 to gain some golf business knowledge and started as an 18 handicap. That’s when I met my business partner, Edmond Wu. 18 months later I graduated with honors and a 6 handicap which got me the most improved golfer award for my class. I was able to get down to a 3 handicap a couple years later but then got stuck back as a 6 for many years. But after not playing or practicing the last couple years, I’m probably a 10 handicap on a good day now. I’m looking to get back into practicing more and getting my handicap down again. It’s just a matter of being able to play and practice as you quickly lose that little edge of being able to save that extra shot here and there.
3. Best and worst thing to happen to you on the golf course?
Best was a double eagle on the first hole of KSC North with a driver and then six iron. It was from the white tees in a tournament, so absolutely verified. The tournament director saw it go in. The worst?… I can’t think of any. I’m always happy to be playing golf and cherish every opportunity.
4. Best and worst foursome? (What 3 other players would be in your dream foursome and what 3 players would be in your nightmare foursome).
Best would be Ben Hogan, Tiger Woods and Seve Ballesteros. That’s a very mixed bag! The worst is anyone who complains about anything… I don’t care who they are. Golf is difficult as it is, just go find it and hit it again!
5. If you could hang out with just one PGA or LPGA Tour player for a day, it’d be…? And what do you do/where do you take them in Hong Kong if golf is not an option?!
That’s a hard one to call. It’s difficult to really know what these players are like in ‘real life’ so even though they seem like interesting people on TV (or not interesting people), they may be totally opposite when you have to spend time with them all day. But I’d definitely take them to eat locally as it’s the best way to experience the culture and people of Hong Kong. A great meal beats sightseeing any day.
6. If you could play just one golf course for the rest of your life, it’d be…
Somewhere with no houses around. Bandon Dunes and many of the courses I’ve played in Ireland come close. I’m sure there’s many more like that elsewhere in Scotland and around the world which I hope to still visit and play. My list is still long. It’s really the natural environment and not the fact it is famous or not. It’s just me and nature… and that’s enough for me to enjoy with my golf buddies.
7. Favorite golf hole in Hong Kong?
Besides my Double Eagle being special, the first hole of KSC North course has always captivated me as I love the view and layout from the tee box.
8. People should visit your golf business because…
We actually use the products we sell. We’re golfers too and appreciate the things that really are not a waste of money, and there are a lot of those in golf.
9. Tell us anything else about yourself and your business that you want people to know.
I feel to be successful you need to do things that you enjoy and for the enjoyment and benefit of others. Everything my partner, Edmond, and I have done has followed that philosophy. Sometimes we can’t carry some items we like as they’re really too hard to sell, but we’ve made exceptions in the past if it was a good product we believed in. We have seen how many companies just carry ‘line items’ out of their catalog but really don’t know what they have or that they actually believe the product is good. Maybe that’s why were still around and many others are not.
The golf market in HK has dropped the last few years and we’ve expanded to online sales at www.SportsLifeAsia.com to fill in some gaps where golfers can’t find what they want as the stores are not carrying very much selection. It’s a shame as there are many very good golf shops in HK with very good and experienced staff who know what they are doing. We want them to be successful and urge HK golfers to please visit them. Especially with custom fitting, it’s the best thing you can do for your game regardless of your handicap. And buy good golf stuff!
