GOLF & INVESTING | 5 MINUTES WITH ...
Jason Kwok For golfers and investors out there, you might find golf and investing share a lot of similar attributes. In this, the fifth in a series of interviews presented by Charles Schwab, Hong Kong, Ltd., Jason Kwok – the head professional at Discovery Bay Golf Club – talks about how he started playing, his love of Spyglass Hill and the lessons he’s learned through his investing experiences. What connections do you see between golf and investing? Golf and investing both require a similar approach to achieving success. A good round of golf is usually the result of having a solid game plan, but you must be able to adjust and adapt when things don’t go according to that plan. The same applies to investing. I have learned to develop a strategy when it comes to investing to help achieve my financial goals. Both golf and investing also require calmness and discipline. Learning to limit losses and maximise gains is invaluable in both endeavours. When did you start playing? When I was nine. My father was a member at a country club in New York State, Mount Kisco in Westchester County, and I joined a summer golf camp there. We moved back to Hong Kong the following year and I got involved with the summer programmes at the Hong Kong Golf Club. I became a single figure handicapper at the age of 13. How often do you play? Two or three times a week. I’m still a member at Fanling and play there quite often. I also have a regular game at Discovery Bay on Wednesdays. I have been struggling with injuries over the past few years, so I don’t play in competitive events as much as before, but I still enjoy it. What’s been your best ever round? In 2003, I shot a 65 round the CW Koiner Course (#1) at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena, California. I only had one bogey that day and made a lot of putts. My best round in Hong Kong was a 64 I had over the New Course at Fanling. I was playing with Dr Brian Choa and got to sevenunder through 13 holes. I really wasn’t thinking too much. Then, when I realised my score, I choked my way in, thanks to a bogey on the 16th.
Who would you be in your dream fourball? That’s easy. Jack Nicklaus, because he was my first golfing hero; Ben Hogan, because his swing is what I base my teaching on; and Annika Sorenstam, because she seems so cool. How do you maintain focus during a round? It’s hard to keep focused solely on golf for the entire time you’re out on the course, but I play my best when I’m able to get into tunnel vision mode for the minute it takes to prepare for the shot and make my swing. How would you describe your overall investment philosophy? I am relatively conservative at this point in my career – a solid return on minimal risk is my principal. In the not too distant future I would like to achieve a reasonable monthly income from my investment portfolio. What key lessons have you learned through your personal investing experiences? The most important lesson is being able to limit your losses. I’ve also learned that a falling market still represents good investment opportunities. Conversely, I don’t allow myself to get too excited when the market is f lourishing. Sometimes this is the best time to head to the sidelines after making a healthy profit.
AFP
Do you have a favourite course? Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach, California (pictured). I love how the nature of the course changes – the first few holes play close to the ocean amid sand dunes and then it takes you inland and you play among giant redwood trees. It’s like a different world. Robert Trent Jones, Sr designed
Spyglass and he defined the holes really well. The course rewards a good shot but you can certainly get into trouble.
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