SINGAPORE: This is a golfer’s story. Similar tales have unfolded on the Indian greens. This one comes from across the border, from Pakistan.“My name is Ahmad Baig and I am from Lahore. This week I am playing at the International Series Singapore,” was his humble introduction.For the moment, he shares the stage with Gaganjeet Bhullar at 6-under and tied-5th place at the Sentosa Golf Club’s famed Serapong course, and will be stepping out together in the same group under the Sunday morning sun.The Indian, a winner 11 times on the Asian Tour, scored a 1-over on Saturday. “I’ll keep my head down and spend some time working on my putting,” said Bhullar on another balmy day. “I couldn’t convert a few chances.” Korean Jeongwoo Ham seemed unperturbed by the heat as he stretched his lead to 4 strokes at 13-under.Back to Baig. With his best friend Salman on the bag, Ahmad clocked one of the day’s four eagles for a 4-under 67. It can be lonely on the Tour as he is the only Pakistani around but he has found his group of Indian friends in Bhullar, Pukhraj Singh Gill, Yuvraj Singh, Karandeep Kochhar and Ajeetesh Sandhu. “I meet them every week when we are playing together.”It was SSP Chawrasia who urged him to attempt for a card in Europe. “He says I am such a strong hitter that I should venture there but I want to take it step by step.”For the record, he has a swing speed of 124 miles per hour, ball speed 182, and a driving average of 310 to 315 yards.The 27-year-old’s path into pro golf has been incremental. He turned pro in 2019 and began competing on the Asian Development Tour in 2023. A strong 2024 season, in which he won twice, earned him a card on the Asian Tour for 2025, a status he has since retained.Baig showed an early affinity for the sport because of his brother Usman, who worked as a caddie and a part-time pro, at the Lahore Garrison Greens Golf Club. That got him through the gates, but he didn’t always get out of trouble. “I used to sneak away from school sometimes but my brother told the guards not to let me in. Bahut pitai milta tha (used to get beaten up for that). My family told me not to pursue golf. After all, it is an expensive sport.“Self-taught, he spent hours watching YouTube, seeking to mirror the swings of Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Rory McIlroy. “I used to practice almost every day, 8 to 10 hours. I still don’t have a coach but I do ask my seniors for advice. We have a Pakistan professional tour with around 200 players. There are 70 golf courses and 20-plus are in very good condition. We have 15-16 tournaments every year, and the prize money is enough to sustain life there.“But Baig always had bigger dreams, to tee off with the Rorys and the Brysons. “Last year I had a good chance to play the International Series at DLF.” But visa problems at the Indian embassy in Pakistan scuttled his plans. “I am based out of Jakarta now, as it is easier to travel from there. Hopefully, I get to play the IS in Bengaluru this Oct.”There was talk of his favorite player. “I heard McIlroy is coming to India again. Maybe in future, I get to play with Rory,” he said, building on his dreams. “God willing.”3rd round: -13 Jeongwoo Ham (Kor) 6468-68; -9 Cameron John (Aus) 70-67-67; -8 Tomohiro Ishizaka (Japan) 67-68-70; -7 Julien Sale (France) 70-67-69; -6 Ahmad Baig (Pak) 69-71-67, Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) 67-68-72, Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) 68-66-73. Other Indians: Pukhraj Singh Gill (T45), Karandeep Kochhar (T67).(The writer is in Singapore at the invitation of International Series)
