What connections do you see between golf and investing?
For me, entering a tournament is an investment in itself. I have to choose the events I play in wisely in order to give myself the best possible opportunity to do well and succeed. Having a game plan in both golf and investing is extremely important.
When did you start playing?
I started at the age of 12 in Charleston, South Carolina. My dad and uncle took up the game, and I got involved through them. It was very much a family activity. I got down to a five handicap after about a year and I first broke 70 when I was 14.
How often do you play?
If I'm not playing in a tournament I try and play at least three times a week. I like to play on a variety of courses, which is possible to do in and around Shenzhen.
What's been your best ever round?
I once had a 60, which was 12-under, during my college days at a place called Charleston Municipal Golf Course. It was a wild round. I had seven birdies, an eagle and a double eagle (albatross) after I holed my second shot to a par-5. It was a short hole – only around 450 yards or so – and I slam-dunked a sand wedge for a two. I wasn't really keeping track of my score, so I didn't think too much about missing a 15-foot birdie putt on the last. It was only afterwards that I realised that the putt was for a 59!
Do you have a favourite course?
The Hong Kong Golf Club during the week of the Hong Kong Open. I love how they combine holes from the New and Eden courses to create a composite; the condition is always great. At the last Hong Kong Open, which was won by Miguel Angel Jiménez, I made the cut thanks largely to a second round of 67. That was a great thrill. My favourite course outside Hong Kong is the South Course at Torrey Pines in California.
Who would be in your dream fourball?
That's easy – my dad, my uncle and Tiger Woods. I grew up watching Tiger win majors and he's still brilliant to see. I really do idolise him.
How do you maintain focus during a round?
Before I play a tournament round I always come up with a game plan. Maintaining focus can be difficult, and it's what separates the great players from the good ones. When I play I just try and focus on my plan and not let myself get too up or down emotionally.
How would you describe your overall investment philosophy?
I'm quite an attacking player on the golf course – but I'm a bit more conservative when it comes to investing. I definitely see investing as a long term – rather than short term – venture.
What key lessons have you learned through your personal investing experiences?
You need to know what you're getting yourself into, which means you have to have a plan; you have to have done your research. Weighing up the risks versus the potential rewards will give you the best possible opportunity to prosper. But just like in golf, if something doesn't come off as well as you hoped it would, you have to accept the decisions you made that led to that situation.
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