An ordinary person would have probably given up on life but Shaaban Hussin is no quitter.
The former national golfer has rebuilt his life after a horrific motorcycle accident three years ago and is dedicating his life to developing future champions.
“I have my own training programme called the Shaaban Hussin Intensive Training Programme (SHITP) and I get a lot of support from Seri Selangor Golf Club and also Monterez Golf & Country Club,” says Shaaban, whose left leg had to be amputated from the knee down following the accident.
“They let me use their facilities for free and I, in turn, do not charge exorbitant fees for my training programme as I want to make sure as many golfers as possible can benefit.
“I offer tailored personal coaching catering to golfers of all levels but my training is of high intensity. Even the juniors are treated as professionals as I do not want them to take it easy.”
Shaaban says he has got a lot of support from sponsors and has developed his own line of merchandise to further sustain his training centres. Among the items he has produced are caps, notebooks, umbrellas and drinking bottles.
Proceeds from his autobiography ‘Shaaban Hussin Jatuh Bangun Seorang Juara’ are also used to fund his development plans.
Shaaban is signing copies of his book on the sidelines of the Maybank Championship starting today until Sunday at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.
Separately, Shaaban says he hopes there will be big changes at the next Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) elections in June.
“I’m a product of MGA and the National Sports Council. But lately, MGA has not been doing much for development,” laments Shaaban.
“The many people I have spoken to have nothing good to say about the office bearers and I can understand their frustrations.”
“I want to help change MGA and make them better. Just like the days when they helped me become a professional golfer but the time is not right for me to step in.
“I want to develop my centre first. I have been travelling to several schools as well to see how I can help.
He said there were many children who want to pick up golf but there is no support from MGA.
“I’m doing what I can for development. Perhaps one day I will challenge for a position in MGA.”
Shaaban’s work is bearing fruit as four golfers who underwent SHITP – Mohamad Danish Mohamad Rizal (13), Nur Ain Qistina Nazarudin (13), Wan Hasnul Daniel Wan Omar Zahdi (14) and Muhammad Irfan Muhammad Rafiq Paramjit (15) – were selected to play in the pro-am event of the Maybank Championship.
“It was a proud moment for me. It is a good first step for my centre.”
