The swinging executive

Title

Language

English

Year

1970

Subject

Golfers—Philippines

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Abstract

Unlike most golf-bugs who started early in the sport, Fred Jeanjaquet did not learn how to swing a club until he was transferred to the Manila office a few years back. But he quickly caught on as attested by over a dozen trophies.

Fulltext

THE SWINGING EXECUTIVE RED Jeanjaquet belongs to the swinging set — not the group that stays up swinging till the wee hours of the morning, but with the group that swings at the crack of dawn during weekends on the green trying to beat the par, or improving handicaps. "I'm classified as a week-end golfer," drawls Fred in his soft, clear voice. He admits, however, that he sneaks in a game or two whenever he can during holidays. Unlike most golf-bugs who started early in the sport, Fred Jeanjaquet did not learn how to swing a club until he was transferred to the Manila office a few years back. But he quickly caught on as attested by over a dozen trophies. By nature a sportsman, Fred plays football, basketball and tennis. He is a good swimmer and an avid hunter, but until his association with Getty Oil, he never played golf. Motivated by group influence, he bought a set of golf clubs and started practice swings. He enjoyed this sport very much and soon became an avid golfer. There is a sudden glow on Fred's face as he recalls winning his first trophy. "I won it in 1964, at the inter-Company competitions. That was the very first tournament I entered." The fact that he beat the field of more experienced golfers affirms his decision to improve in his new-found sport. He kept on improving his style and his swing, ever since. To do this, he joined the Capitol Hills, Fort Bonifacio, and UP Tee Jots Golf Clubs. He is a member of the exclusive group called "As Is, Where Is." "Actually, the group merely plays the game more strictly than usual," Fred explains. "Whereas in normal play, if your ball lands, say behind a tree or atop some dry twigs, you may take a penalty stroke. But with the 'As Is, Where Is' players, you hit the ball wherever it lands." The self-imposed restriction forces one to be careful in his strokes; it also trains him to get out of difficult situations without assistance. As a member of the Manila Lions Club, Fred participates in the monthly tournaments of the Philippine Lions Golf Association (PLGA). He has improved his rating from C to B in this tournament, and is now on his way to Class A. At the UP Tee Jots however, he has improved from Class D to Class A. Fred points out that contrary to popular belief, golf is not an expensive game. The only substantial investment required is the purchase of equipment. As soon as this is accomplished, one can enjoy the sport no more expensive than tennis. Counting the benefits one gets — physical, mental, and moral — one is well rewarded. Elaborating further, Fred points out that walking around the course to complete 18 holes, with fresh air and morning sunshine, equals any exercise to preserve one's physical constitution. And the serene atmosphere, away from the rush-rush environment of city life, affords one appreciation of the beauty of nature and serves as relaxation to the mentally depressed business executive. 15 16

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