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Golf

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From Fairways to the Ends of the Earth: My Journey in Golf and Photography

I often reflect on how a life in business led me to two unlikely teachers: golf and photography. As the Chief Executive of Paragon Group, I am fully occupied in business operation & expansion. But from my young age, I found solace and inspiration in these two passions. In the 1990s, while expanding our family business into new ventures, I also picked up a golf club and a camera. What started as hobbies soon became lifelines.

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SAVAR GOLF CLUB: A SANCTUARY OF DISCIPLINE, BEAUTY, AND THE GAME OF GOLF

Just beyond the rush of Dhaka’s urban pulse lies a serene golfing sanctuary—Savar Golf Club (SGC). Framed by the natural beauty of Savar Cantonment and nurtured by a culture of discipline and camaraderie, this club is quickly becoming one of the most admired golfing destinations in Bangladesh. For this reason and more, Golf and Beyond is proud to feature Savar Golf Club as the cover story of our third issue.

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Bridging Nations, One Swing at a Time

I leave Dhaka with a wealth of friendship, trust, and a memory. As I sign the scorecard of my assignment, I do so knowing the real value isn’t in the score but in the journey. Golf—and Bangladesh—have taught me that. I leave not just as an ambassador, but as a friend of Bangladesh. Fore! To new beginnings and enduring friendship between Korea and Bangladesh.

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A Little Courage, A Little Support: Bangladesh’s Tomorrow in Golf

As it stands, Siddikur Rahman and Jamal Hossain Mollah have carried Bangladesh’s golf ambitions almost single handedly for the past decade. They have shown what is possible through grit and perseverance. Their journeys – one continuing to fight against the odds, another reaching new heights – together inspire an entire nation’s sporting dreams. Now is the time for Bangladesh to ensure those dreams do not fade. With proper support, the country can produce more Siddikurs and Jamals in the future, writing new chapters in this unlikely success story.

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Diplomacy on the Fairway

Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen is the Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh, appointed on 3 October 2024. Born on 15 March 1969 in Halden, Norway, he holds a law degree (cand.jur.) from the University of Tromsø. He joined the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1997, with diplomatic postings in Damascus (1999–2002) and Pretoria (2006–2007). In 2007, he was appointed State Secretary for International Development. As Ambassador to Bangladesh, he focuses on democracy, human rights, women’s empowerment, climate action, and trade. Norway and Bangladesh have shared diplomatic relations since 1972, with cooperation in development, Rohingya humanitarian support, renewable energy, and education.

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Swings & Strings: My Journey Through Bangladesh

When I first received the invitation to visit Bangladesh — a land I had never been to — I was intrigued, curious, and above all, honoured. The idea was to come as a golf coach, as a member of the World Golf Teachers Federation, and share knowledge with local professionals. But as my journey unfolded, I discovered I was there for something far greater — to build friendships, share cultures, and blend two of my greatest passions: golf and music.

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TGC Evening Shines with Dutch Violinist & World-Renowned Golf Instructor Edmond Fokker

Fokker, a classically trained musician known for his genre-crossing style, mesmerized the audience with a captivating performance at the elegant Crystal Ballroom of the Intercontinental Dhaka. A close friend of the Alternate President of TGC and Dutch Ambassador H.E. Andre Carstens, Edmond impressed guests not only with his music but also with his remarkable journey in both the arts and public service.

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Golf, Diplomacy, and the Art of Patience

March 8th, 2025 Saturday morning was pre-scheduled for a round of golf with H.E. André Carstens, Ambassador of the Netherlands, at Kurmitola Golf Club with the Editor Md. Zahirul Islam of Golf and beyond magazine. Under the crisp morning sky, the Ambassador arrived with a warm smile, ready to take on the course. A relatively new golfer, he has already embraced the sport with enthusiasm, finding parallels between golf and diplomacy—both requiring patience, strategy, and resilience. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey into golf, its impact on his professional life, and how the sport helps bridge cultural and diplomatic gaps.

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