The story of golf's development in Bangladesh is inseparable from the history of Kurmitola Golf Club (KGC). Few people have witnessed that journey as closely as Asu Mia, the club's longest-serving caddie, who joined KGC in 1968 during the Pakistan era. Over nearly six decades, he has seen the club evolve from a modest golf course into one of South Asia's premier golfing destinations.
The Kurmitola he remembers was vastly different from today's bustling cityscape. The surrounding areas of Banani and Gulshan were largely open countryside, dotted with villages, bushes, and vacant land. Amid this quiet landscape, Kurmitola Golf Club gradually began to establish itself.
"When I joined, there were only about 30 to 35 caddies, and only a handful of members came to play each day," Asu Mia recalls. "Today, the club has around 600 caddies, while the number of members and golfers has increased many times over. Golf is no longer confined to a small elite circle. People from different professions, both at home and abroad, now regularly play here."
He describes the period following Bangladesh's Liberation War as the club's most challenging chapter. During the war, much of the course was left unattended and gradually became overgrown. In the years that followed, extensive efforts were undertaken to clear the land, plant new grass and trees, and restore the course through systematic maintenance.
According to Asu Mia, the club entered a new phase of development under the stewardship of the Bangladesh Army. Modern course management techniques, improved turf quality, landscaping, irrigation systems, and international maintenance standards transformed the course. New trees replaced ageing ones, superior turf varieties were introduced, and the overall environment became more scenic and golfer-friendly.
He believes one of the most remarkable changes has been the growing popularity of golf itself. During the Pakistan era, opportunities to play were largely limited to a select group. Over time, however, the sport has become increasingly accessible, attracting a new generation of golfers, corporate professionals, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.
Throughout his long career, Asu Mia has accompanied countless local and international dignitaries, senior military officials, diplomats, and renowned golfers. Among the most memorable experiences was serving as a caddie for former Pakistan Prime Minister and World Cup-winning cricket captain Imran Khan during one of his visits to the club.
He also takes immense pride in the professionalism of KGC's caddies. In his view, they now meet international standards in both technical knowledge and service quality. Many foreign golfers have praised their professionalism, course knowledge, and dedication, often describing KGC's caddies as one of Bangladesh's greatest strengths in golf.
Reflecting on nearly sixty years of service, Asu Mia believes the transformation of Kurmitola Golf Club extends far beyond infrastructure. It mirrors the remarkable growth of golf in Bangladesh itself. What was once a quiet course visited by only a few golfers has grown into an internationally recognised venue capable of hosting prestigious tournaments and welcoming players from around the world.
Still Walking the Fairways at 75
At 75 years of age, Asu Mia continues to report for duty at the golf course every morning. Guiding a golfer through an 18-hole round requires walking the entire course for approximately four to five hours. Because of his age, he now usually works one round a day, although he occasionally takes on a second round when needed. His daily income comes from the club's caddie fees as well as gratuities from golfers.
There is no fixed retirement age for caddies at Kurmitola Golf Club. As long as he remains physically fit, Asu Mia intends to continue doing what he has loved for almost six decades.
With a warm smile, he says, "The day I can no longer walk the course is the day I'll put down my caddie bag. Until then, Kurmitola Golf Club will always be my home."
