A decade has passed since sports journalist Atique Anam last sat down with TheGolfHouse. His recollection of the magazine’s early days is vivid. That was an era marked by excitement, pressure and the rise of golf as a headline-worthy sport in Bangladesh. He was part of the team that helped shape the voice of the magazine during its formative years, navigating deadlines, breaking new ground, and discovering the world of golf from the inside. In this conversation, he reflects on the challenges, the evolution of the sport, and the legacy TheGolfHouse continues to build.
The launch of our first edition was undoubtedly a challenge, but it remains one of my proudest achievements. We successfully executed such a significant project in a remarkably short time. Since then, we have hit many milestones. TheGolfHouse started as a small family, but it has since grown into a larger community.
What challenges did you face when the first edition was released?
There weren’t many challenges, although the deadline was quite demanding. We needed to cover our regular events for the magazine, and since I worked at a newspaper, I had my own responsibilities to fulfill by reporting on additional events. This meant I had to go out, conduct interviews, and cover everything happening on a daily basis. Publishing the magazine on time was crucial, and there was certainly a lot on my plate during that period. I wasn’t alone in this; Nazrul Hosen Ayon, the founder and the editor of TheGolfHouse magazine made the most significant contributions. I collaborated with him, providing support wherever it was needed.
How would you like to describe the moment when TheGolfHouse was officially launched?
To be honest, it’s been a challenge to conceptualize a magazine focused solely on golf or sports, and that challenge persists after a decade. We owe a lot to the dedicated individuals driving this initiative. In our country, there is certainly a wealth of sports and news outlets.
When TheGolfHouse first arrived in Bangladesh,
the country lacked a dedicated golf magazine. We take pride in being the first and only exclusive golf publication in the nation, launching in 2015.
Crafting a magazine that truly engages readers and grows in popularity is no small feat. Those behind it has certainly faced their share of hardships and triumphs.
What are your thoughts on the editorial tone and writing style of GolfHouse’s first edition?
Our experience with golf was limited. Siddikur Raman captured the Asian Tour title in 2010 and then again in 2011 in India. This sparked a growing interest in golf among the general public. In our country, golf was primarily a sport enjoyed in cantonments. Its rise in popularity brought with it a newfound awareness. However, many still viewed golf as a time-consuming sport, far removed from their daily lives. We aimed to tell the stories of emerging golfers like Siddikur Raman and Jamal Hossein, highlighting their journeys and aspirations.
Do you think you got to know more about golf when you started writing the first edition?
Absolutely. As I mentioned earlier, golf wasn’t widely embraced in our country. The popular sports that dominated conversations in the media were cricket, football, and hockey. Golf was relatively unknown to both the general public and journalists alike. However, when Siddikur Raman began to excel in the sport, it sparked an interest among journalists, who started to dive deeper into the world of golf. It was a learning process for us all. We became acquainted with various golfers, learned about their journeys to different countries, and gained insights into the golfing landscape in our own nation. We discovered who the key players were in golf and which backgrounds the golfers hailed from. We focused on these aspects, and while it took time, we ended up gaining a wealth of knowledge from it.
How do you reflect on TheGolfHouse’s journey over the past decade?
First, I must acknowledge Nazrul Hosen Ayon’s dedication and hard work which is remarkable. As I’ve said, maintaining a sports magazine in our country is no easy feat, but he has refused to throw in the towel. There have been numerous challenges along the way, too many to discuss in detail here. We encountered various obstacles at different times, but we managed to overcome them. Challenges still exist, but I believe the magazine will continue to flourish in the next decade. Our knowledge of golf has matured and evolved, expanding even to social media platforms. The nature of our challenges has shifted; while the hurdles we faced in the past were different, the current landscape brings its own set of complexities.
How did TheGolfHouse help to develop the golf culture in Bangladesh?
When TheGolfHouse first arrived in Bangladesh, the country lacked a dedicated golf magazine. We take pride in being the first and only exclusive golf publication in the nation, launching in 2015. Although others have since entered the scene,
Nazrul Hosen Ayon, the founder and the editor of TheGolfHouse magazine, made the most significant contributions. I collaborated with him, providing support wherever it was needed.
I’m not sure anyone has managed to maintain the same level of quality as TheGolfHouse. Running a golf magazine is no easy feat; it’s not only about the game itself but also about the lifestyle of the players, the efforts of the administrators, and the diverse topics that can be explored from multiple perspectives. Golf enthusiasts still have a strong desire for content that resonates with them.
Reflecting on your editorial journey with TheGolfHouse, what stands out as your proudest moment?
The launch of our first edition was undoubtedly a challenge, but it remains one of my proudest achievements. We successfully executed such a significant project in a remarkably short time. Since then, we have hit many milestones. TheGolfHouse started as a small family, but it has since grown into a larger community. Each year, we celebrate our anniversary, making it a major event that brings us joy. I’m thrilled with all we’ve accomplished and look forward to seeing TheGolfHouse gain even more popularity in the future.
What message do you want to convey to TheGolfHouse readers, publishers, and contributors?
When we interviewed the administrators of TheGolfHouse, we posed the same question to them. My response remains unchanged. Our goal is to make TheGolfHouse accessible to everyday people. As you know, golf can be a costly and time-consuming sport. Therefore, we need to focus on promoting TheGolfHouse effectively. I would also like to extend my apologies to the corporate sponsors. In the past, we had the Asian Tour, PGTI, and the Asian Development Tour in Bangladesh, but in the last couple of years, the trend has shifted somehow. I am hopeful that we can return to the positive trajectory we once had. TheGolfHouse will once again find its place.
Managing Editor, TheGolfHouse
