Three Generations, One Fairway

How Golf Strengthen Bonding of Sagir Family

Golf is often described as a game of patience, discipline, and character. For the Sagir family, it is far more than that. It is a bridge between generations, a shared passion, and a meaningful family tradition that has brought grandfather, father, and son onto the same fairway.

In this exclusive conversation with TheGolfHouse, retired Group Captain Sagir Ahmed, his son Asif Sagir of MGI, and seven-year-old junior golfer Umair Zidam Asif share their remarkable golfing journey, family values, and dreams for the future.

Golf is often described as a game that connects generations. How did this journey begin for your family?

Group Captain Sagir Ahmed (Retd.):
Interestingly, golf was never part of my childhood dreams. I first came across the game during my training in the United States Air Force, where many senior officers played regularly. At that time, I admired the sport from a distance and promised myself that one day, if circumstances allowed, I would take it up.

That opportunity came later in my Air Force career, when I was posted in Chattogram as a Wing Commander. Once I stepped onto the golf course, I realised golf was much more than a sport. It offered peace of mind, physical well-being, personal development, and meaningful social interaction.

As a father, I wanted my son to benefit from those same values. Initially, Asif came to golf simply because I encouraged him. But over time, he genuinely fell in love with the game. Seeing him now introduce his own son to golf is deeply fulfilling.

Having three generations connected through golf is truly special. What does that mean to your family?

Group Captain Sagir Ahmed (Retd.):
In today’s world, family members are often physically close but emotionally distant. Everyone is occupied with studies, careers, responsibilities, and digital distractions. Golf changed that for us.

The golf course gives us common ground. It allows three generations to spend quality time together, share conversations, laugh, learn, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Golf has reduced the generation gap within our family. It has strengthened our bond in a way very few activities could.

Golf has reduced the generation gap within our family. It has strengthened our bond in a way very few activities could.

How does it feel to see both your son and grandson embracing the game?

Group Captain Sagir Ahmed (Retd.):
It is difficult to express in words. Many people at my stage of life feel isolated because their children are busy with their own worlds. I feel incredibly blessed because golf keeps us connected.

Playing alongside my son and grandson, walking through nature together, sharing moments on the course—these are priceless experiences. It is not just about golf. It is about family, companionship, and continuity.

Mr. Asif, was golf introduced to you by your father, or did your passion develop independently?

Asif Sagir:
I was actually a tennis player in my younger days and thoroughly enjoyed the sport. My father was the one who consistently encouraged me to try golf. Initially, I stepped onto the course mainly to make him happy.

Leadership requires composure, communication, stress management, and interpersonal skills. Golf quietly develops all of these qualities.

But gradually, I discovered what a remarkable game it is. Golf teaches patience, strategy, emotional control, and discipline. Over time, it became a true passion, and naturally, I wanted my son to experience the same journey.

Umair is just seven and already holds a handicap. How did his golfing journey begin?

Asif Sagir:
Golf became a natural part of his environment because he saw both his father and grandfather playing regularly. He was exposed to the sport early, and curiosity turned into genuine enthusiasm.

We have always wanted to keep it enjoyable while encouraging discipline and gradual improvement. His progress has been remarkable, but the focus remains on helping him love the game first.

Umair, what do you enjoy most about golf?

Umair Zidam Asif:
Golf is fun because it is challenging. I like learning new shots and trying to play better every time.

Who do you enjoy playing with more—your father or your grandfather?

Umair Zidam Asif:
Both. My father teaches me technique, and my grandfather inspires me.

What lessons has golf taught your family beyond the fairways?

Group Captain Sagir Ahmed (Retd.):
Golf is a character-building platform. It teaches patience, emotional control, resilience, discipline, and respect. It also develops social confidence and decision-making abilities.

Golf helps build discipline, patience, social skills, confidence, and resilience. It shapes well-rounded individuals, not just athletes.

In professional life, success is not determined solely by academic qualifications. Leadership requires composure, communication, stress management, and interpersonal skills. Golf quietly develops all of these qualities.

As a father, what values do you hope your son learns through golf?

Asif Sagir:
Discipline, patience, humility, confidence, and respect. Golf teaches children how to handle both disappointment and success gracefully. Those are life lessons that go far beyond sport.

Do you see reflections of yourself in your grandson?

Group Captain Sagir Ahmed (Retd.):
Naturally, every grandfather sees part of himself in his grandson. But as a golfer, I want him to surpass me completely. My dream is to see him become a stronger player, represent Bangladesh, and make the family proud.

Is there one golfing memory involving all three generations that stands out?

Group Captain Sagir Ahmed (Retd.):
Absolutely. One unforgettable moment came during an Air Force Golf League round at an island green. My son successfully found the green. I, unfortunately, sent my ball into the water—twice.

Then came my grandson’s turn. Despite the pressure, he calmly struck his shot closest to the pin. The joy and confidence on his face remain one of my happiest golfing memories.

Bangladesh needs more young golfers. What would you say to parents considering introducing their children to golf?

Asif Sagir:
Children today need more time outdoors, closer to nature, and away from screens. Golf helps build discipline, patience, social skills, confidence, and resilience. It shapes well-rounded individuals, not just athletes.

If all three of you could play one dream round anywhere in the world, where would it be?

The Family:
Augusta National. That would be the dream.

Umair, what is your dream in golf?

Umair Zidam Asif:
I want to play on the PGA Tour, represent Bangladesh, and become one of the best golfers in the world.

I want to play on the PGA Tour, represent Bangladesh, and become one of the best golfers in the world.

Finally, what does golf mean to your family in one sentence?

Group Captain Sagir Ahmed (Retd.):
Golf is a way of life that strengthens family bonds across generations.

Asif Sagir:
Golf is one of the top priorities in our family life.

Umair Zidam Asif:
Golf is fun and full of challenges.