Veteran Diver Braves Water Hazards for Sunken Golf Treasure

After two decades of defending his country as a navy frogman, 51-year-old Sumadi Ibrahim has traded in his scuba gear for golf balls. Retired in 2014, the former Royal Malaysian Navy soldier now dives into water hazards on suburban fairways, retrieving mis-hit balls and selling them back to golfers for a living.

From the Sea to the Greens

Sumadi, who served on ships patrolling the Pacific archipelago, could have chosen a more conventional life after leaving the military. But his seafaring days haven’t entirely come to a close. With his eyes adjusted to the dark and his hands “wiper”-trained, he finds himself drawn to the cold, dark waters of the golf course, where palm thorns, debris, and snail shells often lurk.

Underwater Domain

For three nights a week, Sumadi wades into the darkness, using no breathing equipment and no flashlight. When his hands come into contact with a ball or other object, he can tell without a second thought. By stuffing the balls down his long-sleeve shirt, he collects his reward – sometimes hundreds of golf balls at a time. His hauls are as varied as they are surprising: Titleist, Nike, and Callaway golf balls, among others, bobbing up and down in his shirt like trophies.

A Lucrative Gig

Sumadi’s take-home pay, up to RM8,000 each month, is nearly three times the average monthly salary of formally employed Malaysians. His days of sea duty may be behind him, but he’s always been drawn to the allure of the deep – this time, with a far more lucrative twist.

Adding to Sustainability

The sport of golf has long been criticised for its environmental impact – the clearing of wildlands for lawns, water usage, and waste accumulation. Sumadi doesn’t claim to be an environmentalist, but by retrieving thousands of plastic and rubber golf balls, he is making a small contribution to sustainability.

A Valued Resource

Among Sumadi’s customers is businessman Gilbert Tan, a regular player at the course. “As you know, plastics are not biodegradable. So with me purchasing recycled balls, I’m doing my part to help the environment,” said the 30-year-old.

A Call to Adventure

Sumadi may miss the call of the sea, but diving for golf balls has taken its place as his adventure of choice. “I treat the golf course as my own home,” he says, proud of his domain. “I’ll keep diving as long as I can.”

Conclusion

Sumadi’s story serves as a testament to the power of adaptation and entrepreneurship. In a world where golfing and diving are often distant pursuits, the former Navy frogman has found common ground, where his past and present blend together seamlessly.