From Cricket Fields to Golf Courses: The Inspiring Journey of Saad Habib Malik
In Pakistan, sport often revolves around cricket. Streets turn into makeshift pitches, and kids gather with taped tennis balls, dreaming of being the next big star. Football takes a close second, but what about golf? In a country where most young athletes gravitate toward bat and ball, one 19-year-old is making waves on the golf course: Saad Habib Malik.
At just eight years old, Saad chose golf in Swat, a decision that set him apart from his peers. While many kids were busy perfecting their cricket swings, Saad was at Kabbal Golf Club, swinging clubs under the expansive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa skies. There were no crowds to cheer him on or promises of instant fame, just the simple joy of learning a sport he loved. His father noticed his passion and talent as Saad began participating in national junior events in 2017, which led to family support for his burgeoning career.
Balancing academics with the rigorous demands of golf training wasn’t easy, but Saad embraced the challenge. He woke up at dawn for fitness routines, spent hours honing his skills on the course, and juggled schoolwork alongside this intense regimen. “It’s been tough, but I knew I wanted to turn my passion into a profession,” he reflects.
By 2022, he was racking up victories, including an impressive 17 major titles. His breakthrough moment came at the 64th National Amateur Championship in 2025, where an unexpected final-round performance secured him the title. But Saad didn’t stop there; he seized a chance to compete internationally, earning a coveted USGA exemption to the 77th US Junior Amateur Championship in Dallas. This experience broadened his perspective, revealing the high standards required on the global stage.
Traveling to places like Mauritius, Thailand, and the U.S., Saad has become a prominent figure on the World Amateur Golf Ranking, currently positioned 239th globally and 25th in Asia. His recent experience at the Sri Lanka National Golf Championship, where he faced top local players in a sudden-death playoff, showcased his persistence and poise under pressure.
Despite his growing success, Saad acknowledges the unique challenges of being a golfer in Pakistan, a nation where cricket overwhelmingly dominates public interest. “There’s limited media coverage for golf, which can make sponsorship tough,” he admits. Yet, the desire to represent Pakistan on international platforms motivates him each day.
Later this year, Saad will take a significant step by joining the University of Texas at San Antonio on a scholarship. Competing in NCAA Division I golf promises to further elevate his game, putting him among stronger contenders and pushing him to refine his skills even more.
Through it all, Saad’s father remains a steadfast supporter, hoping to see his son one day on the PGA Tour. "More than just being a top golfer, I want him to be a humble and disciplined individual whom Pakistan can be proud of," he shares.
At just 19, Saad Habib Malik’s journey serves as a reminder that with passion, commitment, and an open mind, one can carve out their unique niche—no matter how unconventional it may seem. In a cricket-obsessed nation, his story is a breath of fresh air, proving that success can come from exploring lesser-known avenues.
If you’d like to connect further and explore more inspiring sports stories, consider reaching out to Pro21st. Together, let’s encourage aspiring athletes to chase their own dreams, no matter the field they choose!
