Timothy Low shares how he segued from a professional golf career into being one of the most recognisable voices in Asia’s golf broadcasting.
I first met Timothy Low when we were paired together at the 2005 Singapore Amateur Open. Even at the tender age of 14, he exuded a polite but confident air – something everyone who has met him since will attest to.
However, life did not begin easily for Timothy. His father passed away from pancreatic cancer when he was just seven years old, and he was raised by his mother, Christina, along with his grandparents.
He recalls that it was his mother who introduced him to golf, “Mum picked up golf after my father passed, and I followed her to the range. After a few visits I told her I could do better.” There’s that confidence for you.
It worked – a set of clubs for his 10th birthday set Timothy on his way. He put those clubs to good use at Warren Country Club, winning several local junior tournaments that earned him a place in 2005 at the Singapore Sports School, where he further developed his game.
After completing national service in 2012, Tim took the leap and turned professional, playing mainly on the Asian Development Tour, as well as a few events in the Middle East and Africa. Success, however, was hard to come by, and apart from one top 10 finish, it was two years of lower- order results. It was time for a rethink, though Timothy readily admits, “I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I knew I still wanted to be in the golf industry.”
TIME FOR TV
While his golf results had not made an impact, his larger- than-life personality certainly had. This led to Timothy being offered the chance to try out as a studio guest for Fox Sports Asia, who were covering the Accenture World Match Play Championship.
“Even though I had never done anything like this before, I said yes,” Tim recounts, adding, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that it’s much easier to say yes first and figure it out later, than live with the what-ifs.”
That bold move paid off, and Tim was offered more studio roles, including working on the Masters with 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell, who remains a good friend today.
The success of these appearances earned Tim a three-year stint with Fox Sports Asia that included anchor roles on over 300 live shows for Fox Sports Central and Fox Sports News. This saw him branch out beyond golf, brushing up on sports such as rugby, basketball and MMA. One of the more bizarre sports he had to cover was the World Hot Dog Eating Championship.
Alongside his Fox Sports duties, Tim also began working with the Asian Tour, LPGA and the Korean and Japanese Ladies Tours in several different roles.
“I was the Swiss Army knife of Asian broadcasting,” he jokes. “Years of saying yes allowed me to be exposed to every single role on a broadcast team – from lead anchor to on- course commentator, post-round interviewer and prize presentation MC.”
I ask Timothy how he became so proficient on air, especially with golf content. “Nobody wrote a book on broadcasting. I learn so much from the people I work with.”
He highlights “the preparation of Dougie Donnelly, how Dom Boulet delivers anecdotes about players and courses, Anthony Kang’s analytical approach and stats, and the professionalism of Jerry Foltz. Mix that all together and it’s a powerful team.”
Today, Timothy works full time in golf broadcasting, both in the booth and, more frequently, as a roving on-course reporter. So how does he prepare for these different roles?
“If it’s lead commentary, I gather information about the country, city, golf club and title sponsor, and decide what the tone of the show should be, I’m basically the narrator or storyteller for the week” he explains. “For the on- course work, it’s describing the shot, pre- and post-hit, telling the viewer what they can’t necessarily see – for example, a player’s body language, the complexities of the shot, the break and grain on the greens. It’s about drawing the viewer in and making them feel like they’re right there with you.”
It’s not easy work walking 18 holes for four days in the typically humid conditions of Asia, though it’s a role Timothy loves. “It’s a privilege to tell a story every week, shining a spotlight on players you care about, introducing them to a global audience.”
As to the most impressive round he has witnessed, “that was Justin Rose when he won the Indonesian Masters in 2017 with a final round of 62.”
Any downsides? Very few, Tim says, though he does mention the marathon play-off at the 2023 St Andrews Bay Championship in Scotland between Matt Jones and Eugenio Chacarra. The duel stretched to 10 extra holes, keeping Timothy on the course for an additional two hours and forty minutes – something he hopes won’t be repeated.
Being inside the ropes every week provides him with a unique behind-the-scenes look. “Their preparation and dedication are amazing,” he explains about the players. “The way they chart a course – distances, green complexes, landing areas. Often, they’ll take 17 or 18 clubs for a practice round to work out what’s needed that week. Is it low or high bounce wedges, a driving iron or a fairway wood? And I get the privilege of getting to know the best golfers in the world. Many have become friends through the years.”
Given his life both playing and commentating, Timothy is well placed to comment on the future of golf. What changes would he like to see?
“More par-3 courses, even 12-hole courses. Golf needs to be quicker,” he states. “The pace of play has been putting people off. Nobody has time for five-hour rounds. For beginners, playing a non-intimidating, shorter course is far more appealing than a 7,500-yard monster, even with nice views.”
And what about LIV? Has it been good for the game?
“Absolutely,” is his immediate reply. “Not only have they challenged the PGA Tour’s monopoly and brought increased dollars into the game, but they’ve also tried to bring golf to a more youthful audience worldwide. Is it perfect? No. But they’re constantly trying to improve their product.”
He adds, “there has never been a time in golfing history when it’s been more exciting to be a player, caddie or broadcaster.”
One area that disappoints him, though, is the low number of spectators who turn up for live tournaments in Singapore compared to other Asian countries. “We just don’t have that strong a sporting culture yet. It’s better than it used to be, but still years away from when we’ll see sizeable crowds at every event.”
On a positive note, he enjoys how players are now much more accessible and willing to engage with fans, both at events and on social media. He even admits to having his own small group of fans and signing autographs and posing for a few selfies.
Talking of players, I ask Timothy for some post-round stories he’s willing to share. He recounts many evenings trying local food accompanied by a few drinks. One memorable night took place in a 3,000 sq ft hotel suite in Qatar that he had been given by mistake. Timothy invited the whole TV crew over providing them with burgers and pizzas while they betted on camel racing on TV.
The gambling theme pops up again in the one player insight he’s prepared to reveal: “Sergio Garcia and I will often play poker together in a hotel room. Sergio is the better poker player, but we’re pretty even in terms of winnings because I’m a bit more reckless.” No surprise there.
Alongside golf broadcasting, Timothy is frequently asked to be the master of ceremony at events, where he is always neatly turned out in his sponsored BOSS attire. While he never shies away from the microphone, he says, “I do limit my emcee activities as they’re often (while) I’m in Singapore and I’d rather spend time with my family.”
AWAY FROM THE MICROPHONE
His dedication to his family shines through. Of his mum, Christina, he says, “I owe so much to her.” Of his grandmother: “At 87 years old she still enjoys a whiskey and watching Man U. She says she can’t pass on until Manchester United wins the Premier League. I tell her she’ll have to live to 150.”
When we start talking about his wife, Tania, and his two sons – Tristan, aged four, and Triton, aged one – the confident personality disappears, and I detect a misty eye. “People will never truly understand how much of a rock Tania has been in our family to allow me to do what I do for a living.” Could there be another golfer in the Low family? “Tania took up golf when we were dating, now followed by Tristan.” Timothy is mindful, however, not to be an overbearing parent or force his love of the game on his wife or son. “The fastest way to get a divorce is to teach your wife golf,” he jokes. As for Tristan’s game, he wishes his son would slow down at the range. “Along with a flamboyant swing, he hits 100 balls in the time most people hit just 30.” The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. What about Timothy’s own golf game? “Everyone assumes I get to play loads since I’m in the industry, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. I might play once a month, maybe a little more now as I sometimes join the Monday night golf at Orchid and occasionally bring the clubs on the road for a match with my commentary colleagues. It’s always tough when your hobby becomes your job, but at least shooting 80 now only costs me a few dollars in bets.”
My final question, how does Timothy want to be remembered? He pauses and says with a smile, “I’d like to be remembered as someone who didn’t start out as one but turned into a solid broadcaster. And most importantly, I just want to be remembered as a good human being who wasn’t afraid to have a good time along the way. Like golf, laying up is often the right play but going for that shot or for the green in two and taking on the adventure that follows is so much more fun.”
There’s that polite confidence back.
