March 8th, 2025 Saturday morning was pre-scheduled for a round of golf with H.E. André Carstens, Ambassador of the Netherlands, at Kurmitola Golf Club with the Editor Md. Zahirul Islam of Golf and Beyond magazine. Under the crisp morning sky, the Ambassador arrived with a warm smile, ready to take on the course. A relatively new golfer, he has already embraced the sport with enthusiasm, finding parallels between golf and diplomacy—both requiring patience, strategy, and resilience. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey into golf, its impact on his professional life, and how the sport helps bridge cultural and diplomatic gaps.
Dear André, you’ve recently started playing golf, and as a member of the Tiger Golf Club, what initially drew you to the game? How has your experience been so far on the course?
“I’ve always been drawn to activities that require both physical engagement and mental focus, like running, cycling, tennis and yoga. I knew that golf, with its perfect blend of strategy, patience, and personal challenge, would perfectly t in this frame. It seemed, however, a mission impossible to squeeze such an additional challenge into my busy life. Thanks to the encouraging spirit of the Tiger Golf Club, its camaraderie and its excellent facilities, I decided to give it a try. Apart from the sport itself, I’m enjoying the club as a unique environment for making new friends and having meaningful conversations with captains of industry, high-ranking officials, other diplomats and (retired) military officers. Besides, I’m a reserve officer myself so we certainly have a lot in common. My experience so far has been very positive. While I am still learning, it has already become a favorite cornerstone of my weekly routine.”
Golf is known for its focus on patience, strategy, and personal reflection. As a diplomat, do you find that any of these qualities translate into your professional role, especially in the context of your work between the Netherlands and Bangladesh?
“Absolutely. Diplomacy, much like golf, demands patience and the ability to think strategically. Each diplomatic interaction is like a round of golf; you’re considering your next move, understanding the context, and sometimes adjusting your approach based on new information. Reflection is an essential element in both fields; it helps refine one’s approach. Just as I analyze my game to improve, I also reflect on my diplomatic work to ensure that I’m fostering the best outcomes for both the Netherlands and Bangladesh. Golf has definitely enhanced my appreciation for these qualities.”
The Netherlands and Bangladesh share a rich history of cooperation, and now, as members of the same golf club, you have the opportunity to connect on a more personal level. How do you think golf helps bridge cultural and professional divides?
“Golf is an international language; it allows for a shared experience that transcends cultural and professional divides. When you’re on the course, the focus shifts from titles and formalities to the game itself. This creates an informal yet powerful space for conversation, where trust – as it should be - can be built in a natural way. A club like Tiger Golf, where the membership is diverse, however largely high-ranking, officers a unique opportunity to strengthen professional relationships while developing a personal rapport on a natural, equal footing. This dynamic helps to bridge gaps and distortions in a way that exceeds the already wide range of our regular diplomatic repertoire.”
As a beginner, what challenges have you encountered while learning golf, and how do you approach overcoming them?
“Golf is a humbling experience! One of the main challenges I’m facing is mastering its technique, whether it’s the famous swing or understanding the nuances of the game. But much like diplomacy, improvement comes with practice, reflection, and perseverance. In both golf and diplomacy, setbacks are inevitable, but they present opportunities to learn and adjust. For instance, when you don’t hit a shot as expected, you don’t give up; instead, you analyze what went wrong and approach the next shot with more insight. The same applies to diplomacy: you learn from each encounter and rene your approach to foster better results moving forward.”
As an Ambassador of the Netherlands, you must often engage in events that require networking and connecting with key individuals. Do you foresee golf becoming a valuable part of your diplomatic toolkit, particularly in your interactions with local and international leaders here in Bangladesh?
“Without a doubt. Networking through golf provides a perfect atmosphere to build relationships. The sport officers a platform to engage with local leaders and other counterparts in an informal setting, on a strictly human level. It opens doors, hearts and minds for candid conversations and enhances mutual understanding. In Bangladesh, where mutual trust and understanding are vital for any achievement, golf is the gateway to the premier league of diplomacy.”
