“From Navy Frogman to Golf-Ball Diver: Sumadi Ibrahim’s Unique Career Nets RM8,000 a Month”

Source: SAYS

After 22 years of serving in the Royal Malaysian Navy, 51-year-old Sumadi Ibrahim has traded shark-infested waters for murky golf course ponds, carving out a lucrative and eco-friendly career as a “golf-ball diver.”

Sumadi earns up to RM8,000 monthly — nearly triple Malaysia’s average salary — by retrieving and reselling lost golf balls. His journey into this unconventional business began in 2012 when a friend introduced him to the niche industry of golf-ball diving. Intrigued, Sumadi transitioned to this unique venture full-time upon retiring in 2014.

Operating three nights a week, Sumadi dives into ponds under the cover of darkness, using only his sense of touch to locate golf balls amidst mud, debris, and sharp objects. Without breathing apparatus, he relies on his long-sleeve shirt to collect the balls while navigating the challenges of cold, dark waters.

“I use my hands as ‘wipers’,” he explains, describing how he distinguishes balls from other items. Despite its less perilous nature compared to his Navy days, the job poses risks, including cuts, cramps, and potential entanglements. To mitigate these, Sumadi employs a part-time assistant to keep watch during his dives.

The retrieved golf balls are cleaned and displayed in bundles of 20, attracting eco-conscious customers like businessman Gilbert Tan. “By purchasing recycled balls, I’m doing my part to help the environment,” Gilbert notes, highlighting how Sumadi’s efforts reduce plastic and rubber waste while giving the balls a second life.

While golf courses face criticism for their environmental impact, Sumadi’s work offers a small but meaningful solution. Despite not identifying as an environmentalist, he acknowledges the ecological benefits of his labor.

For Sumadi, diving isn’t just a livelihood; it’s a continuation of his seafaring past. “I’m used to being in the sea,” he reflects. Treating golf courses as his “home,” he plans to dive for as long as he can.

From protecting national waters to preserving the environment, Sumadi Ibrahim exemplifies how unconventional careers can be both rewarding and purposeful.