Up next: The Dr Chi Feng Cup

Tony Chan writes: The pool table at the FCC has always served as a social nexus for members to let loose and knock a few balls around a square grid. It was a place to meet and often make friends and it can be again, now that pandemic restrictions have lifted and the world is returning back to some level of normality.

Having said that, pool is a competitive sport and competition is part of the fun. In the past, annual tournaments have always allowed avid players to challenge each other, have some drinks and even take home some prize money. In so doing, we usually pay tribute to past members who have made their mark on the table but are no longer around.

One example was the Merv Hayward 8-ball tournament. I’ve never met Merv, who supposedly wowed punters while he was at the table, but I’ve played in several of the events, none of which I won.

We also had a 10-year run with the Rocky Lane 9-Ball Cup, sponsored by the former Guinness World Record holder for the fastest time, 14.16 seconds, to jump 15 balls into a pocket. The Rocky Lane Foundation event inspired a whole new generation of pool players to improve their game as they vied for actual prize money. The trophy for the Rocky Lane 9-Ball Cup is on display on the showcase behind the pool table, complete with the winners of each year.

One name on that trophy is Dr Chi Feng, who we sadly lost just prior to the pandemic. Chi, a classy player and sometimes sublime tactician on the table, inspired fear in his opponents, albeit not in any threatening way. Simply seeing his name on the players’ roster was enough to make knees weak and stomachs quiver.

That’s why I think it is absolutely appropriate that the next pool tournament at the FCC should be named the Dr Chi Fung Cup, to be held later this year. I will be discussing the scheduling and other details with the club’s operations team. The tentative format will be a one-day, double elimination, 8-ball tournament, to be held on a Saturday later this summer. Send me an email at tc7991@gmail.com if you are interested in finding out more or have any other suggestions.

In the meantime, come and have a few games. Escape the heat outside because pool is pretty cool. Many new members are keen pool players. I know of at least one new member who has joined the club simply because of the pool table.

Inside Every Golfer is a Better Golfer

Russ Julseth writes: The FCC Golf society has been a social and sporting fixture at the FCC for more than 30 years. We have been playing since the days when Kau Sai Chau had only one course. We remain a social golfing society with a membership of 65, playing every month at the public courses at Kau Sai Chau or at one of the other courses in Hong Kong. Our scores range from 75 to 120, which reflects the social attitude that “a day on the links is better than any day in the office.”

The dates we are playing for the balance of the year include 7 July, 11 August, 9 October, 24 November and 1 December – all at Kau Sai Chau in Sai Kung. The cost is HK$950 and includes golf, buggy, lunch and prizes. The tee times all start at 9:27 am. You are encouraged to bring along friends and family, which adds to the camaraderie of the outing. If you would like to join, just send an email to russjulseth@netvigator.com and you will be put on the list of invitees.

Remember, inside every golfer is a better golfer. Hope to see you on the course.