JULY | AUGUST 2022
SENTOSA GOLF CLUB
THE BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF SENTOSA GOLF CLUB
GOLDEN JUBILEE CHARITY GOLF LEARN MORE NOW!
MATT BALLARD
TIPS FOR LONGER DRIVING
GAME ON
UNFCCC TWO YEARS ON!
ASIAN GOLF
CONTINUES TO IMPRESS
TOURNAMENT READY 365 www.sentosagolf.com
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SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE
CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE
SGC Captain Vernon Khoo
Dear Fellow Members, I trust that everyone of you and your loved ones are well and enjoying the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions. Along with the lifting of travel and border restrictions, the Club has started to observe the gradual normalisation of golfing patterns, thus giving our golf courses a welcomed respite from the high golfing traffic over the last two years. Golfing activities have also resumed with the return of the Monthly Medals and the SGA Inter-club League Games. I thank all Members who participated in these events and especially our Lady Captain Gloria and League Captain Tim for their contributions in leading these events. We will gradually introduce more events and social activities in the coming months. It is also heartening to note that the v alue of our Membership hasrisen significantly and still continues to h itnew records. The higher value is testament to the contributions of the Management and Committee Members, past and present, for their immense efforts over many many years. I can confidently say that we are all proud to be Members of Sentosa Golf Club. However, to me, the higher membership value is not what sets us apart from the rest and makes us special as a Club. It is the culture we now enjoy, the friendly atmosphere amongst Members and staff, the camaraderie, which to me is far more valuable than the price of our Membership. So fellow Members, let us work together to further enhance this most valuable asset of our Club. Let us improve our etiquette when we are golfing by caring for the greens, fairways and bunkers, and always observe the simple rules of patience, tolerance and good manners both on or off the course. We are also a Club with a heart. This year, in celebration of the Sentosa Island 50th Anniversary, we will be hosting a massive golf charity event to raise money for those in need.
As part of the events planned, Sentosa Development Corporation and Sentosa Golf Club in collaboration with Community Chest will be organising a special Jubilee Charity Golf Event. The Club has set aside The Serapong golf course for the entire weekend of 27 and 28 August 2022 to host the Charity Golf sessions. May I appeal to all Members to please support this worthy event aimed at benefiting the underprivileged. 100% of the proceeds raised will support benefitting charity agencies of the President’s Challenge and more than 100 other social service agencies supported by Community Chest. These agencies run over 200 critical social service programmes, empowering children with special needs and youth-at-risk, adults with disabilities, persons with mental health conditions, and seniors and families needing support. Donors will receive a tax deduction of 250%. Thank you in advance for your generosity. On the golfing front, I am so proud that one of our adopted golf pros, Miss Koh Sock Hwee, has achieved her maiden win at the Bella Vista Charity Classic in the United States. Congratulations to Sock Hwee. You have made us proud to have played a part in the development of all our adopted golfing professionals and aspiring amateurs. In closing, please allow me to wish a warm welcome to all our new Members and a huge Thank You to the all our existing Members who have helped make our Club a home away from home. Happy golfing, stay healthy and let us continue to grow and build a caring and gracious Club culture together.
Vernon Khoo Captain
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WORLD GOLF AWARDS Sentosa Golf Club has been nominated for the following awards at the 9th Annual World Golf Awards
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GM’S MESSAGE Dear Members,
GM Andrew Johnston
The welcomed lifting of Covid restrictions has seen a broad ramp-up and surge of economic activity across various industries in Singapore. While we are as excited about this as everyone else, it has presented our community a new challenge – shortfalls in the labour market that have had a domino effect of product and service shortages in the supply chain, combined with painful inflation. So while I first thank Members for your continued patronage, I must also ask for your patience with us and especially with our overworked staff who are doing their best to serve you. As we look over the horizon of the city, most hotels in Singapore are holding their occupancy levels at only 65% capacity. Many of us who are not aware might be asking ourselves, why is this so? Why are they holding back their business? Especially after spending the past two years operating with restrictions that have crippled their businesses. The major contributing factor is that as a community we are all so short of labour resources. There is just not enough available manpower in Singapore to adequately staff all our restaurants, hotels, retail shops and clubs, and especially as more businesses push to become fully operational again. This has not only affected businesses that have to perform well in the area of hospitality and service but has had more widespread community impact than most of us can fathom. The lack of manpower resources - coupled with rising costs, delays in shipping and logistics are all causing food and stock shortages (beyond just problems with chicken imports!). It is a domino effect of issues. In mid-June, I was sharing this with some of our Members who could not understand why we did not have pork but could still serve chicken dishes. Despite trying my best to explain that our vendor had truly run out of supplies, which is a direct reflection of the community's broad shortages, some Members found it hard to believe what they heard and were frustrated and concerned that we might have taken our eyes off the ball. At the Club, we remain more than 15 people short in the area of F&B and nearly 20 heads short in the Golf Agronomy department. These are not small numbers. And as the wave of C+ cases continues to ebb and flow through the Club and the community, it is still testing our already limited manpower strength. Behind the still-cheerful smiles and hard work of the SGC team, we are rolling up our sleeves to do the best we can. But there will continue to be shortfalls and we cannot pretend there will not be some drop in service standards. We ask for your understanding, patience and empathy while we work through this next unexpected wave of challenges. Thank you most sincerely. Andrew Johnston General Manager, Director of Agronomy, Resident Golf Course Architect
With the relaxation of safety measures, Sentosa Golf Club is looking forward to welcoming more of our members and their guests back to the Club. Experience the Club’s private and idyllic location to host your next Dinner & Dance, Corporate Function or Board Meeting. For more information or to enquire, please contact sales@sentosagolf.com
SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE
CONTENTS 1.
CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE SGC Captain, Vernon Khoo, shares his latest thoughts and updates from the Club…
4.
GM'S MESSAGE General Manager, Andrew Johnston, outlines the key issues that are currently affecting the Club and asks for understanding from Members...
12-13. MEMBER NEWS Catch up on all the latest news from the Club including the Golden Jubilee Charity Golf event, Members Introduction Night, and the World Gourmet Awards…
14-16. ASIAN TOUR CONTINUES TO IMPRESS
Cover image: Minjee Lee holding aloft the US Women's Open after claiming her second Major Championship in early June.
A review of how Asian golf continues to go from strength to strength on the world tour with the latest Asian Tour International Series event impressing in the UK…
17.
GUEST COLUMN Outgoing Singapore Golf Association President, Mr Ross Tan, bids farewell and speaks from the heart on what has been achieved during his term…
20-21. GAME ON – UNFCCC TWO YEARS ON! A look back at how Sentosa Golf Club has continued to set the benchmark for sustainability in golf two years after becoming the first golf club to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Initiative…
24-25. INSTRUCTION: HOW TO DRIVE FURTHER Singapore National Team Coach, Matt Ballard, reveals his five key tips for hitting your driver further and more consistently…
28.
18 HOLES WITH… An exclusive interview with two-time Major Champion, Minjee Lee, after her stunning victory at the recent US Women’s Open…
This magazine is printed on environmentallyfriendly paper.
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SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE
GENERAL
GOLF NEWS ADIDAS GOLF UNVEILS NEW RECYCLABLE POLO SINGAPORE MISSES OUT ON BRONZE MEDALS Singapore's men's and women's teams both narrowly missed out on bronze medals at the 31st Southeast Asia (SEA) Games. The women were defeated by the Philippines in a sudden-death play-off after a 1-1 draw while Thailand took gold. In the men's event Singapore lost 2-1 to Indonesia in the bronze medal match. In the women's individual there was a silver medal for Atienza Aloysa Margiela Mabutas who shot a 65 en route to her seven-under effort while Loh Suanne Hailey finished sixth overall. In the men's individual Ryan John Ang (8th), Tai Hiroshi Hirahara (9th), Brandon Han (22nd) and Wong Qi Wen (27th) all finished outside the medals.
VINCENT OFF THE MARK IN STYLE Scott Vincent began the week of the International Series England without his clubs before ending it with a one-shot victory at Slaley Hall and his first win on the Asian Tour. The Zimbabwean, who had won in Japan the week before, enjoyed four rounds in the 60s but saved his best for last with a closing 66 to pip overnight leader Travis Smyth. The pair came to the 18th level after exchanging a collection of birdies, but Smyth found sand and Vincent held his nerve with two putts from long range to squeeze home.
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Adidas Golf has launched an initiative that will see a new range of polo shorts that can be recycled and repurposed into making other adidas products once it's finished with. This has taken place in other areas of adidas' business but it's a first for golf. The ‘Made to be Remade’ Polo is offered in two limited-edition designs and will come with a special QR code which helps the return process. Jennie Ko, director of apparel design at adidas Golf, said: “Golfers will still benefit by getting a product that performs but will also have the opportunity to limit a product’s impact on the environment.” The polo will be available exclusively to buy for members of adidas’s adiClub, which is free to join.
LIV GOLF GETS UNDERWAY AT CENTURION Seven Asian players teed it up at the LIV Golf Invitational at Centurion Club in England, an event that Charl Schwartzel ended up dominating with victories in both the individual and team event. There were three players from Japan and three from Thailand with Ryosuke Kinoshita leading the way in 14th place. Viraj Madappa was the sole Indian player in the field, and he would eventually finish in 31st place. With there being a team element there was also scope to add to your winnings and Thailand's Phachara Khongwatmai was part of the Crushers GC collective that finished second and each landed a very welcome $325,000 for their efforts.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTHS OF APRIL AND MAY 2022
WE MEET NEW MEMBER…
KWON KIJUNG Name
ORDINARY MEMBER
TERM MEMBER
1.
Dr Tan Wee Teck Gordon
1.
2.
Mr Chang Kevin Woong On
Mr Andrew Samuel Linstead
2.
Mr Bae Jung Ho
3.
Mr Chen Ping
3.
Mr Chen Baocheng
4.
Mr Fumihiro Takashima
4.
Mr Choi Chang Keun
5.
Mr Gao Feng
5.
Mr Clive Rowland Kerner
6.
Mr Gen Kunihiro
6.
7.
Mr Kim Sam Yong Sang
Mr Glen Christopher Hilton
7.
Mr Hao Quoc Tien
8.
Mr Lau Kok Chuan
8.
Mr Hideomi Shigematsu
9.
Mr Lim U Yang Hugh-Reginald
9.
Mr Hideomi Tsujimura
10. Mr Sam Chong Keen
11. Mr Hiromichi Shinohara
11. Mr Seung Min Soo
12. Mr Keiichi Sakata
12. Mr Siow Chee Meng
13. Mr Kiichiro Shimao
13. Mr Son Won Joon
14. Mr Kim Joel
14. Mr Tan Pang Kheng
15. Mr Kim Min Woo
15. Mr Wang Shuiting
16. Mr Kim Sung Hee
16. Mr Xu Haika
17. Mr Kwon Kijung
17. Mr Yu Jia Ru Derrick
18. Mr Lee Chang Bae 19. Mr Li Jiaming
Kwon Kijung
CORPORATE MEMBER
20. Mr Lim Yi Maw
1.
21. Mr Masanobu Itani
Occupation Private Equity Fund Management
Keteca Singapore Pte Ltd
CORPORATE NOMINEE
22. Mr Mitsuhiro Tsubakimoto
1.
Mdm Choy Doris
23. Mr Nee Yong Liang Samuel
2.
Mr Akira Koga
24. Mr Nobuo Shiotsu
3.
Mr Atsushi Sugishima
25. Mr Ryu Youngsoo
4.
Mr Christopher Chan Wai Meng
26. Mr Takaaki Tejima
5.
Mr Colin Kwang Nam Tang
28. Mr Toshihiko Oshio
6.
Mr Jun Kuroiwa
7.
Mr Keiichi Sano
8.
Mr Kuok Meng Xiong
I love to take a walk in the parks in either the early morning or early evening. Of course, you can’t forget about the excellent food that is on offer here too.
9.
Mr Lam Chi Kuen @ George Lam
Favourite thing about Golf?
12. Mr Takanori Kondo
Why did you become a member at SGC? I was previously a member of Sentosa Golf Club, but when I relocated to another country, I handed back my membership. Since I left the Island, I have missed the Club and its two courses very much. Now, I am very happy to be back at one of the best clubs in Singapore.
Favourite thing to do in Singapore?
There are lots of reasons for players to love golf, and in my case, it is great for me to disengage from all the bothering matters in my daily life. Instead, I prefer to focus on playing the game, make conversation with my companions, and have lots of laughs.
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10. Mr Hiroki Tsujii
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27. Mr Tomohiro Endo 29. Mr Tsutomu Hiramatsu 30. Mr Yo Ishizaki 31. Mr Yoshinori Imai 32. Mr Yuichi Nishimura
10. Mr Michio Kotegawa 11. Mr Shridar Jayakumar 13. Mr Takao Shinkura 14. Mr Takashi Naemura 15. Mr Toshiyuki Shinoda 16. Mr Wang Yang 17. Mr Yukihiro Enomoto
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MEMBER NEWS BE PART OF THE GOLDEN JUBILEE CHARITY EXTRAVAGANZA We are delighted to announce that the Club will host the Sentosa Golden Jubilee Charity Golf weekend, as part of the Island’s 50th anniversary celebrations later this year. Set to take place over the weekend of 27th and 28th August 2022, the event invites participants to experience Sentosa Golf Club’s iconic The Serapong, with flights now available for members and guests to purchase via the Community Chest website.
to celebrating the Island’s 50th anniversary by raising money for a number of key platforms associated with the President’s Challenge and Community Chest.
All proceeds raised will be channelled to the beneficiaries of the President’s Challenge, in addition to more than 100 social service agencies and over 200 critical social service programmes supported by Community Chest, that help empower children with special needs, youth-at-risk, adults with disabilities, people with mental health conditions, and seniors and families in need of support.
There are 28 flights available on The
“The Club is proud to support Sentosa Development Corporation with this event and we look forward to seeing as many of our members, guests and industry partners take part throughout what is sure to be a fun, action-packed weekend across The Serapong.”
Serapong, per session (7.05am and 12.15pm tee-offs), and golfers are able to choose from three different fantastic packages – Birdie Flight ($10,000), Eagle Flight ($30,000), and the special Albatross Flight ($60,000), which will see a group of three assigned with an esteemed guest. For more information on the Sentosa Golden Jubilee Charity Golf weekend, including sponsorship and donation opportunities, visit comchest.gov.sg/sentosacharitygolf
Speaking about the event, Sentosa Golf Club General Manager, Director of Agronomy and Resident Golf Course Designer, Andrew Johnston, said: “Sentosa Golf Club is extremely honoured to host the Sentosa Golden Jubilee Charity Golf event in 2022. We look forward
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HOLEIN-ONE Takahiro Sawada 2 Apr 2022 The Tanjong Hole 7, 203 metres
Joo Eun Ji 16 Apr 2022 The Tanjong Hole 4, 115 metres
Lee Eun Shil
CHEF KK HONOURED AT WORLD GOURMET SUMMIT 2022 Our congratulations to our Executive Chef, Kong Kok Kiang, who was named Flexitarian Chef of the Year at the World Gourmet Summit. This award recognises a chef who continuously researches and explores the wonders of plant-based products to bring sustainable food produce to the table. Such news won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has dined at the Golfers’ Terrace or Roots. Prior to joining Sentosa, Chef KK was the Executive Chef of One Farrer Hotel & Spa, and Executive Sous Chef at Marina Mandarin Singapore. He was also previously Chef de Cuisine of Resorts World Sentosa’s Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, where he was involved in the opening of Singapore's first integrated resort. In addition, KK spent ten years at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, where he worked his way up from Chef de Partie to Senior Sous Chef.
22 Apr 2022 The Serapong Hole 17, 118 metres
Wendy Lim Hwee Ching 27 Apr 2022 The Tanjong Hole 15, 135 metres
Su Fu Xiang 5 May 2022 The Serapong Hole 17, 136 metres
Philip Lee Sooi Chuen 7 May 2022 The Tanjong Hole 17, 144 metres
Harish Nim 16 May 2022 The Serapong Hole 2, 154 metres
MEMBERS’ INTRODUCTION NIGHT The Club welcomed over 20 new members and their spouses in the return of ‘in person’ Introduction Night in May. GM Andy provided an overview of SGC’s history and unique culture. Our new members were able to interact with the various Committees and also sample KK’s F&B offering.
(From L to R): Mr Yuichi Nishimura, Mr Rajeev Veeravali Kannan, SDC Chairman Bob Tan and Mr Hideomi Shigematsu
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SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE
ASIAN STARS MAKE THEIR MARK IN THE STATES We look back at some flourishing performances in recent months around the golfing world
I
t takes something very special to come from six shots off the pace and land a US Open and Hideki Matsuyama very nearly managed just that at the Country Club at Brookline. The 30-yearold Japanese star produced the low round of the week on the Sunday, a five-under 65, to pull off a first Asian triumph very nearly in the USGA showpiece. The Asian women have absolutely dominated the US Women’s Open, with 11 successes in the past 15 years, but the men are yet to make the breakthrough. It will happen,
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probably soon enough, and Matsuyama nearly did what he did at Augusta by becoming the first Asian golfer to top the leaderboard.
I don't feel like this is my 100 per cent performance but it does give me a boost on my confidence.” explained Matsuyama.
To go under par around a US Open set-up is something, but to go bogey free on the Sunday is something else. Matsuyama, who will be well fancied at The Open at St Andrews, was rolling them in from everywhere and, unsurprisingly, he topped the putting stats in the final round, gaining 4.57 shots on the field.
For 20-year-old Joohyung Kim, this was his first US Open and the Korean starlet produced a brilliant finish of 23rd and will also be heading to the Old Course full of confidence having qualified courtesy of his second place at the SMBC Singapore Open in January.
“I was stroking my ball really well, rolling the ball really good. I think that really helped my game. To be honest @sentosagolfclub
The second men’s Major of the year, the PGA Championship, didn’t feature as many heroics, with KH Lee the leading Asian player in the field
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SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE Photo Credits: Asian Tour Zimbabwean Scott Vincent holds aloft the trophy after claiming victory at the International Series UK event at Slaley Hall
There were a number of factors that contributed to Lee moving comfortably inside the world's top 50, another first, but a change back to a two-ball putter was certainly a big one, particularly with so many birdies flying around. "Last year I was using a two-ball putter and I then changed to an Anser putter. Last week I changed to the old two-ball putter and I'm very thankful for that putter as it is easier to check when I line up because it's squarer and that's what helped with my stroke," explained Lee.
52-year old Thongchai Jaidee became the first Thai winner on the PGA Tour Champions
placed 41st, but the previous week the Korean again lit it up at the AT&T Byron Nelson. Not many defend a title successfully on the PGA Tour, but Lee did just that in Texas. The 30-year-old came into the week with one win on tour in the States, but he left Dallas with another victory next to his name after holding off none other than Jordan Spieth – Matsuyama was in a share of third spot two shots back. On the grander stage of the PGA Tour, Lee joined some exalted company– Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, as repeat winners at the Byron Nelson.
As for the rest of the year, the Presidents Cup in late September is now a very real prospect and Lee is on the fringes of the team for Quail Hollow. As things stand, his compatriot Sungjae Im looks to be a banker for the side with Hideki Matsuyama another certainty to make it into Trevor Immelman's team. Another first also took place but of a different nature. The Asian Tour staged their first event in the UK by way of the International Series England, which took place at Slaley Hall. The furthest west the Tour had been before was for the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, when it was joint-sanctioned with Europe, but this was a full-field Tour event and a cosmopolitan one with 29 different nationalities taking part. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the Asian Tour players,” said Gaganjeet www.sentosagolf.com
Bhullar who has nine victories on the Tour to his name. I’ve played a lot of golf on the European Tour in the UK, but, you know, playing on the Asian Tour and representing our Asian Tour flag on the UK soil, that’ll be great. And it’ll be a great boost for all the youngsters, all the people who are getting ready to move on to the next level." Zimbabwean Scott Vincent led the way at Slaley Hall, and he was one of five players to qualify for the following week's inaugural LIV Golf Invitational at Centurion Club further south in England. Now all eyes will turn to Scotland and the 150th Open, the oldest and most diverse of the men's Majors. Another very special week awaits us. Finally, on the PGA Tour Champions, the over-50 version of the PGA Tour, Thongchai Jaidee became the first Thai winner to edge home in the American Family Insurance Championship. The 52-year-old only got into the event with a 10th-place finish the previous week and he finished with a four-under 68 to win by one. “Very big thing for me,” Jaidee said. “Great tournament here. I played solid, solid, solid. I took one mistake on 16, hit the tree and lost the ball. We make good bogey and try to get my plan. Holed a good putt on 17 and the game changed.” 15
Photo Credits: Asian Tour
SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE
(From L to R): Yuto Katsuragawa, Sadom Kaewkanjana, Sihwan Kim, and Joohyung Kim at the SMBC Singapore Open after qualifying for this year's Open Championship.
Back in January four players qualified for The 150th Open at St Andrews at the SMBC Singapore Open. Here's how they're looking forward to their Open debuts at the Old Course in July: Sadom Kaewkanjana (Thailand) “I am very excited to be playing my first Major at the home of golf, St Andrews. I will work hard and practice hard as I will be playing with the best golfers in the world.”
Yuto Katsuragawa (Japan) “It is my dream to play in The Open. I never actually thought that I would be able to qualify so it has still not actually settled in for me, it is very fresh still and very surprising. I’m really excited to play St Andrews. It will be one of the highlights of my golfing career being able to participate at such a special Championship.”
Joohyung Kim (South Korea) “I was supposed to go to The Open last year, but because of the travel situation I wasn’t able to go which was so disappointing. I thought it would be really cool if I could have my first Open at St Andrews and it’s happening, so you won’t catch me missing that one.”
Sihwan Kim (USA) “It feels so good to be playing my first Major. It’s my first Major! I’ve played St Andrews a couple of times before. It’s pretty special to be going back there this time.”
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GUEST COLUMN
Ross
Tan The outgoing President of the Singapore Golf Association looks back on his time in charge
F
or the past nine years I have truly cherished the opportunity to serve the Singapore Golf Association (SGA), first as an Executive Board member before taking over as President for the past six years. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to immediate past President Bob Tan for leaving behind a wellrun association, coupled with good governance, for me to take over. We have focused on several key areas to help further strengthen the SGA’s position. In 2016 we embarked on our first year of annual self-fundraising, these efforts have paved the way for us to have sufficient ring-fenced funds that are readily available for junior and elite golf development purposes. Similarly our High-Performance Program has seen Singapore capture men's gold medals at the 2017 and 2019 SEA Games and a women’s silver medal this year. We have also formed an SGA Professional Program which is aimed at supporting elite amateurs as they make the transition to the professional ranks.
At the other end of the scale we formed a Junior Development sub-committee to focus on identifying and supporting talented youngsters by providing training and competitive opportunities at the national level with Junior and Future Squads also being formed.
further progress when a tripartite partnership was formed last year between SGA, the NTUC Club and the SPGA to promote golf to the masses. The SGA has also provided a training curriculum which NTUC Club participants can undergo en route to achieving their handicaps.
Another key aspect was to form closer engagement with our community, and we achieved this by leveraging our social media platforms through Instagram and Facebook and, through these channels, we have kept up with new trends to produce content which has resonated with our followers.
Finally, the SGA partnered with the Hana Financial Group to stage the inaugural Singapore Women’s Open. Unfortunately the first two years had to be postponed due to COVID-19, however we very much look forward to staging this in the near future.
Last year we also launched SGA’s Golf:SG e-magazine – this was the brainchild of our Honorary Treasurer Darryl Wee and it provided another e-platform to engage with the wider golfing fraternity. And there was
“
On behalf of everyone at SGA, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of Sentosa Golf Club and its members for the constant support and I trust that this bond will grow ever stronger as we continue to develop the game of golf here in Singapore.
Another key aspect was to form closer engagement with our community… we have kept up with new trends to produce content which has resonated with our followers.
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F&B NEWS
Celebrating nearly 30 years of expertise in our Food and Beverage team Chef Wu Zining has prepared well over 175,000 portions of Golfer Fried Rice in his 16 year career at Sentosa Golf Club… A reminder of his childhood when things weren't quite so straightforward. "I grew up in a poor family. It was the norm that we didn't have enough food on many days. Most of the time my mother would use leftover rice from the night before, to put together fried rice and it was always our best meal," Wu explains. "Whenever she wanted to fry some rice, I would always stand beside her and help. Slowly I learned and it has since become my speciality. Through cooking I have spent a lot of time with my mother, and we have created a special bond. I decided back then to be a good chef and to cook delicious food for everyone to enjoy.
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has always stuck in my mind.” Keong began as a kitchen helper at the Dynasty Hotel (what is today the Marriott atop Tangs department store) on Orchard Road and it was here that he would get the chance to really learn how to prepare Hainanese chicken rice. From there he was later offered various roles, including at the Singapore Zoo, and he would always include Hainanese chicken rice on the menu.
Similarly, Chef Teo Kok Keong has been in the industry for 35 years and he too goes back to his early days when singling out one of his favourite dishes.
"In 2000, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park all came under the Wildlife Reserves Singapore umbrella, and I was posted to Jurong to run the kitchen operations at the Loge Restaurant. Wherever I've worked, Hainanese chicken rice is the dish that will always accompany me in my career and that will never change."
"Since I was young I have been a Hainanese chicken rice lover. Every Sunday my dad would take our whole family to the famous Swee Kee Hainanese chicken rice shop at Liang Seah Street. The fragrance of that dish
Sentosa Golf Club is well known for its mix of fine dining and multi-cuisine dishes from around the world and you can be assured that the passion and devotion that goes into each and every dish remains as strong as it's always been.
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JULY
JUL/AUG 2022
9 & 10 JULY S$
USA Prime Beef T-Bone (1-1.2kg)
S$
$138
16 & 17 JULY
S$ S$
Wok Fried Udon Noodles in “Gan Xiang” Sauce
12
Braised Soya Chicken on Crispy Bee Hoon
12
Ka Sou Noodles Soup with Deep Fried Fish
14
Udang Masak Merah with Jasmine Rice and Achar
18
Sliced Fish Soup with Jasmine Rice
14
Lamb Masala with Jasmine Rice, Achar and Papadums
15
15
Pork Bangers, Mash, Edamame Beans and Caramelized Onion Gravy
16
Chermoula Boneless Chicken Thigh, Raisin Pilaf Rice and Medley of Sautéed Vegetables
14
Baked Chicken Leg Confit, Garden Carrot & Wilted Lettuce Vegetables, Mushroom Ragout and Thyme Jus
23 & 24 JULY
S$
30 & 31 JULY
S$
6 & 7 AUGUST
S$
Stir Fried Beef Kuey Teow with Kim Chee
13
Simmered Duck in “Chu Hou” Sauce with Jasmine Rice
13
Braised Preserved Red Beancurd and Pork Belly with Jasmine Rice
12
Lor Bak and Salted Vegetable served with Jasmine Rice
13
Spicy and Sour Beef Noodles
14
Mee Buntot
15
15
Ebi Katsu Bowl Rice, Cooked with Egg and Mushroom in Sweet Dashi Broth
15
Blue Mussel “Tom Yum Meuniere”, Lemon Grass and Chilli served with Garlic Bread
15
Pan Fried Seabass, Asparagus, Shimeji Mushroom and Black Garlic Mashed Potato
13 & 14 AUGUST
S$
20 & 21 AUGUST
S$
27 & 28 AUGUST
S$
Crayfish Hor Fun with Black Pepper Sauce
15
Stewed Chicken served with Jasmine Rice
12
Shrimp Paste Fried Rice with Prawns
10
Ayam Masak Lemak with Jasmine Rice and Achar
12
Lor Mee
10
Gado Gado
12
15
Beef Bibimbap with Sous Vide Egg, Soy Sprout, Zucchini, Shitake and Spinach
13
Japanese Ramen with Braised Pork Belly and Ajitsuke Tamago
15
Sauteed Beef Stroganoff with Button Mushroom and Sour Cream served with Fluffy Herb Butter Rice
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SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE
GAME ON! A Lot To Be Proud Of
I
t’s been two years since we became the first golf club to join the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative, which serves as a good opportunity to look back at some of our sustainability success stories – of which there are many. The Sports for Climate Action Initiative aims to support and guide sports organisations and their communities on a path to achieving the global climate goals set out by world leaders in the Paris Agreement. We joined a prestigious list of sports associations, events, clubs and leagues from around the world
in commitment to climate action, including the New York Yankees, La Liga, Sky Sports and the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Through this initiative, we also joined the United Nation’s Race to Zero (carbon emissions), a huge global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions and investors for a zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats and unlocks sustainable growth. The number of participants in the Sports for Climate Action Initiative is now approaching 300, and it’s encouraging to see a
number of golf organisations on board, including Golf Saudi, the International Golf Federation, the United States Golf Association and the World Minigolf Sport Federation, as well as La Vaucouleurs Golf Club in France and the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Being able to share knowledge and ideas with other organisations, as well those in our industry, is a huge advantage, which we will continue to use going forwards.
Leading By Example Since joining the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative, the Club’s goal has to become
Sentosa Golf Club recently signed a new 10-year patnership with The Toro Company
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Sentosa Golf Club was the world's first golf club to join the UN Sports for Climate
carbon neutral, and over the last couple of years we have expanded our sustainability campaign significantly. A number of projects stand out, one of which was helped by a Golf Sustainability Fund Grant awarded by The R&A. This was used to install two digesters, which means we now have the capacity to grind down up to 40kg of food waste from our three F&B outlets each day, as well as horticultural waste, an innovative process that ultimately
reduces the need for irrigation. As well as developments out on the course, the car park has also witnessed some new additions. After announcing a new partnership with Porsche Asia Pacific last year, five new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations were installed, allowing members to top up their cars free of charge whilst going about their dayto-day business at the club. Let’s not forget that Singapore aims to phase out all internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, and
create 60,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points by 2030 to pave the way for a greater uptake of EVs. So, we were proud to be the first golf club in Singapore and the Southeast Asia region to join the Porsche Destination Charging programme. It’s been a fantastic bonus to be recognised for some of our efforts. Receiving the title of ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’ at the 2021 World Golf Awards in Dubai was particularly pleasing. The accolade came shortly after the Club received recognition as ‘Sustainability Champion of the Year’ at the Britcham 22nd Annual Business Awards (British Chamber of Commerce Singapore). It’s further proof that the Club is setting a good example for the golf industry and beyond. Golf’s battle with climate change continues, but we hope our successful initiatives will inspire others around the world to follow suit. It’s amazing what can be accomplished in the space of two years, but the hard work has only just begun.
The Club installed five electric vehicle charging stations as part of its partnership with Porsche Asia-Pacific last year
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INVITATIONS OPEN FOR SENTOSA GOLDEN JUBILEE CHARITY GOLF EXTRAVAGANZA A fun-packed weekend is planned on The Serapong – and you don’t want to miss out. Sentosa Golf Club is delighted to announce that the Club will host the Sentosa Golden Jubilee Charity Golf weekend as part of the Island’s 50th anniversary celebrations later this year – and here’s your chance to be involved. Set to take place over the weekend of 27th and 28th August 2022, the event invites participants to experience Sentosa Golf Club’s iconic The Serapong, with flights now available for members and guests to purchase via the Community Chest website. Scan the QR comchest.gov.sg/ sentosacharitygolf code to learn more.
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Giving back to the community As Singapore transits towards being a COVID-19 resilient nation, we need to continue to empower and uplift communities that face increased challenges and needs as a result of the pandemic. All proceeds raised will be channelled to the beneficiaries of the President's Challenge and more than 100 social service agencies supported by Community Chest, that help empower children with special needs, youth-at-risk, adults with disabilities, people with mental health conditions, and seniors and families in need of support. The Sentosa Golden Jubilee Charity Golf 2022 is anchored on the theme of partnership and collaboration between the trade & industry and social service sectors. Through the event, we aim to mobilise resources for the social service sector and encourage partners to support our designated charities in growing philanthropic giving in Singapore and create greater social impact for our communities-in-need.
Sentosa Golf Club is one of the world's best golf clubs
Action-packed weekend There are 28 flights available on The Serapong, per session (7.05am and 12.15pm tee-offs), with members and guests able to choose from three fantastic flight options. Both the Birdie and Eagle packages, which are priced at $10,000 and $30,000, respectively, are for a flight of four golfers. Meanwhile, the Albatross Flight, which is priced at $60,000, will see three golfers assigned with an esteemed guest.
The Serapong is currently named Singapore's Best Golf Course
Speaking about the event, Sentosa Golf Club General Manager, Director of Agronomy and Resident Golf Course Designer, Andrew Johnston, said: “Sentosa Golf Club is extremely honoured to host the Sentosa Golden Jubilee Charity Golf weekend in 2022. We look forward to celebrating the island’s 50th anniversary by raising money for a number of key platforms supported by the President’s Challenge and Community Chest.” “The Club is proud to support Sentosa Development Corporation with this event and we look forward to seeing as many of our members, guests and industry partners take part throughout what is sure to be a fun, action-packed weekend across The Serapong.” Members can join us for an exquisite golf game through the purchase of golf flights or contribute via cash donations, donation for partner booths and/or in-kind sponsorships for the event goodie bags.
The Serapong 3rd and 7th holes
For more information on Sentosa Golden Jubilee Charity Golf, including sponsorship and donation opportunities, scan the QR code or please visit comchest.gov.sg/sentosacharitygolf www.sentosagolf.com
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SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE
INSTRUCTION
HOW TO HIT LONGER DRIVES Singapore National Team Coach Matt Ballard offers five simple tips to help you crush your drives You don’t need to look at the PGA Tour stats to know that the game’s elite players are hitting the ball further than ever before. However, if you did, you’d see that the longest players now average a staggering 325 yards plus off the tee. If you want to be more competitive, you need to arm yourself with the right tools to hit long drives. The question is: what can you learn from the game’s big hitters? Here, I give you an understanding of what causes energy loss and how to increase speed efficiently. Hopefully, and maybe in time for the next medal, it will help you to hit a longer ball.
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1 Centred strike Off-centre strikes are the number one reason most amateur golfers lose distance. I have witnessed many players add huge distance just by establishing where on the face they are striking the ball. If you hit the ball in the toe, low in the face, or the heel, energy gets lost, which reduces ball speed. Using impact tape or the TrackMan impact location function will show exactly where you are hitting the ball in the face. If you are about an inch off centre, you will lose approximately 10 per cent of your distance. Modern drivers are designed to hit mishits further, but they can only do so much.
Off centre
Perfect!
2 Tee it higher This encourages an upward angle of attack, and not only does it increase the ball’s launch angle through additional dynamic loft, but it also reduces backspin; it may even encourage you to attack the ball more from the inside. These are the key ingredients for generating more distance. Tee the ball too low and you may increase spin, which affects accuracy and distance. Tee it higher! Too low?
3 Speed near impact The releasing of the clubhead at the right time is critical for distance. The biggest power loss I see is where golfers release the clubhead too early before arriving at the ball, which results in a loss of power. Aim to have clubhead at maximum speed at impact, not before. Timing the release is critical for power. Too early and it robs your swing of power.
4 High hands The further the club has to travel, the faster it can move. I want you to rehearse a takeaway where you end up getting the hands nice and high at the top of the backswing. This is going to encourage a bigger shoulder turn and a bigger hip turn. You may have to let your lead heel come off the ground, and your trail leg may have to straighten more depending on your flexibility. However, these are all great ways to get to a longer, wider turn for increased clubhead speed and distance.
5 Speed test
Time the
When was the last time you intentionally swung a club as fast as you can? Finish your practice session off by hitting a normal driver and recording swing speed, ball speed, carry and total distance. Then, hit eight drives within a two-minute time limit to get your speed up as fast as you can. Don’t be concerned with accuracy at this point – just see what you can get your clubhead speed to jump to. The point of this exercise? If you don’t practice swinging fast, you can’t expect to swing it fast – simple as that.
High hands release
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HAMO BAINIKU
SUSHI KONDO SEASONAL ITEMS NAMA JUNSAI TOSA SU
AYU SHIOYAKI
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ADVERTISEMENT
BEVERAGE SPECIALS JUL/AUG 2022
WINE
WHISKY
Bodegas Montecillo Blanco Rioja, Spain 2019
Sing Sing Whisky Taiwan 12yrs 1 bottle - Sing Sing 3 bottles - Sing Sing
$58.00
Bodegas Montecillo Crianza Rioja, Spain 2017
6 bottles - Sing Sing
Sing Sing Whisky Taiwan 15yrs 1 bottle – Sing Sing 3 bottles – Sing Sing
$58.00
6 bottles – Sing Sing
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$128.00 $338.00 $658.00
$148.00 $398.00 $798.00
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SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE
18 Holes With…
MINJEE LEE In the latest issue of 18 Holes With…we spoke to Australian LPGA Tour star, Minjee Lee, who secured her second Major Championship at the US Women’s Open at the start of June, about her love for the game and why her recent victory at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club was so special. How did you get into playing golf? It was my mum that introduced me and my brother to golf, she used to teach at our local driving range and would take us along with her so we could hit balls and practice Did you have an idol growing up? Yes, I was lucky enough to have Karrie Webb as a great role model. I got to spend time with her through the Karrie Webb scholarship What was it like to win your maiden Major Championship at the Evian Championship in 2021, and then following this up in 2022 with a win at the US Women’s Open? The first was such an amazing moment for me. I had been waiting for that Major win for so long, and it just felt really surreal. I didn’t go into that week with winning on my mind, I just wanted to play as well as I could, and it paid off. To now have consecutive years with Major wins is a dream come true and the US Women’s Open was always the one I wanted to win when I was growing up In your opinion, what does it take to become a multiple Major Champion? I think it all comes down to being patient and having determination. Sometimes
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If you could pick a fourball from any players in the world, who would you choose? Serena Williams, Tiger Woods and Seve Ballesteros, that would be an incredible game of golf Who is the greatest golfer of all time? Tiger Woods What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever received? To stay in the moment
things don’t go your way, but you just have to be patient, wait your turn and then make the most of the opportunity when it comes around How much are you looking forward to defending your title at this year’s Evian Championship? I am really excited to be back at Evian next month, I know there is a lot of pressure that comes with being defending champion, but I’m just looking forward to being back and reliving a special moment in my career Excluding your two Majors, do you have a favourite win on Tour? Probably my first LPGA win at the Kingsmill Championship in 2015. I was only 18 and a rookie on tour, the win gave me a huge boost of confidence
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How much do you enjoy playing in the HSBC Women’s World Championship? I love playing at this event, I’ve played a total of seven HSBC Women’s World Championships, and always feel so welcome when I come back every year. I also like that when I play in Asia my family can watch me live because the time difference is so much closer to home Do you have a favourite hole on The Tanjong? The 6th hole is my favourite, although it’s difficult to pick just one. It has that amazing waterfall with all those beautiful flowers and has some pretty incredible views of the sea What are your goals for the remainder of 2022 and beyond? I think my main goal for this year is to get more wins under my belt and be in contention at more Majors @sentosagolfclub
What is your favourite club in the bag? My 8 iron Have you ever achieved a hole-in-one? Yes, at the Kia Classic in 2016 I made my first ever hole-in-one on a par 4 which was pretty cool How would you describe Sentosa Golf Club in three words? Unique, Scenic and Challenging What is your favourite thing about Singapore? I really like the culture and people in Singapore, everyone is so friendly, and I always receive the best hospitality when I’m there. I also love the food in Singapore as there are so many incredible restaurants to choose from If you weren’t a golfer, what other sport would you play? Before golf I was a good swimmer so I probably would have stuck with that SentosaGolfClub