Sentosa Golf Club Magazine (March - April 2023)

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

I hope that you enjoyed the golfing spectacle and the return of festivities at the recent HSBC Women’s World Championship. It was a great privilege watching all of the world’s top female players battling it out across The Tanjong at one of Asia’s most prestigious golfing events.

I congratulate Jin Young Ko, the first back-to-back Champion, for her well-deserved win in the challenging conditions. The world number five overcame recent injury to claim a two-shot victory over Nelly Korda on Sunday.

I am proud that our member Amanda Tan also signed off for an eight-over-par 296 — the best result a local professional has ever recorded at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Well done Amanda!

May I also congratulate HSBC on the successful staging of the 15th edition of this event in Singapore, and their 10th edition here at Sentosa Golf Club. We appreciate our partnership with HSBC and look forward to creating many more special memories and golfing history for this illustrious ‘Major’ in women’s golf.

There has been a tremendous amount of work, long hours and sacrifice behind the scenes that must not go unappreciated. I would like to recognise the efforts of all our staff led by General Manager and Director of Agronomy, Andrew Johnston, for delivering another world class golf tournament despite the challenging circumstances brought about by the inclement weather. I would also like to thank our Members for accommodating the relocation of golfing to The Serapong and Sentosa Pavilion during the event.

LIV GOLF SINGAPORE

There are still many more exciting moments to come this year. Our team has not missed a heartbeat and are already into deep in pre-tournament preparations to prime The Serapong for the eagerly anticipated debut of LIV Golf Singapore from 28 to 30 April 2023. We are very excited about this and look forward to welcoming LIV’s exceptional field, featuring 48 of the world’s best male professionals, to Singapore.

CARBON NEUTRAL SGC

As part of our sustainability commitments, and ongoing

carbon abatement efforts identified during carbon profiling, the Club was announced as the world’s first carbon neutral golf club, delivering on our commitment made in 2021. Since our initial commitment, the Club has offset its remaining carbon emissions with the procurement of high-profile carbon credits. This is an important milestone for the Club, but not the end of the journey as we aim to become fully carbon zero in the future. I would like to thank all the Members for their ongoing support as sustainability continues to become a way of life at the Club.

COMMITTEE RENEWAL

At the Club, we have recently undertaken a renewal process with our General Committee. There have been invaluable contributions from our outgoing Committee Members Low Tien Sio, Otto Weibel and Tay Liam Wee, and I would like to thank them for their services to our Club. Their counsel and insights during their term in the General Committee have contributed vastly to improving and enhancing the Club.

As part of the renewal, I welcome Prof Lawrence Boo to the General Committee. Prof Boo is one of the most distinguished arbitrators and mediators in Singapore. He is a familiar face at the Club and has been a key member of our Disciplinary Committee. More importantly, he is passionate about golf.

CAPTAIN VERNON KHOO

I would like to reserve special appreciation for Vernon Khoo, who passes on the torch as Captain to Darryl Wee at the end of March. Vernon has served with great distinction as a Committee Member for well over a decade. During his six years as Captain, Vernon has put in an immeasurable amount of personal time, and his heart and soul, into the Club. He is a pillar in our community and has played a huge part in Sentosa Golf Club’s success. I am grateful that we can continue to rely on Vernon for his guidance as an advisor to the General Committee.

I thank all Members for your continued support, and I wish each and every one of you good health and happy golfing.

Andrew Lim President

SGC President

Andrew Lim

SINGAPORE

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GM’S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

As I reflect on the idea of winning, I realize that it’s deeply ingrained in our society. From our youth, we have been taught that winning is everything. Many of my old mentors would say, “If you are not winning, you are losing”, and it’s the ultimate goal.

The Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback, Jalen Hurts, shared a different perspective on the idea of winning after his team lost in the Super Bowl LVII last month. He said, “Either you win, or you learn”. This statement emphasizes the importance of learning to win and setting the tone for a culture of success in sports and all aspects of our lives.

Learning to win is far more critical than focusing on whether we’re winning or losing. When we learn to win, we set the tone for a culture of success that becomes contagious. The milk carton rule is an excellent example of how to approach situations where we may feel helpless. The rule states that instead of dwelling on what we can’t change, we must focus on what we can approach differently to win. When we find ourselves frustrated by others, we can either feel sorry for ourselves or work on preventing similar outcomes in the future.

As we reflect on last weeks HSBC Women’s World Championship and review how we prepared for the event, it helped us rise to the unforeseen challenge Mother Nature threw at us. I am very proud of the team's resilience to overcome the 18 inches of rain that fell relentlessly during the week and how we were able to finish each round in regulation.

This event has continued to help us grow as the Club now prepares for LIV Golf Singapore at the end of April. We have been battle-tested and will continue to face a considerable challenge of our stamina, culture and teamwork as we prepare to host Asia’s and Singapore’s biggest golf event.

The long hours and intense pressure will demand the very best of us and ask us to use the intuitive skills we have trained so hard to develop. Sentosa Golf Club's success in delivering and being Tournament-Ready 365 will not only showcase our Club’s capabilities but also promote tourism and put the spotlight on Sentosa Island as a world-class destination.

The Club continues to embrace the journey towards achieving success, never stop learning, and looking around the corner, and being open to taking advice, including ideas from Members and others around us.

As we build on the ‘Urban Legend’ of Sentosa Golf Club’s powerful, dominant reputation and our unwavering commitment to excellence together, it confirms how immensely proud I feel for everyone associated with our Club over the last few weeks and months.

Together, we will continue to make history and set the bar for golfing excellence in Singapore, Asia, and across the world; building an even greater experience with historic moments for our community.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the Club.

Yours Respectfully,

Andrew Johnston General Manager & Director of Agronomy

GM Andrew Johnston

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GOLF

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

SGC President, Andrew Lim, shares his thoughts on another successful hosting of the HSBC Women’s World Championship, as well as looking ahead to LIV Golf Singapore in April…

GM'S MESSAGE

General Manager, Andrew Johnson, outlines why ‘Train to Win’ is so important in Sentosa Golf Club’s pursuit of excellence…

8-11.

GENERAL GOLF AND MEMBER NEWS

Discover all the latest news from the Club such as our tribute to outgoing Men’s Club Captain, Vernon Khoo, and a new addition to the General Committee…

LIV GOLF SINGAPORE

Preview Singapore’s biggest ever golf event to find out more about which teams to look out for in April…

14-15.

HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

GUEST COLUMN –ATTHAYA THITIKUL

2018 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Champion, Atthaya Thitikul, takes us back down memory lane to explain why Singapore and Sentosa Golf Club holds such special memories for her…

18-20.

GAME ON – EXPLORERS OF SENTOSA

Learn more about Sentosa Island’s latest sustainability activation that draws inspiration from mythical creatives and adventures…

18 HOLES WITH…

2023 HSBC Women’s World Championship winner, Jo Young Kim, explains why ‘Asia’s Major’ is one of the best events on the LPGA Tour schedule after her victory…

MCI (P) 049/12/2022

To advertise in SENTOSA GOLF CLUB, please call 6275 0090.

4.

16.

13.

GENERAL GOLF NEWS

HOWELL CLAIMS LIV OPENER

Charles Howell III landed the first LIV Golf title of 2023, beating Peter Uihlein at Mayakoba by four shots thanks to a brilliant final round of 63 in Mexico. The American, who had six birdies on his front nine, was also part of the winning team as the Crushers GC, led by Bryson DeChambeau and bolstered by Paul Casey (4th in the individual) and India's Anirban Lahiri, won by an impressive nine strokes. "I had a lot of experience here," said Howell, who was playing the course for the 14th time. "I think having played it in the wind for so many years helped a little bit." This season will see 14 events with a combined purse of $405m.

NEW TITLEIST DOCUMENTARY HITS THE SCREENS

Golf equipment aficionados are in for a treat with the release of a new four-part documentary which chronicles the Titleist Speed Project. The release 'We Go Farther' has now been released on YouTube and it charts the success of the TS models which first came to prominence at the 2018 US Open. Since then, through the introduction of the next-generation TSi and TSR models, Titleist has been the most played driver on the PGA Tour every season since. In 2022 Titleist drivers were used to win 16 PGA Tour events, including three majors, with Justin Thomas, Matt Fitzpatrick and Cameron Smith all gaming one. In February 2017 Titleist unveiled their first national fitting centre in South East Asia at Sentosa Golf Club.

SENTOSA PART OF AMATEUR INITIATIVE

Sentosa Golf Club are part of an agreement with the Singapore Golf Association to guarantee tee times and practice facilities for elite amateur players. Along with Keppel Club and Singapore Island Country Club the three clubs have got behind the initiative to help juniors and elite players to make further strides in the game. “Sentosa is delighted to continue our on-going support for Singapore’s junior golfers, to provide them with additional training facilities access and to be ready to compete at international stages," explained Sentosa's General Manager Andy Johnston.

KANAYA VICTORIOUS AT OMAN

Takumi Kanaya landed his first professional victory outside of Japan in the $2m International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf. The Japanese 24-year-old, who won the Asia-Pacific Amateur at Sentosa in 2018, won by four with Sergio Garcia and Joaquin Niemann in a tie for fifth. This was only the third start by Kanaya as a professional in an Asian Tour event and was his maiden appearance in an International Series tournament – it also marks the first time that an International Series event has been won by a player from Japan. “It is an honour to win the event, an International Series tournament. It has been a difficult two years, but I am so happy to finally win again,” explained the former World No. 1 amateur.

MEMBER NEWS

THANK YOU, CAPTAIN VERNON

We would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to Mr Vernon Khoo, who will be stepping down as Captain at the end of March after six years of service as Captain to Sentosa Golf Club. Vernon, who was a Committee Member in 2011, has overseen a number of prestigious tournaments in addition to the Club amassing quite the collection of the golf industry’s top awards and accolades. Being Captain at a time when the Club has hosted so many high-profile events, such as the SMBC Singapore Open, HSBC Women’s World Championship, Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship and AsiaPacific Amateur Championship, means Vernon has dedicated a huge amount of time to the Club.

The role, which is far from easy, can be a thankless task at times, and, as Chris Baker says, Vernon has made “lots of sacrifices in successfully taking us forward”. A “most extraordinary Captain,” says Joon Hurh, and we couldn’t agree more.

Of course, Vernon can be extremely proud of his tenure. During the last six years, Sentosa Golf Club has picked up a great number of awards, and Vernon’s enthusiasm and love of the Club has undoubtedly been an influential factor.

Only Vernon will be able to tell you what he’s most proud of, but what a time to be Captain, a period when the Club has received so many respected awards – accolades such as World’s Best EcoFriendly Golf Facility, World’s Best Golf Club 2019 and Singapore’s Best Golf Course 2020, to mention but a few. There have been many challenges, too, during this time, with the COVID-19 pandemic a particularly difficult period

for everyone. However, Vernon always approached every day in the job with a positive outlook, which has been an inspiration.

Vernon passes on the reins to Darryl Wee and we have no doubt that he will grasp the role and the opportunities it presents with the same passion. Thank you once again, and our very best wishes to the both of you for the future.

A “most extraordinary Captain,” says Joon Hurh, and we couldn’t agree more.

POW GAME

The annual Ang Pow game took place on 28 Feb with 144 golfers geared up as the social golf event resumed. The Club’s Committee graced the event with the traditional Lion Dance and rolling of pineapples that signify welcoming prosperity. Following an afternoon round of golf, golfers gathered for a celebratory dinner, which kicked off with Yu Sheng and a list of line up performances. A big thank you to the sponsors, Everise and Frozt, and we’d like to wish everyone with good health and fortune in the Year of the Rabbit.

Scan the QR code to view event pictures.

ROUNDABOUT ETIQUETTE

Sentosa has been kept a ‘traffic light free’ resort to preserve its island charm with roundabouts in place to help to smoothen traffic flow and reduce traffic conflicts points. The most commonly used roundabout that links Allanbrooke Road (to and from the city), Artillery Avenue (to Sentosa Cove) and Bukit Manis Road (to our Club) has four exits. With two lanes, drivers are prone to making mistakes, such as using the wrong lane and failing to signal their intentions correctly.

We would like to remind all drivers to slow down when approaching a roundabout and give way to traffic on your right and be aware of which exit you intend to take before approaching the roundabout. It’s also a good idea to give yourself ample time before you tee off, not just to help you play better golf, but to encourage safe driving.

NEW GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBER

Sentosa Golf Club is excited to announce Prof Lawrence Boo as a new member of our General Committee at the Club. Prof Boo is an experienced international arbitrator and mediator who has previously presided over many commercial and investor-state disputes in different jurisdictions. He is currently appointed to the panel of arbitrators of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the Protocol to the ASEAN Charter on Dispute Settlement Mechanism.

Within Singapore, he is best known for setting up the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (1991) and his subsequent involvement in the birth of the Singapore Mediation Centre (1996) and Singapore International Mediation Centre. Please make sure to stop and welcome Prof Boo to his new role if you see him around the Club.

NOTICE ON DANGEROUS PLAY

We regret to inform that on 19 Nov 2022, there was an incident of dangerous play involving a Club member. It happened on The Tanjong where the member had hit the golf balls of the flight behind him directly towards them as well as across towards another fairway. Based on the findings of the Disciplinary Committee inquiry, the General Committee has decided to impose a suspension of ten (10) months for the Club Member, pursuant to the Club Rules.

HOLE-IN-ONE

Choi Kwang Hyuk

11 Dec 2022

The Serapong. Hole 2, 154 metres

Hiroshi Ikeuchi

28 Dec 2022

The Tanjong. Hole 7, 203 metres

Kim Jeongsu

15 Jan 2023

The Serapong. Hole 2, 154 metres

Hideki Furusho

20 Jan 2023

The Tanjong. Hole 17, 144 metres

Rin Nan Yoong

3 Feb 2023

The Serapong. Hole 8, 175 metres

MAR/APR 2023

Penfolds Koonunga Hill

Chardonnay 2019 $58/Penfolds Koonunga Hill

Shiraz Cabernet 2018 $58/-

Johnnie Walker XR 21

1 bottle $189/2 bottles $368 /-

Every 2 bottles purchased, Members will be invited to a XR21 cocktail reception in May, 5pm to 9pm at Tanjong Room. Cap at a max of 50 pax.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTHS OF DEC 2022 & JAN 2023

ORDINARY MEMBER

1. Mdm Hur Jhee Hye

2. Mr Choong Kien Siong

3. Mr Rim Hosup

4. Mr Sukumar Rajah

5. Mr Yeo Wee Yang

6. Mr Zhang Guorui

7. Mr Zhu Xingliang

CORPORATE MEMBER

WE MEET NEW MEMBER… YUKIE TEO

Occupation

Commercial Director (APAC)

Why did you become a member at SGC?

All thanks to Aderco, the company that I’ve worked with, who has trusted me and given me this privilege to join this Club. Sentosa Golf Club has always been the preferred golf club for Aderco. Since the company is dealing with mostly marine customers, it always feels at home when the clients are near to the sea. The Club also provides solid courses to play that are presented in world-class conditions. We also believed that our clients would appreciate it too.

Favourite thing to do in Singapore?

Other than golf, I like scuba diving. During the pandemic, I have been diving at Pulau Hantu in the Southern Islands most of the weekends. While diving, I’ll pick up trash in the sea, as well as take underwater photography.

Favourite thing about Golf?

The “yes” feeling when you put the ball into the hole, whether it is a far or near putt. And of course, getting a birdie!!! Cheering for one another and feeling happy after a nice shot or putt.

Greatest Achievement in Life?

Getting my degree (Sustainable Maritime Operation) during COVID. Setting a goal for myself and to be able to achieve it.

1. CC Innovation Singapore Pte Ltd

2. KEXIM Global (Singapore) Ltd

CORPORATE NOMINEE

1. Mr Akihide Nakamura

2. Mr Hideto Fujimoto

3. Mr Hirokazu Muramoto

4. Mr Kazuhiro Yoshino

5. Mr Koh Chee Yan Andrew

6. Mr Loh Niap Juan

7. Mr Park Sungho

8. Mr Taro Mori

9. Mr Tatsuo Fujii

10. Mr Yu Kwang Hoon

11. Mr Yutaro Shimizu

TERM MEMBER

1. Mr Andrew Eric Hartley

2. Mr Atsuya Kono

3. Mr Hirohisa Murata

4. Mr Hisaki Endo

5. Mr Huynh Phong Thanh

6. Mr Hwang Young Sam

7. Mr Jang Heong Min

8. Mr Matthew Garth Jackson

9. Mr Satoshi Nakamura

10. Mr Scott James Duncan

11. Mr Shin Seung Chul

12. Mr Yasuhiro Kubota

13. Ms Teo Yuen Ting Yukie

READY FOR SINGAPORE

The new LIV Golf season is underway, and it’s not long now until we welcome the Tour to Sentosa Golf Club for the fifth leg of the schedule, of which there are 14 in total. The Serapong awaits some of the biggest names in golf, and you can be a part of what promises to be a real festival of golf on April 28-30.

In February, all 12 four-man teams were confirmed for the 2023 season, with a number of exciting new players joining last year’s stellar cast. Niblicks GC and Punch GC

are no more, having been replaced by two new sides – RangeGoats GC and Ripper GC – captained by two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson and Claret Jug holder Cameron Smith respectively. LIV Golf will visit seven countries in what is an expanded schedule, and the new season got off to something of a shock start, with Charles Howell III claiming the $4 million individual title in Mexico at the Mayakoba Resort. It was not a surprise to the 43-year-old American, however, given his familiarity with El Camaleon, a course he had played regularly when

it was on the PGA Tour schedule. As Howell III made light work of the task with a final-round 63, many of the pre tournament favourites struggled to make an impact. And there was more good news for the man from Augusta, Georgia, as his Crushers GC team picked up the team title, which gave him a share of the $3 million first prize. First bragging rights, then, to Messrs Howell III, Casey, Lahiri and DeChambeau, who wasted no time in letting his rivals know who the team to beat was. “One heck of a team,” tweeted the 2020 US Open champion, with a trophy emoji.

Next up comes a Wild West shootout in Tucson, Arizona, after which LIV Golf heads to Orlando (March 31-April 3) and then Down Under to Adelaide (April 21-23). Then the eyes of the golf world will focus on us here at Sentosa, and we look forward to having The Serapong ready to challenge the best in the business.

And you still have the chance to watch the likes of Major Champions Smith, DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen up close by securing your ticket to the event. Simply visit livgolf.com to view all the ticket options available. Roll on 28 April!

Photo Credit: LIV Golf

Crushers GC featuring (L to R) Anirban Lahiri, Bryson DeChambeau, Paul Casey, and Charles Howell III lift the team trophy at the opening round of the LIV Golf League season in Mayakoba.

IMPRESSIVE KO DEFENDS TITLE AT SENTOSA

On the 15th anniversary of the HSBC Women’s World Championship Korea’s Jin Young Ko became the first player to defend their title on The Tanjong.

Jin Young Ko has won all over the world and now has 14 victories on the LPGA Tour but she insisted that her two-shot triumph at this year’s HSBC Women’s World Championship was the ‘most important’ of her career to date.

“I had a tough year last year and I fought with injury and not a good game and (it was) mentally tough and then I won this week. So it’s going to be more important to me and it’s going to be big momentum for me in my life.”

The 27-year-old Korean’s previous success had come on The Tanjong last year but the interim has seen her lose her World No. 1 spot and struggle badly with a left wrist injury.

December was spent recuperating and visiting the Northern Lights in Finland and The Louvre in Paris before spending a month in Vietnam working with her former swing coach, Si Woo Lee, and taking up meditation to bring more balance to her life.

The result was a title defence, the winning score of 17-under was the exact same as 2022, and it was an understandably emotional moment as she closed out the win at ‘Asia’s Major’ over Nelly Korda. She now joins Inbee Park, who was on maternity leave, as the only two-time Champion.

Over the course of the week, there was plenty of rain and the final threeball had close to an hour’s wait as the course’s sub-air system and greenkeepers did a magnificent job of getting play restarted and a conclusion sorted.

Much of Ko’s good work was done when she posted back-to-back 65s and she began her final round in similar style with three birdies on her front nine. When the group arrived at the soon-to-be deluged 16th green Ko thought that she had a one-shot lead over the American but, when she was in the player’s dining during the rain delay, she realised that her lead was actually three.

She then played out the last three holes in level and that was to be good enough. Korda, who also missed part of last season with a blood clot on her arm, opened up with three rounds of 68 and she would close with a birdie for a 69 on Sunday. The current World No. 1 Lydia Ko finished in a tie for 31st.

Home hope Amanda Tan posted rounds of 76-74-73-73 to finish in 62nd spot. Tan, who was playing in the WWC for the fifth time, won the

14

Number of LPGA wins by Jin Young Ko

1

The first defence in the WWC & Ko’s third career title defence

15 Anniversary of the WWC and the 10th at Sentosa

17 Number of players from the world’s top 20 in the field

22

21

3

Major winners in the field including all of the 2022 Champions

Number of nationalities represented

Number of past Champions in the field

qualifier after finishing five shots clear of local amateur Jaymie Ng. In a tie for third were Ayaka Furue, the pint-sized Japanese player who holed across the 18th green, rookie Allisen Corpuz and Danielle Kang. Kang shot the low round of the week, a blemishfree 63 on Friday, which was helped in part by a new Scotty Cameron putter which she helped to design.

Kang would sign off her week with a classy gesture to say a small thank you to all the people who made the week run as smoothly as possible despite what the elements had to throw at it. “Normally what we do is in America, my caddie and I, we go buy cases of beers, and I have him help me out and load them up and give them to the grounds crew and things. This week, I thought the volunteers did an incredible job, so we add the volunteers this time, too,” explained Kang.

Danielle Kang shot a sensational round of 63 to take the lead at the halfway stage

Major Champion Nelly Korda in action on her way to a second place finish on The Tanjong

Spectators line the fairways on the 18th to watch Jin Young Ko, as she successfully defended her title at Sentosa Golf Club

Ihave so many happy memories from my trips to Singapore and especially at Sentosa. I won the 2018 Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP) there when I was just 15. It was the first staging of the event and I managed to win a fourway play-off which was amazing on its own, but it also meant that I got a place in the HSBC Women’s World Championship.

To get to play in such an important LPGA event at such a young age was a fantastic experience and one that definitely helped give me the confidence to aim for a professional career, as I finished 8th against such an awesome field. That year Michelle Wie West won with Brooke Henderson, Danielle Kang, Nelly Korda and Jenny Shin in a tie for 2nd.

On top of my 8th-place finish in 2018 I also tied for 4th last year and I'm learning more and more about The Tanjong with every visit and the opportunity to watch how the world's best players tackle a worldclass course is such a great learning

experience. It always attracts a spectacular field and the winners' rostrum is so impressive, as it pretty much always throws up a winner with a major-winning pedigree, which shows the quality of both the course and the event. Hence why everyone calls it Asia’s Major. The memories from winning the WAAP are still vivid. I just felt right at home from the minute that I arrived at Sentosa, and I absolutely loved The Tanjong from first sight. The course really suits my game, it is always beautifully conditioned as well as being a really challenging tournament course with plenty of drama in the closing holes. It is also stunningly beautiful, from

the flowers to the waterfalls, and with all the views it offers. So it is great for both the players, the spectators on site and, also, I think that it comes across so well to the TV audience around the world.

HSBC are long-time supporters of the LPGA, this year was the 15th edition, and they have been committed to this event over the years and all the experience and know-how definitely shows up in how smoothly everything runs during the week – the attention to detail is fantastic. Of course, like everybody, I also love the food and shopping in Singapore, all of which makes it such a great city to visit and play golf at.

Two-time LPGA Tour winner & 2018 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Champion

Of course, like everybody, I also love the food and shopping in Singapore, all of which makes it such a great city to visit and play golf at.

GAME ON!

Discover Sentosa’s giant new visitors

Sentosa Island is blessed with many wonderful sights – and the latest attraction is quite unique. In case you weren’t aware, there are four new giant creatures on the island. There’s no need to be alarmed for you won’t find these lurking in the rough, and despite their giant teeth, they’re completely harmless. That’s because the ‘Explorers of Sentosa’ are made out of wooden pallets, crates and floorboards discarded in Singapore. Created by Copenhagen-based sustainability artist and recycling activist Thomas Dambo, the four

gargantuan statues of trolls from Danish folklore can be found basking on the sunny shores of Sentosa and in forested areas. They’re free to access, although you’ll probably need help from the interactive online treasure map to locate all four.

Sentosa Development Corporation

(SDC) Chief Executive Thien Kwee Eng said that she hopes the public will experience a sense of mystery as they search for the sculptures in lesser-known areas of Palawan Beach.

“Ocean trash is very real to islands like Sentosa, with diverse yet vulnerable biodiversity, and I hope that the installations in this beautiful location can serve as a strong visual reminder of the need for responsible use of materials…”

The team at Sentosa Development Corporation conducts analysis of the local ecosystem and species found across the shoreline of the Island

“We are excited to invite our international and local visitors to discover the giants and the sustainability-themed stories behind them,” she said.

Dambo has created 97 other sculptures, which are also made out of recycled materials and hidden in forests around the world, from China to Chile. The artist said his sculptures demonstrate the value of trash as a creative material.

“A lot of people are afraid of trash and don’t want to touch it, and we think that if we drop something on the floor, then maybe it’s not worth picking it up again or it’s not as good as something that is new,” he said.

“But trash can become something beautiful, that can make people smile and make others happy as a beautiful material that we can use for a lot of good things.”

Dambo also hopes that the totemic statues will teach visitors about nature through Danish folklore. Each troll has been given its own personality and a unique story about its experiences and interaction with pollution, specifically its encounters with marine litter.

“In Denmark, we have a big culture on natural stories about trolls,” he said. “What my figures represent is the voice of nature, and while nature can’t speak, I think nature has a lot to say about the behaviour of humans, who have recently come into the world.”

He added: “Ocean trash is very real to islands like Sentosa, with diverse yet vulnerable biodiversity, and I hope that the installations in this beautiful location can serve as a strong visual reminder of the need for responsible use of materials and their impact on the environment.”

The sculptures, which will be in Sentosa until 2024, are decorated with plastic garlands or “magic” orbs to highlight alternative uses of waste such as plastic bottles, canisters and water bottles.

Ms Angelina Lourdes, owner of creative studio Studio29, who designed the plastic ornaments, said: “Although some may think that upcycling plastic waste into whimsical objects will not reduce the amount of plastic waste in the end, beginning to view plastic as a creative material can incentivise people to begin sorting and cleaning waste for use in their projects.”

The Explorers of Sentosa are made out of wooden pallets, crates and floorboards that were discarded throughout Singapore

Sentosa Development Corporation hopes to make Sentosa Island a fully carbon neutral destination by 2030

According to data released by the National Environment Agency in April, only 13 per cent of domestic waste was recycled in 2022, with contamination in recycling bins being the key reason that the rate remains low.

Ms Lourdes added: “Even if the joy from these objects wears off, at least they can be easily recycled because they’ve already been sorted and cleaned.”

Discovering Sustainable Sentosa

A stroll around Sentosa is always an education, and the trolls join the many other attractions that shine a light on the island’s sustainability efforts and quest toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

In fact, it’s hard to go anywhere on Sentosa and not learn something interesting about what the island is doing to be more sustainable. Whether it’s a trip to SkyHelix, Sentosa’s first carbon neutral attraction, which uses energy efficient design that minimises electricity and carbon footprint, or a tour of the S.E.A. Aquarium, where an expert team oversees careful conversation and breeding, there are many interesting projects well underway.

Not all of these are so obvious. For example, behind the scenes, an advanced District Cooling Plant supplies chilled water to Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), enough for 18,000 rooms. Bio digesters in RWS’s kitchens, meanwhile, covert up to 95% of food waste into usable products, therefore reducing pressure on Singapore’s limited landfills.

Next time you’re out and about in the island – perhaps on a quest to find one of the ‘Explorers of Sentosa’ – be sure to take it all in and pass on some of these fun facts and figures. It all helps to spread the important topic of sustainability, and how Sentosa is working towards its key target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

SENTOSA ISLAND

Exploring the implementation of a solarisation programme as part of 2030 carbon neutrality goals

1 solar farm contains 2,400 solar panels, generating 50,000kw hour per month

RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA

95% of food waste converted into usable products through bio digesters

Cares for 51 threatened marine species

60% of all seafood is sustainably sourced

SOFITEL SENTOSA

Teamed up with Foodbank Singapore to donate untouched food

This was the 27-year-old’s first victory since she won the title last year, and what’s been particularly impressive is how she’s found her best form again after suffering with a wrist injury — which is something that can cause a lot of mental anguish as well as physical pain.

Ko admitted that her wrist injury had been playing on her mind, so she had to ease up on the amount of golf she was playing in order to give her maximum time to recover — and it’s clearly been worth it.

Ultimately, when it comes to her swing, Ko tops the table in fundamentals and efficient power — she’s a machine. Her athletic set up is a picture of perfection. The mix of athletic balance and lack of tension is a recipe for some powerful golf shots. She packs a punch, and that power comes from a steady base.

The power that she holds in her lower half really helps create a swing that is full of torque. From the start, she creates width and works the club away on a perfect line. Note how her shoulders are already winding up at this stage.

This wind up is key throughout her swing. Her wrists set at a perfect right angle to her left arm as it hits parallel and the weight loads into her right side. However, there is very little lateral movement in the action; it’s like she’s screwing herself into the ground as she reaches the top of her swing.

Ko’s shoulders are turned at 90 degrees, here, and she’s created a huge amount of stored power by keeping that lower body very steady. This ‘x-factor’ is the reason she

creates such incredible clubhead speed: winding her upper half up against a really strong base.

Ko begins her downswing using her lower half; her weight begins to push into her left side and she starts that transition from the ground up. As she unwinds, the clubhead remains behind her and stays in that 45-degree lag position, an absolute must to create speed. All that stored power ready to release through the ball at impact is a serious weapon to have.

Now you can see how her hips really drive through as she clears her body towards the target. At impact, her lead wrist is beautifully in flexion squaring the clubface up perfectly as she strikes the ball. At this point, her ability to really compress the ball and impart a huge amount of spin on each shot would explain her impressive greens in regulation statistics.

Ko is notorious for going for the largest part of the green and always aims to leave herself an uphill putt on shorter approach shots. She freewheels through, and there is no doubt that her body powers this swing first and foremost.

Her swing is exceptionally rotational and this has definitely helped her keep a bit of pressure off the injured left wrist. If she were a player more reliant on an arm swing and excessive hand action, she may well have struggled.

Watching Ko’s swing here during the HSBC Women’s World Championship, it’s plain to see it’s an exceptional rotational action that relies on athleticism and some seriously strong glutes.

JIN YOUNG KO 18 Holes With…

In the latest issue of 18 Holes With…we caught up with two-time Women’s Major Champion and 2023 HSBC Women’s World Championship winner, Jin Young Ko, to discuss the defence of her title and why this year's victory in Singapore was so special…

When and how did you get into playing golf?

Aged 7 after my father and I watched a replay of Se-Ri Pak winning the U.S. Women’s Open. I told him ‘I think I would like to try that’, so we went and hit our first golf shots the same day!

Did you have an idol growing up? Se-Ri Pak.

What has been the best feeling in your golfing career so far? Winning my two Majors.

How does it feel to be a two-time LPGA Player of the Year?

It felt great at the time, but it is in the past now, so I don’t think too much about it.

What was it like winning the HSBC WWC in 2023?

I was very proud to win back-toback titles as it is the strongest

tournament in Asia and one of my favourites to play.

How excited were you to return to Sentosa Golf Club in 2023 as defending champion?

It is always nice to return to a course where you’ve won. I hadn't played recently due to injury, so I was looking forward to feeling the confidence of returning to a place I had won at.

As a defending champion, did you feel more pressure to perform?

Probably you do in normal times. However, as I’ve been injured, maybe I didn’t feel as much pressure. Although, I was pleased not to give up my title.

What makes The Tanjong such a special course to play?

It is one of the most beautiful

courses we play on. A really strong Championship course that is great for hosting big tournaments and always in the perfect condition.

Do you have a favourite hole on The Tanjong?

I like most of them, but will choose the 18th in front of the Clubhouse. It was great to see everyone around it this year as we welcomed back fans.

What are your aims for the remainder of 2023 after winning the HSBC WWC?

To be healthy and happy. This was my first victory since the event in 2022 so I hope to win again in 2023.

What has been your favourite victory in your career and why?

Probably the ANA Championship (now the Chevron Championship). Although, winning twice in Singapore was definitely up there.

What is your favourite golf course in the world?

There are a few. Thornberry Creek at Oneida, Dinah Shore Tournament Course in Mission Hills, or even Evian in France.

If you could pick a fourball from any players in the world, who would you choose?

Se-Ri Pak, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever received?

My father told me – no matter what I do, stamina is the key to success.

What is your favourite club in the bag? My putter – although I can change it often!

Have you ever achieved a hole-in-one?

Yes, 8 or 9. I made one at the KLPGA in 2016 and won the event.

How would you describe Sentosa Golf Club in three words?

Beautiful, sustainable and welcoming.

What is your favourite thing about Singapore? The food.

About Golf...

Here are a few things that we know about this most particular game. And about its most eminent participants. We know that their aim could not be higher. That you do not come this far without an unwavering determination to overcome every challenge and conquer every distraction. We know that tradition can only last this long if it is perpetually enriched by talent. We know that every drive starts with inner strength, and every putt with unrelenting humility. ese are but a few reasons that we have partnered for so long with the noblest institutions, the most legendary tournaments, and the greatest players. After all, we are on the same course.

#Perpetual

OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE 40 IN PLATINUM

TIGER WOODS, TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

JUSTIN THOMAS, PRESIDENTS CUP

JORDAN SPIETH, THE OPEN

‘THE BIG THREE’

LORENA OCHOA, WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN, ST ANDREWS