Sentosa Golf Club Magazine (November - December 2023)

Page 1

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

THE BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE

OF SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

SERAPONG ACHIEVES GLOBAL RECOGNITION AS

t s e B s ’ d l Wor 2023 Singapore's Best Golf Course

2023

2023

World's Best Golf Course

Asia's Best Golf Course

TOURNAMENT READY 365

2023

www.sentosagolf.com

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

World's Best Golf Course

SentosaGolfClub

2023

2023

Asia's Best Golf Course

Singapore's Best Golf Course


A Captivating Sense of Calm. The Flying Spur Azure.

Discover unrivalled comfort without compromising on performance. The elegant Flying Spur Azure redefines the luxury four-door sedan that is designed to enhance your sense of wellbeing wherever you travel. Experience a new dimension of comfort at the Bentley showroom today. Wearnes Automotive Pte Ltd 45 Leng Kee Road, Singapore 159103 Tel: 6378 2628 Singapore.BentleyMotors.com Fuel Consumption: Combined 12.6/100km; VES Banding: C2; CO2 Emissions: 289 g/km *Terms and conditions apply. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2023 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Flying Spur V8 Azure.

BENTLEY SINGAPORE


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SGC President Andrew M Lim

Dear Members, I hope this message finds each one of you in good spirits. I am thrilled and deeply honoured to share some exciting news with all of you. Sentosa Golf Club, along with our prized championship course, The Serapong, has once again ascended to the pinnacle of recognition in the golfing world. At the recent World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi, The Serapong secured the three prestigious accolades of ‘World’s Best Golf Course’, ‘Singapore’s Best Golf Course’, and took home ‘Asia’s Best Golf Course’ for the second consecutive year after its initial success in 2022. The Serapong’s outstanding conditions, layout, and breathtaking views of Singapore’s cityscape make it a golfing icon that we are proud to showcase to the world. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of our entire team, and it reaffirms our position as a world-class golfing destination. Being named ‘World’s Best Golf Course’ is a massive achievement for The Serapong and one that would not be possible without the endless devotion of our Agronomy team. They are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, working tirelessly 365 days a year to ensure that our courses are in pristine condition. To our Agronomy team, we extend our deepest gratitude for your relentless pursuit of excellence. SGC 50TH ANNIVERSARY As we celebrate these achievements, Members can also look ahead with renewed enthusiasm to our 50th Jubilee anniversary and the activities lined up in 2024 as we look to increase our commitment to maintaining Sentosa Golf Club’s position as Asia’s premier championship venue. Sentosa Golf Club’s tournament pedigree and world class reputation is demonstrated by the past major events it has hosted and will continue to stage in the coming year. Next year, we will once again welcome Singapore’s best golf events including the HSBC Women’s World Championship, with further details on dates and tickets to be announced in due course by the tournament promoter. With another magnificent year coming to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to all our Members, staff, and partners who have been instrumental in our continued success. Your steady support and dedication have played a pivotal role in helping us achieve these remarkable milestones. It is your passion for the game and your commitment to the Club that continue to drive us forward. Thank you once again for being an integral part of our Sentosa Golf Club family. Please allow me to close by wishing you and your families a special Christmas and holiday season. Here’s to many more years of world-class golf experiences across our incredible golf courses. Sincerely, Andrew M Lim President

www.sentosagolf.com

1


TOURNAMENT READY 365

EXPERIENCE GOLF AT SENTOSA Sentosa Golf Club. Home to two of the world’s greatest championship golf courses. Host to world-renowned tournaments.

Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore, 099892

T: (65) 6275 0022 | WWW.SENTOSAGOLF.COM

ASIAN HOME OF THE R&A AND ASIAN TOUR

@SentosaGolfClub


Grecale - Fuel Consumption (combined cycle): 9.4 L/100km, CO2 Emissions (combined cycle): 213 g/km Specifications may subject to changes and vary from vehicle shown.

The new Maserati Grecale Yours from $279,800*. The Grecale embrace a new luxury paradigm made of tradition, innovation, and concrete vision. Make your Everyday Exceptional with the All-New Maserati SUV, Grecale. Scan the QR code to book a test drive and experience its sweeping performance. *Terms and conditions apply. Price stated above is not inclusive of COE. Every Maserati comes with 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and Servicing. SCAN TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE

OFFICIAL MASERATI IMPORTER FOR SINGAPORE Address: 30 Leng Kee Road, Singapore 159100 | Showroom: 6472 2236 | Website: www.maserati.com/sg/en


GM’S MESSAGE Dear Club Members,

GM Andrew Johnston

When I think about Sentosa Golf Club and how it stays relevant in the dynamic world of golf (which is a question many have asked me recently), one phrase always comes to mind: "Dare to Dream." This is a motto which has not only inspired countless individuals throughout history, but has also become the driving force behind our Club's relentless pursuit of excellence. My journey with the Club started back in 2005 as a consultant helping with the redesign and as a full-time member of team in 2010. Back then, I had a conversation with a highly respected representative from Golf Digest, a media brand considered the gold standard in the golfing world. His assessment of Sentosa’s Serapong was positive, but fell short of a World Top 100 Golf Course. However, I couldn't accept this assessment because I saw something extraordinary within us. And, like other greats such as Michael Jordan, who was cut from his high school basketball team during his sophomore year and told he was not tall enough and did not have enough talent, this critique from Golf Digest did not hold back our dreams to improve. C

The Serapong’s design and strategic brilliance is undeniably on par with any Top 100 course. I recognized that, and with our commitment to Tournament Ready 365 conditioning and unwavering dedication to providing exceptional service, we have all the ingredients for success.

M

Y

CM

I saw a diamond in the rough and was determined to bring it to the surface. Also, I firmly believe that leadership is not about holding a position; it's about empowerment and embracing a set of behaviours that belong to everyone. Our evolution isn't solely about maintaining the status quo. It's about staying curious, being inspired by the future, and continuing to dream. This is the essence of Sentosa Golf Club’s growth, and why I'm thrilled to share exciting plans for the future on sustainability, major golf tournaments and day to day golf operations. We are working closely with all our stakeholders to bring the LIV Golf League back to Sentosa Golf Club. However, we are not stopping there. We will aim to enhance the event and broaden its offerings, transforming Sentosa Golf Club and the island into a week-long carnival of world-class golf and entertainment. In a world that is in a perpetual state of change, Sentosa Golf Club stands firm in its commitment to the art of dreaming and the search for inspiration. We believe that our journey is far from over, and as we continue to push boundaries and strive for excellence, our place among the Top 100 is not just a goal but it is now reality; improving it is our goal. Sentosa Golf Club is more than just a place to play golf. Our journey is one of continuous evolution, driven by a commitment to excellence in every aspect of our Club. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to staying curious, being inspired by the future, and dreaming big. We do not merely want to maintain relevance, but soar to new heights of success. And, with exciting plans ahead, we're making sure that the world knows Sentosa Golf Club as a name synonymous with excellence, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Best Regards, Andrew Johnston General Manager / Director of Agronomy / Resident Golf Course Designer

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

MY

CY

CMY

K



SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

CONTENTS 1.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SGC President, Andrew Lim, shares his thoughts on The Serapong's recent achievements at the World Golf Awards...

4.

GM'S MESSAGE SGC General Manager, Andrew Johnston, discusses why the Club will never stop in its pursuit of excellence…

8-11.

GENERAL GOLF AND MEMBER NEWS Discover all the latest news from the Club including the festive Christmas light-up, Ang Pow fund, and Platinum Clubs of the World rankings…

14-15. THE SERAPONG – WORLD'S BEST Learn more about how The Serapong became the ‘World’s Best Golf Course’ at the recent World Golf Awards…

15.

GUEST COLUMN Head of Marketing for Southeast Asia, Ken Sim, discusses adidas Golf’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and women’s golf…

20.

NEWS FROM SENTOSA ISLAND Find out more about the exciting new initiatives that are taking place on Lazarus Island…

22-23. INSTRUCTION SGC Head Professional, Skye Neal, talks us through a selection of best shots from LIV Golf Singapore on The Serapong…

24.

18 HOLES WITH… SGC Sponsored Professional, Koh Dengshan, talks us through the recent Asian Games and which course he most wants to play in the world…

This magazine is printed on environmentallyfriendly paper.

6

MCI (P) 049/12/2022 To advertise in SENTOSA GOLF CLUB, please call 6275 0090.

sentosagolfclub

The early morning sun arises above The Dragon's Tail

@sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

www.sentosagolf.com

7


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

GENERAL

GOLF NEWS DECHAMBEAU LEADS CRUSHERS TO TEAM SUCCESS SENTOSA DUO IMPRESS AT ASIAN GAMES Two of Sentosa's sponsored professionals represented Singapore with distinction at the recent Asian Games in China. Koh Sock Hwee was the leading name among Singapore's women golfers and her finish of tied 18th helped propel the team to a creditable eighth place. The men’s team consisted of James Leow, Ryan Ang, Gregory Foo, and Sentosa's Koh Dengshan. After the opening day they were in second place before eventually settling in fifth place on an impressive 43-under – Dengshan finished in a tie for 21st.

The Crushers signed off the LIV Golf season by capturing the team championship at Trump Doral. Anirban Lahiri was the star of the show with a sevenunder 65 as Bryson DeChambeau's quartet saw off the RangeGoats by two shots in Miami. All four scores counted, and the skipper added a 67 while Charles Howell III had a 72 and Paul Casey a 73. The RangeGoats were only two behind at the 18th when Talor Gooch found the water. Torque finished third. In the final individual event Brooks Koepka successfully defended his title in Jeddah, beating Gooch at the second hole of a play-off. The win moved Koepka into third place on the standings behind Cam Smith and the leader Gooch.

PUIG EXCELS AT TANAH MERAH David Puig could afford a final-round 73 and still win the International Series Singapore at Tanah Merah. The Spaniard, who had led by nine after three days, eventually prevailed by five over Jaewoong Eom from Korea to chalk up his first victory as a professional. Puig, at just 21, also became the youngest winner of an International Series event. American Andy Ogletree moved closer to clinching the Asian Tour and International Series Order of Merits with a tie for third that included a hole-in-one while Japan’s Jinichiro Kozuma won a brand new BYD SEAL EV thanks to an ace on the 16th. Singapore amateur Ryan Ang finished off by holing his second shot at the 9th for a 68 and a tie for 23rd.

8

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

THOMPSON MISSES OUT ON HISTORIC CUT Lexi Thompson nearly became just the second woman to make the cut at a PGA Tour event after finishing level par at the Shriners Children's Open. Her secondround 69 saw her come up three shots shy of playing the weekend in Las Vegas after receiving a sponsor's invitation to play. The last woman to make a 36-hole cut on the PGA Tour was Babe Didrikson Zaharias in 1945. Thompson's two-under effort on the Friday was just the third round in the 60s by a woman on the PGA Tour – Michelle Wie West shot 68 on two occasions at the 2004 and 2006 Sony Open. @sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

MEMBER NEWS NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTHS OF AUG & SEP 2023 CORPORATE MEMBER Cathay United Bank Octava Pte Ltd

CAPTAIN VS LADY CAPTAIN

CORPORATE NOMINEE Mr Fong Chee Wai Mr Jang Dongjun Mr Masao Hiwatari Mr Pang Sze Khai Mr Park Pyung Kyun Mr Shogo Miyamoto

Gathering more than 144 enthusiastic golfers, the eagerly anticipated Captain vs. Lady Captain event, generously sponsored by Fila Golf, unfolded gracefully on the lush Tanjong Course. Both teams, representing in their finest attire, painted the fairways with a vivid display of colours - the Captain Team adorned in striking Red and Black, and the Lady Captain Team elegantly decked out in Pink and Black.

Mr Tay Jek Wee Royston

As they embarked on their afternoon of golf, their fashion-forward sensibilities were on full display, dressed impeccably in black and white for the post-game dinner. It was during this exquisite dinner that the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived – the announcement of the season's victor. To the delight of the Captain Team, the trophy was rightfully claimed by them in the Captain vs. Lady Captain championship.

Mr Hiroyuki Murotome

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors, Fila Golf, Interlocal Exim Pte Ltd, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, Mdm. Jamie Chiew, and the dedicated Captain and Lady Captain of SGC for their generous sponsorship of the Hole in One prize. Your support added an extra layer of excitement to an already remarkable day of golf and camaraderie.

Mr Nitin Srinivas Apte

Mr Wong Wai Kwun Winfield TERM MEMBER Mr Atsushi Noguchi Mr Heo Wook Mr Hwang In Seok Mr Jang Woo Suk Mr Jiang Yabo Mr Kim Ki Tae Mr Kosuke Hirota Mr Park Sang Jin Mr Pavel Vyhnalek Mr Ra Sung Chan Mr Shu Wei Mr Stuart George Anderson Pearce Mr Takahiko Tsurukawa Mr Terumitsu Hayashi Mr Yang Hyun Joon ORDINARY MEMBER Mr Motonori Kan Mr Kazutoshi Hashimoto Mr Jin Bookyoo Mr Lawrence Barki

www.sentosagolf.com

9


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

FESTIVE CHRISTMAS LIGHT-UP AND MEMBER’S INTRODUCTION NIGHT The Club invites you to join us for our cherished annual Festive Christmas Light-Up, scheduled for 23 November 7pm. It is also a special occasion for us to extend a warm welcome to new members joining the Sentosa Golf Club family, and we anticipate a joyful and celebratory evening of illumination. Please RSVP using the QR Code.

SGC RISES IN PLATINUM CLUBS OF THE WORLD The Club has been ranked 74th in the latest ‘Platinum Clubs of the World – Top 150 Golf & Country Clubs 202425’, improving on its overall position from the previous list in 2022-23. This year’s Golf & Country Clubs category has been expanded from 100 to 150 Clubs, with Sentosa Golf Club included in the top 1% of private clubs around the world. This achievement is testament to our team’s unyielding dedication to creating and maintaining a world-class golfing experience.

EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF GIVING As an annual Chinese tradition, red packets symbolize gratitude at Sentosa Golf Club, expressing appreciation to our dedicated employees for their exceptional service to members. We kindly request your support by contributing $50 to the Staff Ang Pow fund, automatically billed in your December statement. For opt-outs or larger contributions, kindly complete the form by 1 December 2023. Questions? Call us at 6373 7105 or 6373 7113.

10

sentosagolfclub

SGC GM RECEIVES TOP AWARD Congratulations to General Manager, Andrew Johnston, who earlier this month received the 2023 Asian Golf Lifetime Achievement award. Over the years, Andy has played a critical role in transforming the multi-award winning Sentosa Golf Club into one of the best golf facilities in the world. In addition, he has made significant contributions towards the development and training of industry personnel throughout Southeast Asia by conducting and participating in numerous development programmes aimed at upgrading the golf industry.

HOLE-IN-ONE Ooi Wai Kin 18 Aug 2023 The Tanjong Hole 15, 169 metres

Kazuhiro Hara 23 Sep 2023 The Serapong Hole 17, 136 metres

@sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

MESSAGE BY INTER CLUB LEAGUE CAPTAIN Dear Members, I am excited to be the Sentosa Golf Club, Inter Club League Team Captain again this year. Last season’s league was very competitive as we got into the knockout stages of the competition, coming 8th overall, with congratulations to the Ladies B team coming 3rd overall in their division. Also, a huge congratulations to Varun Taneja for his hole-in-one in the premier division at SICC Island during the last match of the season. The 2024 season starts in March and will run until the end of July, so we are starting to arrange teams and events very soon. The Inter club matches are a great way to meet other members and play competitive golf. The league is open to all standards of player, women, and men, as well as youth players. The format is yet to be decided for the 2024 season.

The divisions are as follows: 'Premier'

No handicap restrictions

'A'

Handicap 5.0 & above

'Senior'*

No handicap restrictions

Ladies 'A'

No handicap restrictions

Ladies 'B'

Handicap 8.0 & above

'Evergreen'*

No handicap restrictions

We are looking for members who enjoy the social aspect of team golf, who are eager to play with other members, and join a competitive but also fun social event. There is a commitment to play up to 8 matches if picked for your division, which will take place on Sunday’s (mostly afternoons). If interested, please contact the reception desk on 6275 0022 and they will inform your interest to the divisional captain.

Happy golfing, Christopher Baker *50 years old and above as of 1st Jan 2024

BEVERAGE SPECIALS NOV/DEC 2023 WINE OF THE MONTH

WHISKY OF THE MONTH

Paul Mas Claudeval Blanc

Singleton

2021 Chenin Blanc

1 bottle

$58/-

3 bottles

Paul Mas Claudeval Rouge 2020 Shiraz/Syrah

15 yrs

$148/$418/$798/-

6 bottles 18 yrs

$188/1 bottle

$58/www.sentosagolf.com

11


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

A THRILLING SENTOSA

Ladies Open

S

entosa Golf Club had the immense pleasure of hosting this year's Sentosa Ladies Open, a remarkable event that brought together 216 talented female golfers hailing from various golf clubs on 19 September. The day began with great enthusiasm as 54 flights teed off on The Serapong Course, setting the stage for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. As the sun set, the event transitioned into a dazzling gala dinner held at the Grand Salon, which was adorned with the theme "The Ravishing Black Party Dinner Gala". The festivities commenced with a delightful cocktail hour at 6pm, followed by a sumptuous dinner spread that delighted the palates of all in attendance. The ballroom was filled with infectious laughter and the joyous spirit of all the ladies, who were thoroughly entertained by the engaging game segments throughout the evening.

12

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

The grand finale of the evening was the eagerly awaited prize presentation, where we proudly crowned the winner of the Sentosa Ladies Open 2023: Angela Ong Hui Lin from Keppel Club. Angela's outstanding performance earned her the Overall Champion, a testament to her exceptional golfing skills and dedication. With hearts full of memories and smiles that lit up the night, it was truly an evening to cherish and remember for years to come. ‘The event was a huge success thanks to Lady Captain, and the great teamwork between the ladies committee and management. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Special thanks to Nicole and Sharon too. The turnout was great, I received a lot of positive comments about the event but most importantly, the camaraderie this event created. Thank you so much to the ladies in “Ravishing Black”!!’

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

THANK YOU SPONSORS Adidas Singapore Pte Ltd • Car Times Automobile Pte Ltd • Crystal Wines Pte Ltd • Goh Joo Hin Pte Ltd • Golfers Abalone Pte Ltd • Innogolf Pte Ltd • Interlocal Exim Pte Ltd • Jen Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La • Ki Eileen Moon Pte Ltd • Kong Guan Dumpling / Pau MFR Pte Ltd • L&H Food Enterprise Pte Ltd • Leonian • Mitsubishi Electric Asia Pte Ltd • Neelamani Foundation • Old Chang Kee • Prepped Pte Ltd • Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd • Scent by Six • Siam Estate & Co Ltd • Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore • Simetri Pilates Studio • Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa • Total Health Chiropractic Pte Ltd • Uya Wheelock • Yeo Teck Seng (S) Pte Ltd • YHI Corporation (Singapore) Pte Ltd • Mr Alvin Law • Mr Ho Kian Guan • Mr Lewis Tan • Mrs Jessica Beh • MDM Jaime Chew

www.sentosagolf.com

13


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

THE

SERAPONG THE WORLD’S BEST

T

he previous winners of the World’s Best Golf Course are straight from the very top table of truly exceptional courses. For the first five years of the World Golf Awards the Old Course at St Andrews took the top spot, since then Carnoustie, Augusta National (twice) and, last year, Shinnecock Hills have landed the main prize. This year The Serapong was named as the best course on the planet and there was further cause for celebration as it also picked up Singapore and Asia's Best Course. “The Serapong is a masterpiece of golf course design and maintenance. The course is a symbol of beautiful scenery, challenging strategy, and outstanding conditioning. It’s not just a golf course but a global icon that attracts golfers to experience 14

sentosagolfclub

its growing legacy,” explained Chris Frost, Managing Director of the World Golf Awards. This year The Serapong, having staged the Singapore Open from 2005-22, opened its doors to the LIV Golf League for the first time as Talor Gooch landed the first back-to-back triumph on the circuit. The American came through a play-off with Sergio Garcia, a former winner of the Singapore Open five years ago, with Brooks Koepka a shot back. For two days it looked like Phil Mickelson might claim his first LIV win and the six-time Major winner gave an interesting insight into his preparations

to tackle The Serapong. "You're going to have a lot of shots from 160 to 210, a lot of full 6-, 7-, 8-iron shots, and you need to hit those really well and you need to drive the ball well. If I want to play well here, those are the areas that I really need to focus on," said Mickelson. The Serapong has always been a jewel in the Singapore golfing crown but the renovations in 2020 have now elevated it to a new level. The last time The Serapong underwent any major changes was in 2007, three years ago nothing was left unturned. The fairways were

“It's a ball striker's golf course. You've got to leave yourself some good opportunities from the fairway. These greens are just so pure that you can roll it in pretty easy if you just start it on line” Brooks Koepka @sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE Photo Credits: Sentosa Golf Club The 6th hole on The Serapong, showcasing the famous Dragon's Tooth

The Serapong has hosted some of the Asia's most high profile events including LIV Golf Singapore earlier this year

The Serapong showcases iconic views of the Singapore cityscape and harbour

“It's a course that I enjoy. I feel like if my game is a little bit on, hit a lot of fairways, hit a lot of greens, give yourself a lot of birdie opportunities, and then the greens are so pure that if you're rolling it with a little bit of confidence, you can make some putts” Sergio Garcia replaced with fresh Zoysia grass and the drainage infrastructure improved to cope with the intense downpours. The tees were re-lasered to reinstate a tabletop finish and the grass updated to ensure that they could be maintained to the same mowing height as the greens. All the bunkers were given new liners along with new white sand, bunkers were also added and some old ones re-nosed and more water was made available with an upgrade to the ponds. When Garcia played here in April, he made special mention of the 'pure

greens' and these have also seen a significant amount of work in recent years with a drill-and-fill process which sees machines injecting premade sand solution to improve the soil condition. Everything has been put in place for the next decade and the results, as demonstrated by the awards and plaudits from the world's best players, are clear for all to see. "The key to maintaining top-level conditions is a combination of cutting-edge agronomy practices, technology and the commitment of www.sentosagolf.com

our dedicated staff.” added General Manager Andy Johnston. World-class shaper Steven Page, who has worked on Muirfield Village, played a big part in the renovations and he was full of praise for both the Club, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, and Johnston who is also the Director of Agronomy and Resident Golf Course Designer. “I wanted to make it striking as well as keeping it as a great course and retaining its X factor and, equally importantly, making it exciting for the members to play. Andy is by far the best man I’ve ever worked for in 30 years. He’s a detail-oriented designer and top-tier professional. But what makes Andy truly remarkable is that he truly cares about his people who work for him, and he cares about the quality of the club and the experience it creates for the members.” 15


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

GUEST COLUMN

KEN

SIM

Head of Marketing for adidas Golf for Southeast Asia

A

ll golfers appreciate apparel that’s wearable anywhere, whether that’s on the course or away from it. That’s why we’ve designed a collection of products – our Go-To line – to show how we have evolved the golf uniform through versatile and more sustainable options that don’t sacrifice on performance. Golf is primarily an individual sport. Every time someone steps on the course it’s a different experience. According to the National Golf Foundation, 25 per cent of those who play golf in the United States are women, a figure that’s been rising steadily over the past five years. So, inclusivity through the women’s lens is one of the brand’s key goals. Sustainability is another key component of adidas Golf's future. We have embarked on an approach to change the materials and to extend the life of our products – the short-term goal is to use only recycled polyester in all our products by 2025. Sentosa Golf Club is always at the forefront in sustainability and

16

sentosagolfclub

the Club is highly aligned with our strategy. Through our partnership, we have supplied the staff here with uniforms made from recycled plastics and we wholeheartedly believe that we can help create more awareness on the importance of sustainability in the game. We were the official partner at the recent Sentosa Ladies Open and, there, we provided sustainable products in the goodie bags and prizes. The brand ran an interactive photo booth to further enhance the message of ending plastic waste to the 250 participants. We are also the official apparel sponsor of the 2023 Honda LPGA in Pattaya, Thailand where we worked closely with the organisers to launch waterrefill stations at Siam Country Club. In terms of our product development and providing the best performance for our athletes and consumers sustainability has always been a

critical factor. One example would be the new 'Made with Nature' collection for women which are made in part with natural and renewable materials to design out finite resources and help that push to ending plastic waste. Each piece in the capsule contains a minimum of 70 per cent natural and renewable materials which puts our athletes – and our planet – first. Finally, our long-term vision is simple; to be the most progressive golf brand and to continue to innovate in three key areas – sports credibility, culture credibility and sustainability. What does that mean? We plan to create the best and most innovative product for the core golf consumer, we plan to drive and highlight versatility and culture in and around the game and, finally, we plan to showcase sustainability without compromising on style or performance.

Sentosa Golf Club is always at the forefront in sustainability and the Club is highly aligned with our strategy.

@sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub


TURN PASSION INTO PROFIT WITH FINE ART START YOUR FINE ART INVESTMENT JOURNEY BY DOWNLOADING OUR FREE EXPERT’S GUIDE TO LEARN MORE.


Christmas Delights 27 NOV - 31 DEC 2023

Unwrap the joy of the season with our delectable Christmas menu! Discover fresh additions that will spoil your taste buds and perhaps your budget, but remember, 'tis the season for giving and indulging. Savour every bite of festive delight from the comfort of your home. Let the celebrations begin! Place your order at our Golfers' Terrace counter.


WEEKEND SPECIALS Irish Live Oyster • Fresh Original • Baked with Raclette Cheese • Tempura Style • Garlic & Scallion

6-PCS

Fried Oyster Omelette

$20 12-PCS

$40

4 & 5 NOV

S$

$18

DEC

NOV

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Christmas Goodies Please email: sgc_fnb@sentosagolf.com

11 & 12 NOV

S$

Braised Lamb Shank in Red Wine Sauce, Mashed Potato, Root Vegetables

20

Black Pepper Beef Don, Pickled Vegetables, Sous Vide Egg, Tobiko Roe

16

Braised Beehoon with Wax Gourd and Shredded Chicken Gravy

13

Mapo Seafood & Beancurd Mui Fan

12

Prawns and Vegetables in Spices Thick Sauce with Rice, Papdum and Onion Raita

18

Wok Fried Mee Tai Mak with Minced Pork Sauce in Claypot

13

S$

18 & 19 NOV

S$

25 & 26 NOV

Duck Rillette Spaghetti, Smooth Cream, Sage

16

Baked Salmon en Papillote

18

Minced Pork Mala Tang Hoon, Egg, Soup

12

Gan Xiang Chicken Cubes with Rice

12

Ayam Assam with Blue Pea Rice, Achar and Fried Egg

12

Hot and Spicy Thick Bee Hoon Soup with Slice Beef

14

2 & 3 DEC

S$

9 & 10 DEC

S$

Chilled Octopus Salad, Lettuce, Baby Fennel, Pickled Mushroom, Sichuan Vegetables

16

Half Shell Scallop Capellini, Japanese Kombu, Lobster Infused Oil

18

Glass Noodles Soup with Tong Chai and Pork Balls

13

Mini Steamboat with Beancurd, Sliced Fish, Salted Vegetable and Long Cabbage

14

Stir-Fried Spicy Chicken with Egg Fried Rice, Shredded Dry Seaweed and Sesame

14

Curry Chicken Noodle

12

16 & 17 DEC

S$

23 & 24 DEC

S$

Thai Beef Salad, Pickled Mango, Red Onion, Cucumber, Basil, Chilli & Vinaigrette

14

Tuna Tataki Salad with San Bei Sauce

15

Steam Herbal Kampung Chicken with Rice

15

Fried Rice with String Bean Minced Pork and Preserved Black Olives

12

Breaded Prawns with Spicy Crab Meat Udon

18

Herbal Chicken Mee Sua Soup

15 19


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

NEWS FROM SENTOSA ISLAND

GETAWAY TO THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS Lazarus Island has benefitted from a number of enhancements in recent times, and visitor experiences are set to improve further still with the opening of Sol by BDC, a convenience store by Bespoke Dining Club (BDC), and Lazarus Sea Sports Centre (LSCC). Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) is committed to its objective in promoting rustic adventure on the Southern Islands, which are accessible from a dedicated jetty at Sentosa Cove, and are just a 15-minute boat ride away. These enhancements aim to transform the connected islands of Seringat, Lazarus, St John’s and Kias into a more alluring get-away haven for nature-lovers, both locals and tourists alike. This range of new offerings, which have been planned in consultation with various nature groups, such as Friends of Marine Park, complete the

earlier launched Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island, a series of five compact accommodation units by Big Tiny since April 2023, and a bicycle rental kiosk by Gogreen Eco Adventure on St John’s Island. Ms Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer, SDC, said: “Travellers today are increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment. We are proud to partner like-minded businesses that place importance not just on profitability but also in championing sustainable tourism.” Making food and beverage options readily available to visitors of the Southern Islands, Sol by BDC offers a curated selection of day-to-day necessities and groceries, including microwavable ready-to-eat meals and ready-to-grill food items curated by Chef-owner Samuel Quan that guests can purchase, along with barbecue pits that utilise eco-friendly materials.

by BDC has brought used shipping containers to life to welcome customers, which further promotes the Southern Islands as an ecotourism destination. Meanwhile, LSCC offers a range of non-motorised water activities, such as stand-up paddling, kayaking and floating yoga boards – a first in Singapore – for visitors to participate in amid the scenic waters of the Southern Islands. The use of a single designated launching zone for all watercrafts, which ensures minimal impact on the area’s seabed, keeps the island’s natural environment in mind. Into the Woods is another exciting new initiative on the way, and will enable guests to experience Lazarus Island like never before. The locally owned start-up will offer nine glamping units and encourage urban dwellers to take a break from the city and reconnect with nature.

Sol by BDC’s food offerings incorporate locally sourced produce, such as seafood, herbs and vegetables, from offshore local fish, hydroponic, and vertical farms in Singapore. If the smells aren’t enough to entice visitors, the storefront will certainly attract attention, for Sol

20

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

GAME ON! Sustainable Golf Week explores golf’s relationship with nature

This year, professional golf has treated us to some remarkable performances, as well as dramatic Solheim and Ryder Cups. However, of all the important fixtures in 2023, no week has been more significant for the sport and its future than Sustainable Golf Week by GEO Foundation in October. Last year, people across the golf community came together around sustainable golf to Reflect, Celebrate, and Drive Further, asking important questions and sharing inspiring contributions and commitments. This year, the week was devoted to exploring golf’s connection with the natural world, under the banner of ‘Golf – Better with Nature’.

Golf’s relationship with nature is unique among sport, with landscapes, ecosystems, and biodiversity an essential part of the experience. There are over 39,000 golfing landscapes globally in more than 200 countries, and with pressing challenges of climate change and ecosystem degradation, preserving and actively reviving nature holds significant importance for both golf and society. Throughout the week, a wide range of content from across and beyond golf was shared to help us all better understand the sport’s relationship with nature; how golf is dependent on nature; and also, how golf can do even more for nature at a time when it is increasingly under pressure.

Our environmentally-driven initiatives include the use of GPS-guided sprayers, which have reduced pesticide use by 95% and fertilizer use by 50%.

At Sentosa Golf Club, we have always been keen to showcase our sustainability credentials, and Sustainable Golf Week provided us with another opportunity to share some of our success stories and learn from other organisations as to how we can improve the way we operate alongside nature. Our environmentally-driven initiatives include the use of GPS-guided sprayers, which have reduced pesticide use by 95% and fertilizer use by 50%; the creation of reservoir water features on The Tanjong to make it self-irrigating and reduce water usage through the utilization of single-head irrigation control; switching to an all-electric golf cart fleet; the use of biochar to enhance soil productivity; using horticultural biodigesters to turn food and plant waste into fertilizer; and banning single-use plastic bottles on course, saving over 150,000 plastic bottles per year. It was encouraging to see so many other initiatives that have been put into effect around the world. We’d encourage you to search ‘BetterWithNature’ and ‘SustainableGolfWeek’ on social media to find out more. It’s an extremely important topic and one we must continue to discuss.

www.sentosagolf.com

21


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

INSTRUCTION Photo Credits: LIV Golf

SGC Head Professional Skye Neal analyses some of the best shots from LIV Golf Singapore

LEARNING FROM

THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS It’s always fascinating to watch the world’s best players close up. We’ve been fortunate here to have a front row seat on many occasions, and LIV Golf Singapore didn’t disappoint. I know many of you didn’t waste the opportunity to pick up some free tips during the week – and I was no different. You’re always learning in this game.

2018 SMBC Singapore Open Champion Sergio Garcia

22

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

When it comes to iron play, I could watch Sergio Garcia all day long – he’s such a pure striker of the ball and displays wonderful balance and rhythm. In the first round, he was facing a long iron into the par-5 4th (587 yards), and he had to avoid some encroaching palms. It’s the type of scenario that can cause club golfers to panic, especially a shot over water, but the former Masters Champion didn’t hit at the ball. He had his carry distance, trusted it, and was able to hit the ball then turf for that perfect strike, which set up the eagle.

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

Ball striking masterclass Talking of great ball strikers, Henrik Stenson is another player we can learn from. I was reminded of his ball striking prowess when he launched a mid-iron high into the air on the 13th during the final round, the ball landing softly and finishing inches from the cup. What I’ve always liked about the Swede is his stable and athletic address position – one of the keys to his remarkable consistency. When you next watch him, notice his forward tilt at address. It allows for a co-ordinated move away from the ball, his arms moving under the sternum and in sync with the body motion to keep the club on plane in the backswing. Although Laurie Canter made an ace on 17 – the body language suggested he wasn’t happy with the strike – for me, it was Matthew Wolff who produced the best iron shot of the week. This was a play that could have gone horribly wrong off a cart path and with water on the clubface. There was also a danger that he could slip, but he avoided that by taking an extra club. He couldn’t afford to come in steep, which would have led to a heavy strike off that lie. The strike was perfect, neatly clipped away underneath the trees, his ball coming to rest just 12 feet from the flag. He needed to fade the ball, too, which made it even more impressive. I must admit, I’ve never seen a shot played from the 16th fairway into 15 – that was until Brooks Koepka went sightseeing, after which he gave us all a lesson in how to play a high draw. It’s important to stay committed to the swing that you’re trying to make when shaping it. I loved how the American finished with his shoulders perfectly level.

Majesticks GC Co-Captain Henrik Stenson teeing off on The Serapong's par 4 11th hole

2023 PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka finished third at LIV Golf Singapore, one shot behind Talor Gooch and Sergio Garcia

Spin masters The shot of round two belonged to Martin Kaymer, who holed out with his second into the par-4 11th for eagle. The execution was perfect. All I’d say to club golfers is that the key is to find the fairway off the tee. It sounds simple, but one of the reasons professionals hole out so frequently – aside from being very accomplished with their wedges – is that playing from the fairway allows them to control their spin. It makes them deadly. With all the rain that came down, The Serapong was there for the taking, and the players were throwing darts with their wedges. Dean Burmester was at it in the final round, holing out on the par-4 6th. When playing wedges, focus on where you want the ball to land and what type of flight you’re looking to try and achieve.

Matthew Wolff hit one of the best shots of the event from the cart path

If you can add one shot to your armoury, you’d do well to groove a soft fade with a 3-wood, a bit like the one Talor Gooch (main picture) produced on the first hole of the playoff down the 18th. When the pressure is on, always go with what you know. The American, who went on to win back-to-back LIV titles, hit slightly down and across the ball to impart that baby fade.

www.sentosagolf.com

23


SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

18 Holes With…

KOH DENGSHAN In the latest issue of 18 Holes With…we caught up with another of Sentosa Golf Club sponsored professionals, Koh Dengshan, to discuss the recent Asian Games, his favourite golfers, and which course around the world he most wants to play… How did you get into playing golf? My Dad introduced me to the game when I was about 8 years old. He took me to the driving range regularly. Did you have a golfing idol growing up? I grew up watching Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood. What inspired you to keep pursuing golf as a career? I love the competition and like how we get to travel around the world. It feels great to be able to perform well and pull it off under pressure. What has been the best moment in your career so far? I am always proud to represent Singapore. I recently participated in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the team finished in fifth place, the highest ever result by Team Singapore. That has to be one of the highlights of my career. How does it feel to be sponsored by Sentosa Golf Club? It feels great to be backed by such a reputable and prestigious golf club. I am very thankful to be able to practice at such an amazing facility. What is your preferred course at the Club? Both courses have

24

great holes. If I have to choose, I will say The Serapong as that’s where I practiced the most. What is your favourite hole on the course? The 6th hole on The Serapong after its new bunker redesign. What is your favourite career highlight so far? Making the halfway cut at last year’s SMBC Singapore Open was a fantastic moment. What are your goals for the remainder of 2024? I want to win on the Asian Tour. That goal has never changed. What is your favourite golf course in the world? I have not played enough outside of Asia to have a favourite golf course in the world. However, I would love to play at the Augusta National! If you could play a round of golf with any one person, past or present, who would you choose? Tiger Woods, My Dad, and Lee Westwood. Who is the greatest golfer of all time? Definitely Tiger Woods. What do you do in your spare time to switch off from golf? I like to explore different food places and cafes wherever I am.

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

Koh Dengshan is one of six local Singaporeans to be sponsored by Sentosa Golf Club

What is your favourite club in the bag? Driver

words? Immaculate, Innovative and Prestigious.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career? I had a shoulder injury about 14 years ago and I had to stop playing golf for 6 months.

What is your favourite thing about Singapore? I love its diversity and safety.

How would you describe Sentosa Golf Club in three @sentosagolfclub

If you could play one other sport professionally, what would it be? Cycling. SentosaGolfClub




Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.