PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds you well.
As we approach Sentosa Golf Club’s 50th Anniversary, I am thrilled to share exciting details about the upcoming celebrations. We are eagerly anticipating the Golf Days scheduled for Saturday 5 October for Members, Sunday 6 October for Stakeholders, and Monday 7 October for the Public.
This landmark weekend will be a spectacular event, with a fun-filled food fiesta taking place at the Practice Range and Serapong Staging area. I warmly invite all members to join us for a round of golf or simply to enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
To commemorate this milestone, we are also preparing a special coffee table book that will be gifted to all principal members. This book will celebrate our rich history, capturing the essence of Sentosa Golf Club through stunning photography and heartfelt stories. It will highlight the many memories we have created together over the years, paying tribute to the achievements, events, and individuals that have shaped our Club into what it is today.
In addition, this and our upcoming magazine issues will feature stories about the 50th Anniversary, including a highlight on Allam from Golf Agronomy, who has dedicated an incredible 50 years of service to Sentosa Golf Club. His commitment and hard work is truly inspiring.
On a different note, I must address a recent disciplinary case that underscores the critical importance of treating our service staff with respect. Our staff members work tirelessly to ensure that Sentosa Golf Club operates smoothly and provides
the exceptional experience we all enjoy. Their dedication and hard work deserve our utmost respect and appreciation. Let us all strive to be mindful of our interactions and ensure that respect is at the forefront of our conduct, reinforcing the strong sense of community that makes Sentosa Golf Club special.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Toh Han Li, who has stepped down from the General Committee. Since 2017, he has served as a dedicated member of the Disciplinary Committee and as its Chairman since 2019, playing an active role in the General Committee since 2018. His contributions have been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for his service.
Lastly, I invite all Members to join us for the National Day BBQ event on Friday 9 August, at the Pyramid. It promises to be a delightful evening filled with great food and camaraderie as we celebrate our nation’s birthday together.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Sentosa Golf Club. Let us look forward to a memorable 50th Anniversary celebration and many more years of shared success and community spirit.
Warm regards,
Andrew M Lim President
SGC President Andrew M Lim
EXPERIENCE LIFE’S SPECIAL MOMENTS AT SENTOSA GOLF CLUB
Exchange vows and celebrate with loved ones against the backdrop of Singapore’s most stunning vistas!
Elevate your special day at Sentosa Golf Club with tailored experiences and unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.
From the Sentosa Pavilion, one of the most sought-after venues, to the Pyramid on The Tanjong, experience the diff erence as we orchestrate your dream wedding. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT CHERRY
AT (65) 8321 6055
GM’S MESSAGE
Dear Members, Colleagues, and Friends
As we move forward into the second half of the calendar year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our recent tournament season and share our plans for the remainder of the year.
Celebrating Successes
I am incredibly proud of the efforts made to host both the HSBC Women’s World Championship and LIV Golf Singapore events. These events attracted global visibility and produced historic Champions in Hannah Green and Brooks Koepka, two of the world’s best players. The feedback from everyone, including our partners and visiting guests, has been overwhelmingly positive. This success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Thank you for your unwavering support in allowing us to host these world-class events.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability Initiatives
As we look to the second half of the year, sustainability remains at the forefront of our strategy. Our Bio Digesters are operating at full strength now, significantly contributing to our green initiatives and helping reduce our environmental footprint while setting new standards in our industry.
Additionally, we plan to re-level select tees on The Tanjong, which have aged and are no longer level. This project aims to enhance the overall playing experience by ensuring all tee boxes meet the highest standards of quality. The re-levelling process will involve careful assessment and adjustment to create an even and consistent surface, providing golfers with improved conditions. We will also add a TifEagle nursery to support our long-term greens management in the space behind the 15th green on The Tanjong.
Employee Development and Well-being
In line with our commitment to fostering a supportive
and growth-oriented workplace, we are planning to launch a new series of professional development workshops for our team. These sessions are designed to enhance our team’s hospitality skills, helping everyone thrive in their roles.
Care for the Course
We will also introduce a series of Care for the Course classes for our members. These free courses will focus on the importance of repairing ball marks, raking bunkers, filling divots, and why practicing the 90-degree rule with golf carts improves the condition of our golf course.
Additionally, these classes will showcase demonstrations and provide tips, empowering members to contribute actively to the maintenance and preservation of our course. By fostering a culture of care and responsibility among our members, we aim to ensure that our golf course remains in pristine condition for everyone’s enjoyment.
New Golf Carts
Our new golf carts are due to arrive in July, and I know everyone has been looking forward to this. Thank you for your patience over the past year as the current fleet has shown its age. These new carts will help enhance your golfing experience, including improved comfort, reliability, and advanced technology.
Thank you all for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we are achieving great things and paving the way for an even brighter future.
Warm 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
GM Andrew Johnston
CONTENTS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
SGC President, Andrew Lim, discusses the Club’s upcoming 50th anniversary and National Day celebrations… 1.
GM’S MESSAGE
SGC General Manager, Andrew Johnston, looks ahead to exciting plans for the second half of the year… 4.
GENERAL GOLF AND MEMBER NEWS
Discover the latest news from the Club including a disciplinary update, Hiroshi Tai’s maiden Major, and Royal Club Tokyo… 8-11.
A GOLDEN ERA
Celebrate the best moments from the last 50 years at Sentosa Golf Club… 12-14.
GUEST COLUMN
Managing Director of Toro Australia & Asia Pacific, Richard Walne, shares his vision for the future with the Club… 15.
STAFF STORIES
Abdul Allam Ashaari from Agronomy shares his memories, recounting the Club’s transformation over the years… 16.
INSTRUCTION
Head Professional, Skye Neal, recalls his life as a competitive golfer on tour… 22-23.
18 HOLES WITH…
Catch up with SGC Member, Hiroshi Tai, who recently played in the US Open… 24.
The magnificent 17th island green, leading to the 18th hole on The Tanjong
GENERAL GOLF NEWS
DECHAMBEAU DOUBLES MAJOR TALLY
American Bryson DeChambeau won his second US Open title at Pinehurst No.2 after a dramatic showdown with Rory McIlroy. The LIV Golf star got up and down from sand, 55 yards from the pin, after the Northern Irishman had missed his second short putt in three holes. At one brief moment McIlroy had overturned the American's three-shot lead to lead by two before the thrilling finale. It makes DeChambeau the second golfer after last year’s PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka to win a major after departing the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.
JOHNSTON LAUDS LIV STARS
Sentosa's General Manager and Director of Agronomy
Andy Johnston was full of praise for the LIV Golf stars following this year's return to Singapore. “It was an honour to see some of the greatest golfers of our era walking the fairways, it was even more gratifying to see and hear their positive comments about the challenges The Serapong presented and what great tournament condition the course was in," explained Johnston. The recent US Open Champ Bryson DeChambeau added: “It’s certainly exciting for me to see the eyes light up in people and it doesn’t even have to be a junior. The adults are just in love with the game and they’re so appreciative of us being here."
BLUEWATER ALIGNS WITH ASIAN TOUR
The Asian Tour took another step forward in their desire for sustainable practices after announcing Bluewater as a Tour Partner. The Tour uses 42,000 single use plastic bottles per event and Bluewater will now become the ‘Preferred Water Solution of the Tour’. "With over 40 events across the Asian Tour and the Asian Development Tour, there is a significant amount of water consumed across our events," said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour. “This new partnership aims to gradually reduce our impact on the environment and the communities we visit, and it is in line with our sustainability pillar.”
NEW ADDITIONS TO SCOTTY CAMERON STABLE
Leading putter brand Scotty Cameron have introduced two new Long Design models and there is a blade and mallet option available. The idea is to provide superior balance and, with a counterbalanced 38-inch build, a stiffer, custom shaft and a heavier head with tungsten sole weights, offering better connection when striking your putts. Both options are visually very appealing, come with plenty of tech and should prove to be hugely popular. “Most of the discussions we’re having with players these days are either about new alignment features or finding ways to quiet their hands during the putting stroke. We took two of our most popular models and created a counterbalanced effect." explains Cameron.
MEMBER NEWS
DISCIPLINARY INCIDENT
There was an incident involving a Club member who failed to observe the instruction of the staff at The Serapong Cart Staging Area on Saturday 17 February 2024 and used abusive language within the hearing of the staff. Based on the findings of the Disciplinary Committee inquiry, the General Committee has decided to impose a suspension of three months for the Club member, pursuant to Club Rule 23.8 below written.
Rule 23.8
The Committee may, after considering the findings and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee, expel the Member, suspend the Member for not more than one (1) year, impose a fine on the Member not exceeding S$500, impose any lesser penalty or any combination thereof. Notice thereof shall thereafter be sent to the Member and the Committee may, at its discretion, direct that a notice, in such terms as the Committee shall consider appropriate, be posted on the notice board of the Club or be published in any Club magazine or publication.
NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTHS OF APRIL & MAY 24
ORDINARY MEMBER
Mr Chou Wayne
Mr Nicholas Robert Sawyer
Mr Pang Shengdong
Mr Poon Yee Choy
Mr Takuji Konzo
Mr You Chie Lu
Mr Yuan Dongdong
Ms Lian Yishi
CORPORATE MEMBER
Broad Wisdom International Business Pte Ltd
Jun Ting Management Pte Ltd
Serenity Group Pte Ltd
CORPORATE NOMINEE
Mdm Zhu Hongchan
Mr Eiji Yoshitomi
Mr Hirokazu Higashino
Mr Hitoshi Saishu
Mr Keijiro Terumoto
Mr Kim Jaechan
Mr Kiyotaka Kikuchi
Mr Lee Jongmun
Mr Lee Sang Chul
Mr Lee Sangwook
Mr Li Jun
Mr Li Zhenting
Mr Michiaki Kawa
Mr Tamotsu Yoshida
Mr Tomoyuki Nishida
Mr Yang Seung Yong
Mr Yusuke Morii
Ms Zhang Honghao
TERM MEMBER
Mr Arthur Paul Becker
Mr Bae Jung Ho
Mr Benjamin Arthur Carey
Mr Daisuke Nakagawa
Mr Georg Greilinger
Mr Glen Christopher Hilton
Mr Gum Ki Ho
Mr Hao Quoc Tien
Mr Hideomi Tsujimura
Mr Hiroki Tsujii
Mr Hiromichi Shinohara
Mr Hiroshi Karashima
Mr Jun Kobayashi
Mr Jun Kyu Byung
Mr Kiichiro Shimao
Mr Kim Nam Hong
Mr Kim Sung Hee
Mr Koji Segawa
Mr Kwon Kijung
Mr Masanobu Itani
Mr Masato Hayashi
Mr Paek Jin Heum
Mr Park Jun Suk
Mr Pi Taotao
Mr Shen Renqi
Mr Suh Joon Ho
Mr Taku Nakamoto
Mr Tatsuo Okura
Mr Ty Dincer
Mr Zhao Junmin
THE ROYAL PEACOCK TROPHY
The Club had the pleasure of hosting the representatives from The Royal Golf Club for a thrilling match on 25 May 2024. In a closely contested competition, our team emerged victorious by a single point, with a final score of 5.5 to 4.5. The attendees celebrated the exciting day with a wonderful night of dinner, capping off a memorable event.
Tan Yap Leong
4 Jun 2024
The Serapong
Hole 8, 175 metres
George Djuhari 16 Jun 2024
The Serapong
Hole 17, 136 metres
Michio Kotegawa 23 Jun 2024
The Serapong
Hole 14, 168 metres
Sentosa Golf Club and The Royal Golf Club Tokyo golfers unite for a memorable tee-off!
Ready to tee off! Mr Jimmy Lin, Mrs Katsuko Blalock, and The Royal Golf Club representative share a fun moment on Hole 1.
SGC MEMBER
HIROSHI TAI COMPETES AT US OPEN
Hiroshi Tai, a junior member of Sentosa Golf Club, recently made history as the first Singaporean to compete in a Major since 2012 at the US Open. Tai earned his spot in both the US Open and the 2025 Masters after clinching a historic individual title at the NCAA Championship in May. Although he missed the cut by four shots, Tai gained invaluable experience and memorable moments from his maiden Major outing. His performance has filled everyone at the Club with immense pride and has fuelled his ambition to build on this significant milestone in his career.
Raclette Cheese
Join us for a sumptuous Raclette Cheese this July! Indulge in a delightful spread featuring live oysters, charcuterie, and savory Raclette cheese with all the trimmings. A night of gourmet delights awaits!
$138 MEMBER | $148 NON-MEMBER (Includes free flow of Whisky, Wine, Beer and other beverages)
National Day BBQ Dinner
Celebrate National Day with a sizzling BBQ at the Pyramid on 9 Aug! Enjoy fresh oysters, gourmet tapas, and mouth-watering grilled specialties. Join us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food! Fri 9 Aug, 5.30pm @ Pyramid, Tanjong Course
$138 MEMBER | $148 NON-MEMBER
(Includes free flow of Whisky, Wine, Beer and other beverages)
Hiroshi Tai is the first Singaporean to play at a Major since 2012
50 YEARS OF SENTOSA GOLF CLUB
Given what sits in place today it’s incredible to think that Sentosa began life under the rather different name Blakang Mati, which is literally translated as ‘Death from the Back island’. Portuguese cartographers first put the island on the map and, by the 19th century, as many as 200 acres of pineapple plantations were in place having become a British colony in 1819. The British would fortify the island, the Japanese would invade it in 1942 and it would become a temporary home for servicemen from the Royal Navy and soldiers from across Malaya.
A significant moment for the island’s future came in 1963 when Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew signed the Malaysia Agreement in London, and this led to the release of military land in Singapore. Sentosa Development Corporation was established in 1972 with a mandate to oversee the
development of the island. Some suggested an industrial port, others a depot for bulk cargo while a few wanted a major petrochemical refinery. By now the island was named Sentosa, literally meaning tranquility, after a public naming competition, and tourism was thankfully seen as the best path forward.
In the mid to late 60s golf in Singapore was for the elite and those with a military affiliation – there were two clubs, Singapore Island Country Cub and Keppel Club, and five nine-holers which belonged to the military.
The original Tanjong Course was curated in 1974 with English architect Frank Pennink given the remit to carve an 18-hole course out of the testing terrain. Back then the timetable of the tides were published in the weekly newsletter with ‘bumboats' and ferries the only way of reaching the island. The course was christened the ‘golf ball eater’ by some and the 2nd hole,
which was positioned on a small reef off the main island, soon gained golfing notoriety.
Eight years later The Serapong Course made the island a 36-hole resort though it wasn’t without its initial challenges with architect Ronald Fream overseeing the design and the not-sominor obstacle of the South China Sea.
“The future land for was primarily sea water when I first visited by ferry and small motor launch. More than three million cubic metres of sand was pumped and dredged from shipping channels to raise golf from sea and swamp,” explains the American.
“What followed was an eye-watering feat of engineering, not to just carve out a new area of land but specifically the new holes and allowing the majesty of the sea to encroach tantalisingly close to the new layout. The setting, now with the world’s largest container ships passing by and spectacular downtown
skyline alongside, is truly a unique visual effect.”
Out of the sea came The Dragon’s Tail, an incredible stretch holes from the 4th to the 7th, which house the iconic 5th green with the Singapore CBD skyline in the background and the 6th which features the ‘Dragon’s tooth’ in a greenside bunker. The hard graft and manual labour which first carved out the site has now materialised into The Serapong being named the ‘World's Best Golf Course’ at the World Golf Awards in 2023.
To achieve such an award, you need to dazzle on the world stage and 2005 saw the first tour golf take place with the Barclays Singapore Open. Adam Scott would win by seven and the Australian would add two more titles by 2010 as a host of worldwide superstars would visit the island.
In 2013 the HSBC Women’s World Championship was first played at Sentosa, on The Serapong from 2013-15 and on The Tanjong since following a renovation of the course. Ten years ago, we witnessed one of the game’s greatest putts as Paula Creamer somehow rolled in a 75-footer for eagle to win a dramatic play-off against Azahara Munoz and, alongside her US Open trophy,
it remains the only trophy that the American keeps at home.
The Serapong Course moved to new levels in 2020 following the completion of renovation work by Andrew Johnston, the Club’s General Manager and Director of Agronomy. This project involved new bunkering, re-grassing fairways, new drainage, re-levelling all tee boxes and minor grading adjustments and, in 2023, we’ve seen LIV Golf make its home at Sentosa. Talor Gooch became the first player to win back-to-back titles in a play-off victory over Sergio Garcia and this year Brooks Koepka finished two clear of the fast-finishing Aussie duo of Cam Smith and Marc Leishman.
Across the board we’ve seen a host of quality winners, many of them Major Champions but, away from the courses, Sentosa has also shone a leading light. Among the huge strides the Club has made in sustainability, launching the #KEEPITGREEN campaign in 2018. At the 2020 World Golf Awards, the Club was awarded the World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility for its use of multiple sustainable practices – by this time the Club had already put into place a ban on single-use plastics, reservoir features that are self-irrigating and waste digesters to break sown food waste which could be then used for fertilisers on the courses and sustainable batteries for the golf carts.
In 2021, Sentosa Development Corporation announced plans for the island to become carbon neutral by 2030, a feat Sentosa Golf Club achieved some seven years before the target.
“We are extremely proud of this achievement," explains Johnston. "Ever since we began to share the importance of our sustainability journey back in 2018, we have always been focused on becoming an industry leader and inspiring others to follow suit by implementing eco-friendly initiatives to help reduce our overall carbon footprint.”
At the opening of the golf club in 1974 Prime Minister Lee spoke of his desire for Sentosa to become a haven for calm
and seclusion, 50 years on his words still ring true.
"On Sentosa, the noise and bustle of Singapore seems remote and cut off. There should be more trees and palms. Buildings should be kept low, hugging the profile of the island. Then Sentosa will remain an idyllic retreat, albeit a crowded one at weekends and holidays, with people seeking the swimming lagoons and tourist and picnic spots. In declaring open this golf club and its clubhouse, I hope the Sentosa Golf Club will maintain its unique assets, all the comforts of proximity to a city, but all the quiet and seclusion of the wooded hillside, and a glorious view of a wide expanse of the sea."
Gavin Green helped to launch the Club's #KeepitGreen campaign during the 2018 SMBC Singapore Open
Paula Creamer celebrates holing her 75ft putt in a playoff during the HSBC Women's World Championship
Adam Scott has won a record three Singapore Open titles at Sentosa Golf Club
Richard WALNE
Managing Director APAC of The Toro Company
Richard is the Managing Director APAC of The Toro Company as well as Chair of Certificate in Greenkeeping education and former President of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
Technology changes affect us all and it’s no different in turf maintenance. Even on the golf course today, the complete map of each hole is available to manage water usage, in real time! Just as you use your phone as a map, the blue dot shows where you are allowing sprinkler operation at the touch of a button. Sentosa is now using the latest technology in spraying, in fact the first in Asia. It uses GPS and RTK to pinpoint areas ensuring no overlap or spray and this saves on time, material and waste.
Supporting Sentosa's sustainability goals, over the last few years we have seen increasing use of electric power in many aspects of maintaining the course to reduce carbon emissions. Toro have seen demand for quiet and sustainable work vehicles, handheld blowers and greens mowers and this trend will increase tremendously and we expect to move to around 20 percent of our sales in the next two to three years. The move from internal combustion engines to electric will be a
major reduction in carbon emissions. Toro are now into our third year as a partner with Sentosa and the close working relationship is positive from both sides. For the Sentosa golf maintenance team it provides stability and continuity of product and services and results in lower maintenance costs. In fact, at the start of the partnership we based a key service manager on site to help set up the facility to be world class and Toro provide on-site training to ensure Sentosa are getting the best out of the equipment. Impressively Sentosa was the first in the region to be designated the Centre of Excellence, an honour we do not bestow lightly.
So, the major trends will include a focus on sustainability, smart technologies and water conservation. One other trend that we will see over the next few years is the introduction of autonomous equipment. Recently I ordered an Uber in Phoenix, and it turned up with no driver! Our everyday life is changing so too will golf course maintenance – Toro already has autonomous mowers for your garden, and we will introduce a fairway unit next year.
Continuing with the success of sustainability, Toro will be looking at all our new environmentally friendly equipment to be supplied to Sentosa as soon as it is on the market, products you will see around the course soon will include hybrid fairway mowers, fully electric greens mowers, electric blowers/ trimmers, electric hover mowers for trimming bunkers, all reducing noise and carbon emissions. Your meals are already delivered by robot on the Golfers Terrace, now look out for mowers with no driver, they will be looking out for you!
Our everyday life is changing so too will golf course maintenance – Toro already has autonomous mowers for your garden, and we will introduce a fairway unit next year.
Staff stories
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT WORKING AT SENTOSA GOLF CLUB?
Having lived on Sentosa Island since birth, my connection with the golf course is deeply personal. The area that is now Hole 16 of The Tanjong Course used to be a beach where I spent countless hours with my friends. We enjoyed swimming, playing, and making cherished memories by the sea. After work, my friends and I would often go fishing, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the island. Seeing the transformation of this place into the prestigious Sentosa Golf Club has been incredible, blending nostalgia with pride in its development.
Abdul Allam Ashaari Agronomy
Having grown up on Pulau Blakang Mati, Allam began working in Sentosa Golf Club at the age of 23. He shared his story of Sentosa Golf Club, recounting how he has witnessed our Club's transformation over the years.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT SENTOSA GOLF CLUB?
What I enjoy most about working at Sentosa Golf Club is the sense of community and camaraderie I share with my friends and colleagues. Having been born and raised on Sentosa Island, formerly known as Pulau Blakang Mati, this place holds a special place in my heart. My father worked for the British Army, and I was born in the building adjacent to the current Sofitel Hotel. After my father received his pension from the British Army, we moved to a kampung located where the Sentosa Gantry now stands. The island has undergone tremendous transformation, but the connection I feel with the people here and the rich history of Sentosa makes every day at work a rewarding experience.
WHAT HOBBIES OR INTERESTS DO YOU PURSUE OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Outside of work, I find great satisfaction in doing housework. This interest stems from my younger days when I enjoyed helping my father at his shop, learning the value of hard work and meticulous attention to detail. Additionally, I have always been passionate about sports. I frequently play soccer with friends after work, relishing the camaraderie and excitement of the game. Running was another favorite pastime, providing both a physical challenge and a sense of freedom. These activities have not only kept me active but also enriched my life with many fond memories and friendships.
Golfer Fried Rice
2 portions
300gm White Jasmine Rice
30gm Char Siew (Dice)
20gm Chinese Sausages (Dice) (Chicken Or Pork is fine)
20gm Edamame
5gm Spring Onion (Slice)
4 eggs 2 Eggs for Egg wash
2 Eggs for Fried Eggs
5gm Light Soy Sauce
4gm Salt
2gm Sugar
1gm White Pepper Powder
3gm Sesame Oil (or to taste)
We are delighted to have Joanne, our Senior Captain from the F&B team, in the kitchen. You may recognize her from the Golfers' Terrace, always welcoming guests with her smile. In this edition of F&B News, and in celebration of the Club's 50th anniversary, Joanne will be sharing the recipe for the Golfers' Terrace favorite dish: Golfer Fried Rice.
DIRECTIONS
1. Pre-wok fry the white rice with egg wash and set it aside.
2. Heat the wok and add a spoonful of oil.
3. Add the char siew, Chinese sausages, and edamame to the wok, tossing well.
4. Incorporate the pre-fried rice into the wok with all the ingredients. Stir-fry until the wok hey aroma emerges.
5. Season to taste, then finish with spring onions and a dash of sesame oil.
6. Transfer the fried rice onto a plate and top it with a pan-fried sunnyside-up egg.
7. Your delicious Golfers' Fried Rice is now ready to serve.
MEMBER PRIVILEGES
LE FAUBOURG
2 Gunner Lane #01-02 Mess Hall Blk 17
Singapore 099567
10% off (dine-in)
PANAMERICANA
27 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore 099892
25% off (dine-in only)
Discount is not applicable on other in-house promotions, offers or events.
SPA RAEL
ONE°15 MARINA CLUB 11 Cove Drive, Sentosa Cove Level 2 (Lobby Level) Singapore 098497
10% off all treatments
WHITE SAILS YACHT PTE LTD
ONE°15 MARINA CLUB Sentosa Cove, Singapore 098497
Up to 33% 4hrs Private Yacht Charters to Lazarus Island
SGC Members will also enjoy additional complimentary Anchor off Eagle Bay (more privacy and better views) and Inflatable Round Float Island (worth $150)
SKYE NEAL: RECALLING HIS DAYS AS A FORMER PROFESSIONAL PLAYER
The Head Professional at Sentosa Golf Club recounts life as a competitive golfer before settling down to mould the next generation.
Sentosa’s very own Skye Neal, a professional for 26 years, looks back on his life competing on Tour and teaching around the world.
What ignites a fire in me when I play? Good question. I’m not competitive anymore – in the sense that I’m no longer a professional who plays for money. However, when you're playing against anybody, you play to win. And I really despise losing!!
It’s that competitive spirit in me that keeps the juices flowing. It forces you to concentrate and make the most of every shot. Golf is a target sport, so you’ve got to aim. Visualisation is very important. That’s why I love the sport.
What I find most rewarding is seeing my students develop. I've coached the likes of Lydia Ko, Na Yeon Choi and Amanda Tan, as well as Robert Rock and Chris Rodgers, winners on the DP and Asian Tours, respectively.
You give yourself a little pat on the back when you see them accomplish great things. But for me, just seeing a novice student getting their first par or birdie makes me equally proud. It's humbling because you know you're making a difference.
I’m originally from the UK and was part of
the Leadbetter Golf Academy. Between 2002 and 2004 I spent time working between Austria, Spain and the USA. In 2005 I was promoted to Director of Instruction for DLGA Austria covering both academies – later that year I was asked if I’d like to to run its academy in Sentosa. Singapore has been my home ever since. It’s where I met my wife and raise my family. I don't see myself living anywhere else.
My passion for golf started when I watched Nick Faldo win the Masters in 1989. When I was 11, my father brought me to the course to caddie for him, which became our Saturday morning routine.
After that, I started going for lessons to get my fundamentals in place and I played club competitions regularly. When I was about 15, it was a done deal. I was getting good at this sport and wanted to pursue it seriously.
After finishing school, I joined the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), which gave me options. I could turn pro and compete, coach or even run a retail outlet. I could also diversify and go a slightly different route.
I trained under Sean Byrne, who finished third in the UK as a training professional. I wanted to be like him. In 2000, I sat my final exams and passed as the UK's number one
18 Holes With…
HIROSHI TAI
In the latest issue of 18 Holes With…we catch up with one of our very own, Hiroshi Tai, a junior member at Sentosa Golf Club, who recently played in the US Open at Pinehurst after qualifying as the NCAA individual winner…
How did you get into golf?
My parents have played for a long time, so they introduced me to golf.
Who is your biggest golfing influence?
Probably my parents, if it wasn’t for them, I would not be playing today.
What has been your career highlight so far and why?
It has probably playing the NCAA National championship with my teammates and making it to the finals last year and the semi-finals this year. It was probably the most fun I have had playing in competition.
What advice do you have for players looking to use the same pathway as yourself?
I think it is very important to remember to have fun and be grateful for being able to play golf.
What is it like being a member at Sentosa Golf Club?
It is amazing as there are really good
practice facilities and two great courses for me to play on.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt from golf?
The most valuable lesson is to be patient, and everything happens for a reason.
You recently played in the US Open, how did you prepare for the event?
I played practice rounds on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I did 18, 9, then 9 holes so I didn’t exhaust myself during the week.
What was it like stepping onto the first tee at Pinehurst?
It was very cool, and I had a lot of fun with my teammate/roommate Bartley Forrester as it was a great experience for both of us.
How did it feel to become the NCAA Individual winner?
It felt really good as I have been playing more consistent. It was nice
to end my second year with a win.
What do you hope to achieve in golf over the next few years?
I hope that we win a Team National Championship in the next two years as that is why I went to Georgia Tech.
What are your hobbies off the course?
I enjoy other sports such as basketball, pickleball, or soccer.
If you didn’t play golf, what sport would you like to be pro at?
If I didn’t play golf, I would like to be a baseball player.
What is the best bit of coaching advice you have ever received?
My coach at Georgia Tech always reminds me to be myself and smile while I am playing.
What is your favourite club in the bag? My lob wedge.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Not really, I just go through the same warm up routine.
If you could play a four-ball with anyone, past or present, who would it be?
My teammate Aidan Tran, Bobby Jones, and Coach Bruce Heppler from GT.
Describe Sentosa Golf Club in three words?
Pure, amazing, welcoming.
What is your favourite thing about Singapore?
I definitely miss the local food.
Hiroshi Tai qualified for the US Open in June after winning the NCAA individual title
