SWINGING THROUGH THE DECADES: SENTOSA GOLF CLUB AT 50
CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE
Dear Fellow Members,
I hope that this message finds all of you in great spirits.
SGC 50TH ANNIVERSARY
We are excited to announce that the Club’s Golden Jubilee celebrations will take place over the first weekend of October. Golf days are scheduled as follows: Saturday 5 October (all day) for Members; Sunday 6 October (afternoon) for stakeholders; and Monday 7 October (all day) for the public.
This landmark weekend will feature a vibrant food fiesta and golf carnival at the Practice Range and Serapong Staging area, supported by the Singapore Golf Association and our Pro Shop. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to join us for a round of golf on Saturday or bring your families and guests to enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout the weekend.
GOLFING ACHIEVEMENTS
I am proud to extend heartfelt congratulations to our recent tournament winners, who have excelled and brought honour to Sentosa Golf Club:
• Chen Xingtong: Our adopted amateur player, who has made history as the youngest female to win the Singapore Open Amateur Championship. Her exceptional talent and maturity on the course sets a new standard in the sport and inspires young golfers everywhere.
• Aamiya Koul: At just 13 years old, junior Member Aamiya emerged as the champion of the Singapore National Amateur Championship. Her dedication and perseverance have culminated in this well-deserved victory, making her a role model for aspiring golfers.
• Vincent Khua: Vincent dominated the Club Strokeplay Championship this year and also clinched the Chairman’s Cup. Vincent's consistent performance under pressure was key to his success.
• Hiroshi Tai: Held off a number of notable players to win the 2024 NCAA Division I title by one stroke. This incredible achievement secured him a place at the 2024 US Open earlier this year at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club.
• Nicklaus Chiam: Won the 2024 Singapore Professional Golfers’ Association Order of Merit title. This follows on from his qualification and appearance at the DP World Tour’s Singapore Classic back in March.
These champions exemplify the spirit of excellence and commitment we value at Sentosa Golf Club. Their achievements remind us of the high standards and camaraderie we foster within our community, continually pushing each other to improve.
GOLF SAFETY
As we enjoy our time on the course, it is essential to adhere to golfing etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. A specific concern that has been noted recently is golfers taking their shots before the group ahead has cleared the area. This oversight disrupts play and poses a serious safety risk to fellow Members and guests.
Observing proper etiquette is fundamental to our experience on the golf course. We must all make a concerted effort to be vigilant and patient. Ensuring that the fairway / green ahead is fully clear, before proceeding with a shot is a basic yet vital aspect of golf that maintains both the integrity and safety of our sport. Your cooperation is essential in fostering a respectful and considerate golfing environment.
Warm regards,
• Meylinda Setyo: Winner of the Ladies Club Championship 2024, Meylinda demonstrated unwavering commitment and steady play throughout the tournament. Congratulations.
Darryl Wee Captain
In addition, we will be replacing the netting of the high mast poles at the Practice Range, with completion expected by 15 September. Once the new netting is installed, we plan to reopen the upper-level practice area on the Range. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period.
Finally, I’m thrilled to announce the release of the 2025 tournament schedule, which promises some truly exciting developments. This year, the HSBC Women’s World Championship will take place in week nine of the calendar year, followed closely by LIV Golf Singapore in week eleven. Please stay tuned for further updates on course closures and tournament preparations.
This period in 2025 will undoubtedly mark the most thrilling month of professional golf in Singapore’s history, featuring the world’s top female golfers, followed just a week later by the strongest field of men’s golfers. More details will be shared soon—this event is shaping up to be the "Super Bowl of golf."
Thank you for your continued support.
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 or call 6373 7135 (Cherry)
CONTENTS
CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE
SGC Club Captain, Darryl Wee, honours our recent winners and shares a reminder about golfing etiquette... 1.
GM’S MESSAGE
SGC General Manager, Andrew Johnston, looks ahead to exciting updates that will take place across the golf courses... 3.
GENERAL GOLF AND MEMBER NEWS
Discover the latest news from the Club including the National Day celebrations, our Club winners, and furthering sustainability... 8-11.
SCHAUFFELE SHINES AT THE OPEN
Read about all the action from the 2024 Open Championship... 12-14.
GUEST COLUMN
Regional Director of The R&A (AsiaPacific), Jerome Ng, outlines his goals for the region... 15.
STAFF STORIES
Bakyah, Danny, Phun Phun and Yee Huat share their memories of Sentosa Golf Club... 16-17.
INSTRUCTION
SGC Sponsored Professional, Koh Dengshan, provides his eight best warm up tips... 22-23.
18 HOLES WITH…
Catch up with our Club Champions, Vincent Khua and Melinda Setyo... 24.
The majority of Singaporean collectors rank art as the top passion investment in 2024
JUNIOR MEDAL
The Junior Medal took place on Sunday, 28 July, with the young golfers competing at the Tanjong Course. The kids proudly wore their sponsored uniforms provided by Art Works Advisory.
Mr. Troy Sandler, CEO of Art Works Advisory, stated, "Art Works takes pride in supporting the development of emerging artists. We see a similar trend in the careers of young golfers, so we believe that it is important to support the careers of emerging talent, whether they are seeking to earn a place on the tour or representation in a famous gallery."
GENERAL GOLF NEWS
KO COMPLETES OLYMPIC MEDAL HAUL
New Zealand's Lydia Ko went into the Paris Olympics with a silver and a bronze, she left Le Golf National with a gold medal and a place in the LPGA Hall of Fame. Ko led by as many as five shots in the final round, then doublebogeyed the 13th, but a birdie at the last gave her a two-shot win over Germany’s Esther Henseleit who shot a best-of-the-day 66. China's Xiyu Lin took bronze after she edged out a quartet of players.
“I wanted to focus on my golf and nothing else. That’s why I deleted my Instagram, I didn’t want to be fazed by what other people were saying and just to enjoy this opportunity because this experience has been unbelievable," beamed the 27-year-old Ko.
LEADING CONFERENCE HEADS TO KUALA LUMPUR
The Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Conference will take place at the Sime Darby Convention Centre on the eve of the Maybank Championship which will be headlined by Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko. The conference will run on October 23-24 with the richest LPGA Tour event in the region getting underway on the 24th on the adjacent West Course at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
SGA PRESIDENT LAUDS NEW OLYMPIAN SHANNON
Shannon Tan made history by becoming the first Singaporean golfer to tee it up at the Olympics and she signed off in style with an eagle three to take 40th place at Le Golf National. The 20-year-old, who only turned pro at the start of the year, was also the youngest golfer in the 60-strong field.
Tan Chong Huat, President of the Singapore Golf Association, was in France to witness Tan's efforts and he was full of praise for the youngster. “She’s a trailblazer for women’s golf in Singapore and has been an inspiration to many golfers. The SGA will build on her efforts and experience to further boost the ecosystem so that we can deliver a stronger squad of elite golfers, ready to compete on the world stage.”
USGA INVESTS IN FUTURE WORKFORCE
In 2024, the USGA supported 323 interns as they look to place emerging talent into a wide range of jobs in the golf industry. In June 112 undergraduate and graduate students worked at the US Open at Pinehurst, giving them first-hand experience of a major sporting event, and there has been a 59 per cent increase in applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds. "It’s important that we don’t think of these young people simply as interns but rather the future leaders of our game,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan.
MEMBER NEWS
NATIONAL DAY BBQ
Despite an unexpected downpour—the second since Singapore's independence—over 100 members and guests enjoyed a vibrant gathering in the clubhouse dining area, undeterred by the weather and celebrating with festive spirit.
NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTHS OF JUNE & JULY 24
ORDINARY MEMBER
Mr Atsuyuki Tsuchida
Mr Choi Chang Hyun
Mr Johan Zhong-An Lavoo
Mr Kwon Ki Hoon
Mr Masaki Sogawa
Mr Shin Kyung Sik
Mr Son Woo Chang
Mr Sun Xiushun
Mr Yeo Lai Huat
Mr Zhang Guoqing
CORPORATE MEMBER
Techtronics Singapore Pte Ltd
CORPORATE NOMINEE
Dr Fei Qi
Mr Feng Wei
Mr Hajime Nobuto
Mr Han Bong Sik
Mr Hideyuki Onaka
Mr Hiroaki Fujimoto
Mr Hiromasa Ebihara
Mr Hisamitsu Shirai
Mr Isao Nakamura
Mr Kensuke Unoki
Mr Kenzo Umetani
Mr Masanori Matsubara
Mr Rei Takahashi
Mr Sunil Kaushal
Mr Taisuke Inuizawa
Mr Takuro Eda
Mr Takayuki Inaba
Mr Takehiro Morita
Mr Takeshi Sakihama
TERM MEMBER
Mr Atsushi Yamazaki
Mr Chu Seok Don
Mr Go Onoguchi
Mr Hideaki Yamazaki
Mr Hiroyuki Hata
Mr Hitoshi Ishida
Mr Hiroki Furukawa
Mr Katsufumi Uchida
Mr Kenya Harayama
Mr Koichi Zaiki
Mr Koji Nishikiori
Mr Kojin Nakakita
Mr Luo Weiyu
Mr Naoyuki Inoue
Mr Roh Young Tae
Mr Shobhan Mittal
Mr Soren Skibdal
Winther
Mr Takamitsu Kagyo
Mr Takashi Hirose
Mr Takashi Tanaka
Mr Tatsuya Otsubo
Mr Tetsuo Fukasawa
Mr Tetsuo Higuchi
Mr Tsuyoshi Ihara
Mr Yasunaka Yamaguchi
Mr Yuta Kato
Ms Heng Fong Chee
Deborah
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CHAMPION GOLFERS ON THEIR REMARKABLE VICTORIES!
We proudly celebrate the achievements of our champions in the Club Strokeplay Championship 2024, Chairman Cup, and Ladies Club Championship 2024. Congratulations to all our winners on their outstanding victories!
CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE
As many of you will no doubt be aware, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the opening of our great club, and to mark the occasion we are creating a special celebration coffee book. It will be packed with fascinating information about the history of the island, our origins and early days as a club as well as amazing photographs highlighting the stunning beauty of our location and the many global stars who have graced our fairways and greens. From the early days when booking a tee-time meant you had to check the timetable of tides before catching a boat to the island, to more modern times when the Singapore Open and LIV Golf Singapore were marquee events here, it will be a feast of incredible imagery and stories from behind the scenes. The book will be available in October.
Hidehiko Kojima
5 Jul 2024
Shen Teng Mei Tung
11 Jul 2024
The
Yukiko Hirahara 9 Aug 2024
The
WELCOMING A FLEET OF NEW E-Z-GO BUGGIES
We are proud to announce that we have taken delivery of 220 E-Z-Go electric buggies for use on our stunning courses! The buggies, called the Freedom RXV, are the most advanced in the market and will be more environmentally friendly than the current fleet. They are powered by lithium batteries, generate zero harmful emissions and are 15% more efficient than other electric vehicles. They also feature an electronic parking brake for improved safety, regenerative braking for unmatched efficiency and a wrap-around bumper for improved protection and safety. The decision to purchase the vehicles fits in with our sustainability strategy and the desire to ensure future generations of golfers can continue to use our courses knowing we are leaving a positive legacy for our beautiful and unique location.
IMPERIOUS SCHAUFFELE TAMES TROON
The men’s Major season signed off in style as Xander Schauffele made it an American clean sweep for the first time since 1982. Then Tom Watson would be victorious at this year’s venue Royal Troon, doubling up after his win at Pebble Beach the previous month. This time around Schauffele would also be making it two Majors in a calendar year having only made his breakthrough at the PGA Championship at Valhalla two months before.
The American’s two-shot triumph meant that his Major record for 2024 would read 8-1-7-1 and, incredibly, his worst finish in his last 11 starts in the big ones is a tie for 18th. For much of the past 18 months we’ve been crying out for someone to challenge the new Olympic champion Scottie Scheffler and now we have his Ryder Cup team-mate second in the world and level with him on two Majors.
Thankfully a brilliant Royal Troon got the winner that it deserved as Schauffele closed with a quite brilliant best-of-the-day 65 with a back nine of just 31 strokes. He had just six bogeys – the joint runner-up Justin Rose somehow had only five – and a big part of this success was how he handled the brutal winds of Saturday where par 3s and 4s were unable to be reached even with a driver in hand. Schauffele would get it round in just 69 shots thanks to more brilliant shot-making and an equally as impressive mindset.
“A long time ago I just kept tracking my rounds where I got angry, like truly deep down angry, and my mistakes started compounding. I get angry but to me it's all about the next shot. I know it's cliche and people try to talk about it, but you really can make yourself happy if you try to hit a good shot as your next one versus just snowballing the wrong way,” the 30-year-old explained.
making a routine par on the Sunday.
This was a Major that wasn’t dominated by big-hitting prowess with the driver – Jon Rahm would finish the week in a tie for seventh and also without any birdies on the par 5s. Rather this was a week where only nine players finished in red figures and it was all about finding the short stuff, be it off the tee or with the approach.
It was also a week, despite the star name at the top of the leaderboard, for the underdog. After day one the unheralded Dan Brown would lead on six-under, and the Englishman would finish the week in a tie for 10th to book his return at Royal Portrush next year. South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence would enjoy a weekend of 65-68 to claim fourth spot and a place in his first Masters next spring.
American Billy Horschel may well be a lot better known but his Major record
is a poor one. Coming into 2024 he had only posted one top 10 finish in his first 40 Majors, at Troon he would tie for second with Rose.
For six years, from 2017-22, the Singapore Open at Sentosa would provide four spots for The Open via the Open Qualifying Series and it should be noted that Brown and Rose came through Final Qualifying. Adam Scott, a three-time winner at Sentosa, would emerge from Australia’s Open Qualifying Series and he would finish the week in a share of 10th spot. The leading Asian player would be Korea’s Sungjae Im who enjoyed a fantastic weekend, getting in early with a 66 on the Saturday and then consolidating that with a 69 on Sunday. The 26-year-old, who is best known for his runner-up finish at the 2020 Masters, had missed his first three cuts in the Majors but his form away from
the big weeks has been impressive and he now has three top 10s.
Otherwise, Ben An also had a superb week. The Korean first played in a Major in 2010 while still an amateur and coming to Scotland he had featured in 30 Majors but had never posted a top 15 finish. But he would tie for 13th after finding his form over the course of the week.
"Starting the Friday at the Scottish until the Thursday of The Open I had some terrible ball-striking days, which is not normal for me. I usually have one or two bad days, but it could not have been any worse. I was not in the best place, but I turned it around nicely and it kind of gave me confidence going into the weekend," An said.
"If someone asked me, would you take a cut? Definitely, yeah. I had pretty low confidence in my ball striking tee to green but my ball striking kind of showed up on Friday and into the weekend as well. I'll definitely take what I finished at. It's a great test. You don't see it anywhere else, in the US especially. This is my 10th Open, and I'm not used to this weather but I'm kind of ready for the challenge and I think I handled it pretty well."
Shubhankar Sharma was the third Asian player to finish inside the top 20 and the Indian star would continue his sound Open form having claimed eighth spot at Royal Liverpool in 2023. Sharma was in the field courtesy of his finish in Liverpool, and he left Scotland with fond memories of a tough but very satisfying week.
"I've always been very fond of the Open ever since I was a kid, it just brings the best out of me and I bookmark it at the start of the year that this is a tournament I want to play, and I want to play well in. It was quite special. The first day could have been slightly better but I played brilliantly on the second and third days so no complaints. It's probably the toughest Open that I've played out of the four, but I hung in there and made some great putts so I'm quite happy overall."
$ 3.1M
WINNERS PRIZE
319.9
AVERAGE DRIVING DISTANCE (IN YARDS) BY SUNGJAE IM (RANKED 1ST)
DOUBLE BOGEYS OR WORSE ON PAR-3 POSTAGE STAMP
36 18
LEADING NUMBER OF BIRDIES BY JUSTIN THOMAS (T31)
NO. OF PUTTS SUNGJAE IM TOOK IN LAST TWO ROUNDS
48 9
NO. OF PLAYERS TO FINISH UNDER PAR
Jerome NG
Regional Director of The R&A (Golf Development, Asia Pacific)
My key responsibility is to bring The R&A golf development strategies in the region to life with our key objectives
being to improve perception, increase participation and to nurture growth in our key focus markets. Our boots-onground approach in the Middle East and Singapore also provides expert consultancy to support development and strengthen the partnership of The R&A with affiliates and key organisations in the region. The bottom line is that we are here to make golf more accessible, appealing and inclusive.
There are several exciting initiatives that are currently taking place, and we recently launched ‘Just Swing’, a new virtual golf experience on Roblox designed to reach new and diverse audiences. Roblox is an online
gaming platform that allows users to programme and play games and players engage in daily fun challenges as they seek to improve their ranking and earn in-game currency. This virtual wealth can then be exchanged at the virtual Pro Shop for exclusive user-generated items, including new clubs, attire and accessories.
We also have Golf.Golf which is a single unified global entry platform and aggregator for consumers to find recognised quality beginner centres. This was created with the aim of increasing awareness and making entry into learning golf as frictionless as possible.
We have also organised two educational forums; the R&A Women in Golf Forum in Bangkok and the R&A Player Pathway Development to Performance which took place in Singapore, both of which were a huge success.
Sentosa has been a leader in hosting international championships and its effort to drive sustainability and change in our environmental responsibility will certainly ensure that the sport will thrive in years to come.
Furthermore, we will be piloting a couple of programmes with selected markets on enhancing the capability development of the workforce within the industry. The Community Golf Instructor programme will enable national associations to create a dedicated workforce that will help attract more people to the game through the independent delivery of beginner programmes for juniors and adults. Our aim is to develop and grow the sport through the creation of a bigger, more diverse workforce.
Similarly, our Golf Development and High-Performance Educational Programme will look to provide employees of National Golf Associations working in the areas of Junior & Games Development and High Performance with the knowledge, skills and competencies to grow and develop golf in their region.
Closer to home in 2016 The R&A opened our office at Sentosa Golf Club to further our commitment to the growth and development of golf throughout Asia-Pacific. Sentosa has been a leader in hosting international championships and its effort to drive sustainability and change in our environmental responsibility will certainly ensure that the sport will thrive in years to come.
Staff stories
In celebration of Sentosa Golf Club’s 50th anniversary, we invite some of our long-serving staff to share their experiences. They’ve witnessed the incredible transformation of the Club from its early days to the remarkable place it is today.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT WORKING AT SENTOSA GOLF CLUB?
Danny (Admin Support): Each year, there was a tradition of collecting coins scattered along the driving range. Before the Club was taken over by Sentosa Development Corporation, priority was given to the elderly to participate in this coin gathering. The event also featured a friendly running competition from SGC to the Serapong jetty, water activities where the Sentosa Pavilion now stands, and a fishing contest.
Bakyah (Housekeeping): Collecting coins was a cherished tradition, but what stands out even more are the memorable Dinner & Dance events, where the food was fantastic, and the lucky draw prizes were truly exceptional.
Yee Huat (Golfing): I have fond memories of playing golf on the course, especially during the staff golf events in the past. Golf has always been a passion of mine, and my heart has been here for over 40 years. As a Caddy Master, I was responsible for overseeing the caddies and managing the starter job.
Phun Phun (Membership): There are many unforgettable memories….but I would say the experience of taking the ferry to work is very unique. Commuting daily by ferry to an island for work was what attracted me to the job. It’s mostly fun but can also be terribly embarrassing (I slid and fell in front of the members, golfers, caddies and a stunned ferry operator while chasing for the ferry on a slippery rainy morning). Then there was overnight fishing at Serapong Course.
It was really dark and quiet out there…. except for the bright stars in the sky! Meeting international celebrities and dignitaries is a special privilege of working at SGC. But the many close encounters in the office with the island residents (snakes, scorpions, huge spiders, big rats, angry monkeys) is also part of the job.
Fun fact
Bakyah began her career driving the monorail and attending to the images of Singapore exhibit before joining Sentosa Golf Club in 1992. Before that, she worked at the Pro Shop at the World Trade Centre. Her introduction to Sentosa Golf Club was as a receptionist, where she issued ferry tickets to guests playing at the Sentosa Golf Course. With 32 years of experience in Sentosa, her dedication is evident.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT SENTOSA GOLF CLUB?
Danny: I have always found joy in driving, especially when I used to operate the open-sided bus, transporting golfers and caddies to the course.
Bakyah: My colleagues here make work truly enjoyable.
Yee Huat: I have always enjoyed interacting with members, who would often invite us to join them for a round of golf. It was always a pleasure to play with them.
Phun Phun: I love the island vibe…. the beautiful sunrise and sunset at our doorstep.
And the office is like a big family. Some of us have known each other for many years. We have a very special relationship and precious friendship.
WHAT HOBBIES OR INTERESTS DO YOU PURSUE OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Danny: I enjoy walking as part of my exercise routine and taking trips to Malaysia to unwind and relax.
Bakyah: I used to love karaoke and did it often in the past, but now my biggest passion is cooking.
Yee Huat: I spend the week caring for my grandchildren and enjoying quality time with family.
Phun Phun: I love to travel to see the world…. experience different sceneries and diverse cultures and cuisines. Closer to home, I love to get acquainted with the community/stray cats wherever I stay. Going around to feed and play with the cats daily helps me to de-stress.
32 years
Huat, 42 years
Yee Huat started working as a Caddy Master at a very young age over 40 years ago. After completing his National Service, he returned to continue his career.
Spicy Pineapple Pickles
INGREDIENTS
Half Ripe pineapple cut into half circles
1 1/2 cup Nakano citrus seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon Sugar
1 (large) Red chili sliced into circles
1/2 tablespoon Kosher salt
2 limes Juiced
1/4 cup Roughly chopped mint
DIRECTIONS
1. Place the vinegar, sugar, chili, salt and lime juice in a small sauce pot. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
2. Place the pineapple and mint into a large jar.
3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the pineapple. It should just cover the top slice.
4. Seal and refrigerate at least 1 day before eating.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The Pineapple will become more tangy with time.
YOUR “HILLSIDE OASIS” AWAITS
Are you looking for somewhere different to go for a bite, or meet up with friends for a drink? Now might be a good time to try the Wildseed Bar & Grill, with F&B vouchers offering 10% off at sentosa.com.sg/en/ things-to-do/dining/wildseed-bar-andgrill. If the mouth-watering surf and turf menu doesn’t grab you, the beer selection and cocktails will. You’ll find this delightful establishment atop the verdant Imbiah, from where you’re treated to some wonderful views. It really is the perfect place to unwind.
10 HANDS - A SHOWCASE OF CULINARY ARTISTRY
Executive Chef KK is one of a number of chefs participating in ’10 Hands: A Showcase of Culinary Artistry’ on September 6. This is your chance you embark on a culinary journey like never before, with the best chefs from the island sharing some of their top secrets and creating a unique and unforgettable dining experience. With Signature Cocktail Co on hand to keep the refreshments flowing, this is an absolute must for food and drink enthusiasts.
Visit sentosa.com.sg/en/things-to-do/events/10hands to find out more and secure your tickets.
FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD!
September is the month that keeps on giving, with Savour Park set to debut in conjunction with Sentosa Night Mode and the Grand Prix Singapore Season (GPSS) as Singapore's latest outdoor, pet-friendly lifestyle festival, which will showcase the best of the city's food trucks – and entry is free! This is Singapore’s largest outdoor food truck event that will see Palawan Green transformed over two weekends from 13-15 and 20-22 September. As well as culinary delights and activities from 16 different food wagons, there will be a car fleet display, movie screenings, live DJ performances, hands-on workshops, joy rides in vintage cars, and lots more.
FANCY SOME MINI GOLF?
As much as we like seeing you play our two world-class courses, we must recommend that you go somewhere else – to UltraGolf! This is Singapore’s ultimate mini golf adventure – an 18-hole beachside course featuring dual tees and contouring greens. This excellent facility spans over 1,900 square metres, and has been designed in a way that makes it for everyone – from seasoned players to absolute beginners.
8 WARM-UP EXERCISES TO TRY PRE ROUND
A lot of club players just take a few practice swings before teeing off. To help you prepare in the right way, here are some of my favourite exercises. All you need is a foam roller, exercise band and a golf club. I’m not saying you need to arrive an hour before your game but do try and leave yourself 25-30 minutes to get warmed up – it can make the world of difference to how you play.
PRE EXERCISE
I call this a ‘pre exercise, exercise’. Spend a few minutes rolling the upper and mid back muscles. This will also loosen the shoulder muscles, and it’s a super way to get moving early in the morning. The key point is to keep the neck relaxed.
1
Lie face up and cross one leg to other side of body, then bring your feet up to the hamstrings and grasp with your hands. Pull tightly and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
2
Get into the lunge position. With a golf club overhead, rotate to one side and hold for 10 seconds. Switch legs and repeat. Try and do 10 reps on each side.
4
Start in a kneeling position with a neutral and flat back. With the right arm, reach over past the left arm. Aim for 10 reps on each side.
5
Put your right hand on the grip end and left hand on the club head. Pull the club downwards with both hands and hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side for five to eight reps.
6
Hold the club with both hands in front of you. Bring one leg back into a tiptoe position keeping the front feet flat. Slowly bend and lower the club downwards keeping your back straight and flat. You should feel a stretch in your glute and hamstring muscles. Repeat with your other leg and aim for 10 reps each.
7 Tie the band onto metal frame of a buggy. Start with your back straight and hold the band with both arms relaxed. Pull the band backwards. Keeping your back straight and flat, you should feel your scapula and lat muscles activating. Continue with the pull and slowly go into a deep squat. Keep the knees behind your feet and make sure your back stays straight. Aim for 10 reps.
8 Tie the band onto the metal frame of a buggy. Start by holding the band about waist high with your normal golf grip and golf posture. Pull downwards to the impact position and feel your shoulders and hips open up. Complete 10 reps on each side.
18 Holes With…
VINCENT KHUA & MEYLINDA SETYO
In the latest issue of 18 Holes With…we caught up with two of our very own Champions, Vincent Khua (Club Strokeplay Championship 2024), and Meylinda Setyo (Ladies Club Championship 2024), about their golfing idols, how they got into golf, and the feeling of winning their respective Club Championships…
How did you get into golf?
VK: Following my father to the golf course when I was a little boy.
MS: My husband accompanied a friend to buy a set of golf club. We ended up buying a set for ourselves and started to learn the game.
Who is your golfing idol?
VK: My favourite player was the late Seve Ballesteros (as he has passed).
MS: I can't choose just one golf idol; there are simply too many greats to admire!
How did it feel to win the Club Championship?
VK: I am very happy as I came close in the last couple of years.
MS: I'm thrilled to have won, especially when I didn't expect it! Despite my off swing, the wonderful company and sportsmanship of all players over the two-day competition truly made it a memorable experience.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt from golf?
MS: Golf is a humbling game. Just when I think I've mastered it, I realise there's still so much more to learn.
What are your hobbies off the course?
VK: Snowboarding and swimming.
MS: Painting is another passion of mine.
What is your favourite club in the bag?
VK: Sand wedge.
MS: My driver and my 60°.
If you could play a four-ball with anyone, past or present, who would it be?
VK: My dad and my 2 sons.
MS: My 2 sons and grandson.
Describe Sentosa Golf Club in three words?
VK: Most Friendly Staff!
MS: My Happy Place.
What is your favourite thing about Singapore?
VK: Hard to beat its cleanliness.
MS: The golf courses are just an average 30-minute drive away.
5 & 6 OCTOBER 2024
Come celebrate Sentosa Golf Club's 50th Anniversary with delicious offerings from locally curated gourmet food wagons, an exciting golf carnival, and plenty of golfing fun. Let's mark this special milestone together at Sentosa Golf Club.
FOOD TRUCKS
Serapong Staging Area
Sat 5 & Sun 6 Oct, 11am to 8:30pm (Last order)
Come savour delicious favourite dishes at the many food wagons that celebrate the best of local flavours.
GOLF CARNIVAL
Upper Practice Range
Sat 5 & Sun 6 Oct, 9am to 7pm
Join us at the Golf Carnival and experience golf-themed activities, test out the latest golf clubs and win exciting prizes.
MEMBERS’ GOLF DAY
5 Oct, Serapong Course AM & PM Timesheet
Register now for the Members’ Golf Day!
Enjoy $50 in food coupons, on-course snacks and games. Members may invite up to 3 guests to form a flight.
Registration fees, balloting and other terms apply; closes 11 September.