THE SUPER BOWL OF GOLF
CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE
Dear Fellow Members,
Happy 2025! I hope this message finds all of you in great spirits in the New Year.
RETURN OF WORLD CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS
I would like to start by saying that the 2025 tournament season promises much excitement, featuring the return of world-class events including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and LIV Golf Singapore. The HSBC Women’s World Championship, often dubbed “Asia’s Major,” will once again bring together the world’s top female golfers to our renowned Tanjong Course. Scheduled from 27 February to 2 March, the tournament once again promises thrilling competition and an unparalleled spectator experience.
Following closely is LIV Golf Singapore, set to return to The Serapong from 14 to 16 March. As one of the most innovative formats in the game, LIV Golf continues to engage new fans, captivate audiences with its dynamic team-based structure, high energy and fast-paced play.
We are thrilled to host this marquee event once again, reinforcing Sentosa Golf Club’s position as a global golfing destination. Members can look forward to unique opportunities to engage with these events, ensuring a memorable experience.
COURSE PREPARATIONS
In order to ensure safety given the scale of temporary infrastructure build and also to prime our golf courses to meet the expectations for world class tournament conditioning, Members may wish to take note that both
our golf courses will be closed during the HSBC WWC week from Monday 24 February to Tuesday 4 March 2025 (inclusive).
In lieu of this closure, all Principal Members will be able to invite two (2) guests to play on a weekday (excludes PH and valid until end 31 December 2025) with green fees waived. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of this historic back-toback line-up for the Club, contributing to a more vibrant Singapore.
INTERCLUB EVENTS
Last year, Sentosa Golf Club proudly hosted notable interclub events, including New South Wales in December, Clearwater Bay in October, and The Sentosa - Royal Club Peacock Golf Challenge in May. These tournaments have been fantastic opportunities to strengthen our ties with other prestigious clubs and foster a spirit of camaraderie. As we look to 2025, we aim to rekindle these connections and encourage greater Member participation in interclub events. These matches are an excellent way to test your skills, build friendships, and represent Sentosa on an international stage.
Thank you for your continued support and best wishes throughout the year ahead.
Warm regards,
Darryl Wee Captain
SGC Captain Darryl Wee
GM’S MESSAGE
Dear Members,
Welcome to 2025 at Sentosa Golf Club!
As we turn the page to a brand-new year, I am thrilled to welcome you to what promises to be one of the most exciting chapters in Sentosa Golf Club's history. 2025 is already shaping up to be a monumental year, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you.
This March, we will proudly host two extraordinary events within just one incredible week of each other, a celebration we're calling the "Super Bowl of Golf."
First, the HSBC Women's World Championship will bring the best female golfers in the world to our spectacular Tanjong Course. Last year, we saw the remarkable Hannah Green capture the title with an unforgettable performance, and we eagerly await another thrilling competition.
Immediately following 7 days later, the spotlight shifts to LIV Golf Singapore, where many of the finest male players and perhaps the largest gathering of Major Champions assembled will take on The Serapong.
In 2024, Brooks Koepka made history with his commanding victory, and this year's field promises to be just as electrifying. These two events will be historic for the world of golf, and we're honoured to showcase them on the global stage.
Brooks and Hannah sent video messages to the Staff last October congratulating them and us on our extraordinary accomplishments at the World Golf Awards, having captured the awards below:
• Asia's Best Course (The Serapong)
• Singapore's Best Course (The Serapong)
• Asia's Most Eco-Friendly Club
We are honoured, humbled and proud to have captured these and bring them home to share with all of you.
We sincerely thank our members for your patience and understanding as we prepare both courses simultaneously for these prestigious tournaments. As all can see, the hospitality build for both courses is underway to ensure a world-class experience for players, spectators, and our valued members.
Your support makes it all possible, and we're genuinely grateful for your ongoing commitment to Sentosa Golf Club. With these marquee events and a full calendar of exciting activities ahead, 2025 promises to be another dynamic and memorable year for all of us.
Thank you for being a vital part of this journey. We look forward to seeing you around the Club and sharing this historic season's excitement.
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)
GM Andrew Johnston
CONTENTS
CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE
SGC Club Captain, Darryl Wee, discusses the upcoming professional championships, interclub events, and course preparations… 1.
GM’S MESSAGE
SGC General Manager, Andrew Johnston, looks ahead to the Super Bowl of Bowl and an exciting 2025 for the Club… 3.
MEMBER NEWS
Discover all the latest news from the Club including the annual Christmas game, Chinese New Year plans, and tickets for the HSBC WWC… 8-11.
THE SUPER BOWL OF GOLF
Excited for back-to-back professional events in March – read all about it now… 12-14.
GUEST COLUMN
HSBC WWC Tournament Director, Becky Harding, takes us behind the scenes as preparations continue for this year’s event… 15.
F&B NEWS
Chef KK – from N level failures to award-winning chef… 16-17.
NEWS FROM SENTOSA ISLAND
Catch up with all the latest news from Sentosa Island… 12-14.
INSTRUCTION
Looking for a new driver? Here are the best brands for you… 22-23.
18 HOLES WITH…
Learn more about the current HSBC WWC defending Champion, Hannah Green… 24.
An aerial view of the clubhouse and practice range during the 2024 HSBC Women’s World Championship.
C H I N E S E N E W Y E A R
Scan to view the menu
TAKE AWAY GOODIES & ALA CARTE MENU
(Available 13 Jan - 12 Feb 2025)
Prosperity Yusheng with Norwegian Salmon and Crispy Fish Skin
Kampung Chicken with Yunnan Ham and Conpoy Sauce
Clay Golden Pillow
Snake Gourd with 8 Treasures Vegetables
GENERAL GOLF NEWS
ASIAN TOUR SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
The 2025 schedule for the Asian Tour has been released and, for the third successive year, it will comfortably surpass US$30m in prize money. There will be 22 events, with more to be added, and The International Series will form the backbone with 10 events thanks to the partnership with LIV Golf. The International Series Rankings will once again provide a pathway to the LIV Golf League in 2026 and all events on The International Series will feature minimum prize money of US$2m. American John Catlin was crowned Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, earning nearly US$1.5m which passed Jeev Milkha Singh’s long-standing record.
NIEMANN DOUBLES UP IN RIYADH
Joaquin Niemann landed the Saudi International in a thrilling three-way play-off with fellow LIV Golf stars Cam Smith and Caleb Surratt at Riyadh Golf Club. All three birdied the first extra hole, a hole that Surratt had his only bogey in regulation play, while Smith had forced his way up the leaderboard with a closing 62. The Chilean added another birdie three to also seal The International Series Rankings which left American Peter Uihlein and Ben Campbell from New Zealand in second and third spot. That result denied an Asian Tour player a direct route to LIV Golf after Scott Vincent and Andy Ogletree had played their way onto the League in 2022 and 2023.
SENTOSA HOSTS SGA AWARDS
Sentosa's Grand Salon Ballroom played host to the Singapore Golf Association's Annual Gala and Awards dinner. Hiroshi Tai and Inez Ng were named as the Male and Female Golfer of the Year – Tai will compete in both the Masters and US Open having won the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Individual Championship in May, the first Singaporean to compete in the two Majors. Chen Xingtong was named SGA Female Junior Golfer of the Year while 17-year-old Brayden Lee received the Male Junior Golfer. Shannon Tan won the Special Achievement Award for becoming Singapore’s first golfing Olympian in Paris.
NORMAN TO STEP DOWN
Greg Norman is set to be replaced as the chief executive of LIV Golf. The Aussie confirmed the news on WISH-TV, which broadcasts LIV Golf tournaments in the United States, saying: "Yes, there will be a new CEO. Will I always have a place and be involved with LIV to some capacity? Yes. Because the impact that has been created in the game of golf by LIV, I’ve had a small, small piece of that, which I’m proud of. I’ve seen it come from a business model on paper to giving birth on the golf course to where it is today.” Norman's contract runs until August 2025 although it is expected that Scott O’Neil, the former chief executive of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, will be in place for the first LIV event in February.
MARCH 14-16
SENTOSA GOLF CLUB
MEMBER NEWS
CHINESE NEW YEAR EVE EARLY CLOSURE NOTICE
Please be informed that the Club will close early at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, 28 January, to allow our staff to celebrate the customary reunion dinner with their families.
Regular operating hours will resume on Wednesday, 29 January.
We appreciate your understanding and wish everyone a joyful and meaningful celebration.
F&B: Last order at 5PM | Golf: Last tee off at 2PM | No evening 9-hole golf
DEFENDING CHAMPION LOOKS TO RETAIN HER TITLE ON THE TANJONG
Hannah Green will return to defend her title at the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship, held from Feb 27 to March 2 at Sentosa Golf Club. Green, who climbed from tied-36th to victory with a decisive 27-foot birdie putt in 2024, had a standout season with two additional wins and a career-high world No. 5 ranking. Organizers have introduced The Viewing Deck Experience, enhancing spectator engagement,
NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTHS OF OCT & NOV 24
ORDINARY MEMBER
Dr He Beiping
Mdm Lee Eunju
Mdm Shen Qiong
Miss Park Yoonju
Mr Edwin Ng Yeow Leong
Mr Hwang In Seok
Mr Peng Kunlin
Mr Ou Tsung Ming
Mr Yoshihito Sawai
Mr Yuichiro Yamaguchi
Mrs Liu Lin Bi Yu
CORPORATE MEMBER
Fortune Ocean Marine Pte Ltd
CORPORATE NOMINEE
Mr Ryu Han
Mr Ryu Jonghee
Mr Selman Careaga Castro
Mr Shintaro Ono
Mr Sun Xingtao
Mr Takahiro Sakai
Mr Tom Rune Aarthun
Mr Zhang Hongyan
TERM MEMBER
Dr Michael Anthony Hession
Mr Atsuo Sato
Mr Charles Taylor Meyer
Mr Du Jinyan
Mr Hideaki Tanaka
Mr Hiroki Ono
Mr Kosuke Mizuno
Mr Kwon Kibeom
Mr Marcos Andres Gunn
Mr Minoru Yamashita
Mr Park Jong Sun
Mr Rajeev Veeravalli Kannan
Mr Shinji Kimura
Mr Takafumi Marumiya
Mr Zhou Feng
Chang See Koo 6 Nov 2024
The Serapong Hole 2, 140 metres
Members Shine at Clearwater Bay Friendly Match
On October 19 and 20, Sentosa Golf Club members had the opportunity to represent the Club in an exhilarating friendly match against Clearwater Bay Golf Club. The event drew an overwhelming response from our members, culminating in a ballot to select the final 40 participants — a testament to the enthusiasm and camaraderie within our golfing community.
The 24 members had the privilege of competing on the stunning Clearwater Bay course, forging new friendships and enjoying the spirit of friendly competition. Beyond the game, the event was highlighted by warm bonding sessions over delightful food, as both clubs came together to celebrate their shared love of golf.
The Sentosa Golf Club delegation showcased great sportsmanship and camaraderie, making this friendly match not just a competition but a memorable experience that strengthened ties between the two clubs. Events like these underscore the vibrant and connected golfing community we are proud to foster.
FESTIVAL OF WORLD-CLASS GOLF COMING TO SENTOSA
In the space of just three weeks in early 2025 a collection of the world’s best male and female golfers will land at Sentosa to do battle for two of the game’s most glittering prizes.
The LPGA Tour stars will take on The Tanjong from 27 February before, a fortnight later, the leading lights of LIV Golf will tackle The Serapong in the third year of the event.
Two world-class courses, two world-class fields and the rest of the golfing world with their eyes on Singapore.
First up the ladies as Hannah Green defends her HSBC Women’s World Championship title having edged out Celine Boutier with a hat-trick of birdies to finish. Green three-putted the final two holes in 2021 to miss out by a stroke but she made no mistake this time around. The Aussie would hole a breaking 30-footer that was sportingly cheered in by Boutier in another case of a Major Champion prevailing in style at Sentosa.
"I guess like they say it really is Asia’s Major. I said to my caddy, the tees are so tight but the greens are so nice to putt on. Sentosa do a great job preparing the course. I've always loved coming to Singapore, 2021 was my first year when I almost won the championship so it's a place that I really enjoy coming to,” explained Green who became just the second Aussie to win the title.
“The food and the golf are great, and the fans have been amazing. I certainly felt everyone supporting me the last couple holes. HSBC hosting, making sure the players have everything they need, it makes a big difference when we get to play, and it makes us want to return to the event even more and make sure that we are in the top 60 and be able to come back again."
This year there will be a record-high purse of $2.4m, up from $1.8 in 2024, as The Tanjong plays host for the eighth occasion in 12 visits to Sentosa.
New for this year will be the Viewing Deck
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.
Experience which offers fans a unique way to spectate. Strategically placed between the 9th and 11th greens the experience provides unrivalled views of all the action and each ticket includes general admission, exclusive access to the deck, a food and beverage voucher, two alcoholic and two non-alcoholic beverages and merchandise featuring a ball marker and sports towel.
When LIV Golf first ventured to Singapore it was less than a year old and it was the fifth tournament of 2023, following the week of the highly successful event in Adelaide. Talor Gooch was victorious in a playoff with Sergio Garcia as the American posted the first back-to-back LIV victories. There were 12 teams, including two former winners at Sentosa in Ian Poulter and Garcia, and Phil Mickelson would be making his seventh visit to the resort.
Two months later it was announced that there would be a merger of sorts with the PGA Tour and 18 months down the line the details of that are still to be ironed out.
Fast forward to LIV Golf Singapore in 2024 and we had a 13th team, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton were now part of the League and Anthony Kim, who last played professionally in 2012, was playing as a wildcard. Brooks Koepka would write a new chapter in the early stages of the LIV record books by notching his fourth victory and Ripper GC, the quartet of
Victory in Singapore was Brooks Koepka's 4th in the LIV Golf league.
2024 US Open Champion Bryson Dechambeau in action on the Serapong
Andrea Lee during the third round of the HSBC Women's World Championship
Hannah Green celebrating after sinking a birdie on the 18th to win the HSBC Women's World Championship
Aussies led by Cam Smith, would hoist the team trophy.
Smith, who has been T6 and T2 at Sentosa, and he was understandably full of praise for The Serapong.
“I love Singapore, and I love this course. It’s definitely up there at the top of what we’re playing this year. I think the greens we putt on are probably the best greens we putt on all year."
LIV Golf Singapore was one of four events to be named in the initial schedule for 2025, along with Riyadh, Adelaide and Hong Kong, and it is now part of a 10-tournament calendar with more events still to be announced, including the venue for the Team Championship.
Sentosa’s General Manager, Director of Agronomy and Resident Golf Course
Designer Andrew Johnston is another who’s looking forward to welcoming many of the world’s best male golfers back to Sentosa less than a month before The Masters.
“It’s a real vote of confidence in the quality and stature of our club that LIV Golf is returning here for a third straight year. We are so proud some of the world’s best golfers want to come and test themselves here. We can’t wait to welcome the world back.”
There are a host of hospitality packages with Club 54, the signature by the 18th hole, the Gallery Club by 9th and 18th greens and, new to this year, the Fan stand. Here you’ll be able to enjoy a live DJ and party atmosphere and entry to the Fan Village is free with your daily ticket. And if you want to take advantage of all of them there is LIV Premium which offers you allaccess hospitality.
If you do want to enjoy the most exclusive viewing experience, then there is also a Private Chalet beside the 18th green which can house up to 30 guests.
“Hosting LIV Golf Singapore for a third consecutive year is a testament to how important this market is to the growth of our league and to the game itself," explains the outgoing LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman.
"There’s a commitment to excellence and innovation at Sentosa that sets it apart from the rest and the award-winning Serapong is a favourite amongst our players. We look forward to returning to one of the top championship courses in the world and making our 2025 event Singapore’s biggest, yet.”
STATS
LIV GOLF SINGAPORE: 14 - 16 MAR (THE SERAPONG) HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: 27 FEB - 2 MAR (THE TANJONG)
3 22
NO. OF LIV GOLF EVENTS STAGED ON THE SERAPONG
NO. OF NATIONALITIES IN THE 2024 FIELD
12 15
NO. OF HSBC EVENTS HOSTED AT SENTOSA GOLF CLUB BROOKS KOEPKA’S 2024 UNDER-PAR WINNING SCORE
TALOR GOOCH’S 2023 UNDERPAR WINNING SCORE 14 17
EDITIONS OF THE HSBC WON BY MAJOR CHAMPIONS
Ripper GC celebrating the team title
Jon Rahm striking a bunker shot on the par 4 5th hole
Becky HARDING
HSBC Women’s World Championship, Tournament Director
The players refer to the Championship as 'Asia’s Major' and we are very proud of the role the event has played in showcasing the world’s best players and introducing youngsters to the game, as well as shining a light on Singapore as a fantastic golfing destination.
We are very fortunate in that The Tanjong is an exceptional championship course, always in pristine condition and the players and spectators absolutely love it. There are so many incredible holes; our tournament 3rd, the 6th for the members, is definitely the toughest hole and then we have the tournament’s signature finishing hole which has produced so many iconic moments. We start preparing from the moment the previous championship concludes,
with planning beginning in earnest about six months out. Sentosa’s team are the best in the business so we leave the course maintenance to the experts, and we can then focus on the player and spectator experience.
There are a lot of golf events on in Singapore, so we aim to deliver an experience that stands out and offers great value. We always aim to enhance the spectator experience, with plenty of places to cool off and hydrate and refuel in between watching the world's best players. New for this year the Viewing Deck Experience, strategically positioned between the 9th and 11th greens, will provide unrivalled views of all the action.
For the players everything is carefully planned, from their transport and accommodation to the players' lounge offering a wide array of food and drink as well as a place to relax and prepare.
From the local qualifying competition to the fact that the young fans can watch their favourite players up close, to the amazing interactions the LPGA players love to have, from taking selfies and signing autographs, it is a wonderful vehicle to inspire the next generation.
The clubhouse and practice facilities at Sentosa are truly world class and the players rave about them each year. Similarly, we are especially conscious of being as sustainable as possible to ensure our tournament footprint is as minimal as possible. We are very fortunate to be partnering with the best in the business at Sentosa and appreciate the Club's counsel to ensure our impact on the environment is the right one.
From the local qualifying competition to the fact that the young fans can watch their favourite players up close, to the amazing interactions the LPGA players love to have, from taking selfies and signing autographs, it is a wonderful vehicle to inspire the next generation. I look forward to it very much although the build-up is obviously sometimes a little stressful as we want everything to be so perfect. Some of my favourite moments are when everyone arrives on site in tournament week, and we see players, sponsors and spectators enjoying all that we have prepared. Then I can relax a bit although I don’t truly relax until the winner has the trophy in her hand on Sunday afternoon.
Sentosa Golf Club and Bizlify: Revolutionizing Building Health Management with AI
At Bizlify, we are proud to be at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge InspektAI technology to redefine building health management. Our recent collaboration with Sentosa Golf Club is a testament to how innovation and sustainability can work hand in hand to maintain world-class facilities while optimizing cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Harnessing the Power of AI for Precision and Efficiency
Sentosa Golf Club, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, partnered with Bizlify Singapore to conduct a comprehensive health check of its clubhouse facade. Employing our state-of-the-art drone technology and InspektAI AI Software, we meticulously gathered highresolution and thermal imagery to create a detailed 3D model of the building. This model not only pinpointed existing defects but also highlighted potential future maintenance requirements.
Here’s what we achieved:
• Identified 8,368 defects across the clubhouse facade, with only 28 classified as significant.
• Enabled Sentosa Golf Club to plan cost-efficient maintenance cycles, reducing the likelihood of unexpected, expensive repairs.
• Promoted sustainable practices by facilitating early detection of issues, minimizing resource wastage.
•
Data-Driven Decisions for Long-Term Impact
One of the critical focus areas during the inspection was the clubhouse roof. By analyzing data collected by our AI systems, we determined that less than 5% of roof tiles required replacement. This insight allowed Sentosa Golf Club to opt for targeted repairs rather than a full roof replacement, saving costs and reducing environmental impact. The pinpoint accuracy of our technology ensured that only the necessary tiles were identified for replacement, streamlining the process.
Additionally, a full thermal scan of the building revealed a minor issue—a slight leakage of cold air from a door pair on the right. Insights like these enable proactive corrections, further enhancing energy efficiency.
Comprehensive
Reporting for Seamless Maintenance
Our AI-driven system generated detailed reports that:
• Offered actionable insights for Sentosa Golf Club’s management team.
• Served as valuable documentation for regulatory compliance.
• Empowered data-driven decisions to outline a longterm master plan for the clubhouse’s development.
•
Voices of Collaboration
Andrew Johnston, General Manager at Sentosa Golf Club, shared his thoughts: “Bizlify's cutting-edge drones, equipped with AI and advanced imaging software, conducted a comprehensive audit of our clubhouse's structural integrity. The results were empowering, allowing us to identify key areas for improvement and provided insightful data for our development team to outline a longterm master plan for our future.”
Fredrik Gjaerdman, Managing Director at Bizlify, echoed this sentiment: “We have been delighted to work with the team at Sentosa Golf Club. The building is in great condition, and now the team has a comprehensive model of the clubhouse that identifies all existing and future maintenance needs, ensuring cost efficiency in the maintenance cycle.”
A Future-Ready Approach to Sustainability
At Bizlify, we believe in the power of AI to revolutionize building maintenance practices. Our collaboration with Sentosa Golf Club underscores how technology can be harnessed to achieve both operational excellence and environmental stewardship.
For inquiries, please contact: Fredrik Gjaerdman
Email: Fred@bizlify.com
For more information https://bizlify.com https://inspektai.com
Chef KK: from N level failures to award-winning chef now pursuing a degree
Chef Kong Kok Kiang's start in life promised little of what was to come. His N level results – one B4, three C5s and one U – meant that he would not move on to O levels and, as the youngest of four siblings who lived in a tworoom flat in Clementi, he had to find a job.
"Even if I earned peanuts as a cook, at least I could eat. I had zero passion for cooking,” recalls Kong, now 48.
These days Kong, better known as Chef KK, is the executive chef at Sentosa Golf Club, a role he has held since 2018.
Among various accolades he was named as the Executive Chef of the Year at the World Gourmet Summit (WGS) in 2015. He was also certified a master chef by Worldchefs, named WGS’ Best Chef of the Year in 2022 and he will head the Singapore Chefs’ Association in 2025.
But at the beginning his parents could barely afford his fees when he enrolled in hospitality training school in 1993. To help make ends meet he would man a curry puff
My world view was very small, very confined last time. Work made me smarter. Don’t be afraid to fail.
booth in Takashimaya Shopping Centre as well as working the midnight shift at an oil drum manufacturer, a job that would pay a handsome $45 a day with a meal included. The downside was that the hours were from 6pm to 2am.
He would work as an intern at Raffles Singapore under chef-turned-entrepreneur Peter A. Knipp before joining InterContinental Singapore as a commis cook. Following national service, he got a job as a commis cook at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, before becoming Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore’s chef de partie
in 1999. He would graduate to executive sous chef and, in the same period, Eric Teo, now a celebrity chef, took him on as a helper for the Singapore national culinary team. Kong would later become team manager in 2015.
“I worked hard so I could travel. When the passion started growing on the competition side, opportunity came from the work side. My passion was a burning fire. I could work 16, 18 hours a day and not feel tired.”
Kong earned his first role as executive chef at One Farrer Hotel in 2013 and he is now an author having published 'Roots: The Inheritance Cookbook' for fund-raising purposes and to mark his three decades in the industry.
All of which is a short lifetime away from that teenager who struggled at school.
“My world view was very small, very confined last time. Work made me smarter. Don’t be afraid to fail. You must have the courage to move on and improve."
LEADING THE CHARGE IN RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Sentosa welcomed over 500 delegates in November for the second Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC), an event dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism practices worldwide. Both Singapore and Sentosa, of course, have attained GSTCCertified status from a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, and it was fitting that the Equarius Hotel hosted the conference, the first hotel in the world to achieve certification against both the GSTC Destination Criteria and GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels.
HOTELS ON TRACK FOR IMPRESSIVE MILESTONE
Sentosa Development Corporation has announced that all hotel rooms on Sentosa Island will carry internationally recognised sustainability certifications by 2025. Numbers-wise, that’s 4,100 rooms across 19 hotels, which will be an incredible milestone and one that will strengthen Sentosa’s status as a leader in sustainable tourism.
The national goal was 60% certification, but this figure has already been passed, largely because of the Sentosa Carbon Neutral Network, Singapore’s first carbon-neutrality-focused business alliance that has allowed partners to share initiatives and best practices for the benefit of the whole island.
AS IF BY MAGIC…
Work has commenced on the exciting waterfront development, part of Resorts World Sentosa’s S$6.8 billion expansion. The site will include two new luxury hotels with 700 rooms, as well as entertainment experiences, shops, and restaurants.
It comes after resort development specialists, Genting Singapore were awarded the construction contract, at which point it also provided an update on other elements on the contract. Harry Potter: Visions of Magic opened its doors in November, whilst Universal Studios Singapore’s new Minion Land is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2025.
NOT TO BE MISSED…
Sentosa will transform into a whimsical wonderland this month and into the New Year with the wonderful Sentosa Presents: A Big, Big World. From December 9, 2024, to February 16, 2025, visitors are invited to journey through three extraordinary realms across Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), Sentosa Sensoryscape, and Palawan Beach, for an unforgettable experience.
Guests will be able to explore evolving interactive installations and enjoy a line-up of activities that span from Christmas to Chinese New Year. With around 50 exclusive deals from more than 40 Sentosa island partners, DBS and POSB debit and credit cardholders from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, and Taiwan will be able to take advantage of special discounts and offers throughout the event.
CHRISTMAS CHEER ON THE GREENS
On 14 December, the Club hosted its annual Christmas Golf Game, welcoming 144 enthusiastic members to the festive event. Dressed in their best Christmas-themed attire, members embraced the holiday spirit, adding a splash of color and cheer to the greens.
The day was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and friendly competition, as players teed off against the backdrop of holiday decorations and festive music. The Christmas Golf Game proved once again to be a highlight of the season, bringing the Club community together to celebrate the joy of the holidays in style.
We look forward to seeing even more creative outfits and festive fun next year! Special thanks to Golf Traveller and Everise for coming on board as sponsors for the Christmas Golf Game.
(Left to Right): Mdm Cherie Lim, Mdm Yukiko, Mdm Vanessa Yeo
(Left to Right): Mr Vincent Khua, Mr Tan Jit Kwang, Mr Eddie Loo and Mr Joey Quek
Mrs Gloria Kuok presents Mr Vincent Tan with a prize after the Christmas Golf Game.
INSTRUCTION
WHICH DRIVER
With so much choice on the market, and with different models within each range, knowing which driver will suit your game can be a challenge. In this guide, we help you to narrow down your search. Remember, you can always visit the pro shop for more equipment advice…
Titleist GT range
The Titleist GT range features three models. The GT3 has more of a ‘pear-shaped’ profile and it sits in the middle of the range in terms of spin and forgiveness. It also offers the most adjustability. The GT2, meanwhile, with the highest MOI, is arguably the most user-friendly model. Compared to the GT3, is has a more rounded head. Then you have the GT4, which has been designed for players looking to eliminate excessive spin rates.
The GT range is a definite change from Titleist norms, a point worth stressing. Don’t expect if you were a TSR2 player, for example, that you would just be switching like for like into the GT2. We have a Titleist regional fitting centre on site, so we’d strongly advise that you book a custom fitting session if the GT range is on your radar.
TaylorMade Qi10 range
The TaylorMade Qi10 range is also comprised of three models. The Qi10 Max is seen as the hero product, one that offers exceptional levels of forgiveness. Users should find it incredibly easy to launch and very forgiving, so it’s a model that has very wide appeal. Then you have the Qi10, which sits in the middle of the other two in terms of its spin and forgiveness levels. It’s a model played by both Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Finally, you have the Qi10 LS, which Tiger Woods has in his bag. This is another ‘better player’ driver, one that, as the name will tell you, is the low spinning model, and it will appeal more to those players with fast swing speeds.
IS BEST FOR YOU?
Ping G430 range
If you’re in the market for a driver that will straighten out your slice, the Ping G430 SFT is well worth trying. A movable weight on the head can be set to either draw or draw+ and has been made specifically with the slicer off the tee in mind.
Should forgiveness be your number one priority, we’d steer you towards trying either the Ping G430 Max or Ping G430 Max 10K, which are both very user friendly and should appeal to the mid to high handicapper. For better players, meanwhile, there’s the Ping G430 LST, the low spinning model which features a 440cc head. It’s widely used on Tour and delivers a seriously powerful strike.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke range
These drivers, with their smart grey colourway, boast fantastic shelf appeal. The standard Ai Smoke Max is what we’d call an excellent a-round performer. With a range of CG adjustability, it’s offers broad appeal.
In the low spin market, Callaway has its Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond, which a number of the world’s best players have in the bag, including two-time Major winner, Jon Rahm. It’s a model that will appeal to those players with fast swing speeds who just want that little extra forgiveness.
For anyone searching for a model that will encourage a more draw bias flight and maximum launch, there’s the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D driver. Golfers should find it very easy to launch and, as with the other models in the range, it looks fantastic behind the ball.
HANNAH GREEN 18 Holes With…
In the latest segment of 18 Holes With…we sat down with our defending Champion, Hannah Green, winner of the 2024 HSBC Women’s World Championship to discuss her memories from the win, what she loves about Singapore, and why it is great to have so many fellow Aussies with her on Tour…
How did you feel after sinking the winning putt?
Oh my God, I’ve won. It happened so quickly!
Were you aware of the leaderboard during the final holes?
Yes, it’s hard to miss the bright, red leaderboards.
What makes this win in Singapore special for you?
I love Singapore – the food, golf, and this great tournament!
Did your first round shake your confidence?
No, I knew low scores were possible on this course.
What role did your caddie play today?
We had great conversations, helping me stay focused and relaxed.
Can you describe the 16th hole birdie?
I hit a lucky bunker shot, then holed a crucial five-footer.
What advice would you give young golfers?
Enjoy the sport; success doesn’t come instantly, but it’s rewarding.
Why do Major Champions excel at this event?
It’s Asia’s major, with firm conditions and tight, challenging tees.
How did you manage inconsistent fairway accuracy?
I focused on hitting greens and making confident putts.
How do you handle emotions during a round?
I switch off between shots and keep it light with my partners.
What did the win mean for your season?
It was my earliest win and brought flexibility to my schedule.
What went through your mind on the 18th green?
Just 2-putt to avoid a playoff. Then the putt went in!
How does The Tanjong challenge players?
It has tough holes but also birdie opportunities.
What’s your favourite aspect of playing in Singapore?
The food, great weather, and top-notch course preparation.
What’s the key to succeeding in tight tournaments?
Adaptability and aggressive putting under pressure.
How did you overcome tough early conditions?
I trusted my ability to shoot low scores later.
How does playing with Aussies help you?
It’s great to travel, dine, and share support with friends.
What was next after your victory?
I was excited for new opportunities presented, including the Tournament of Champions.
Hannah Green celebrates her winning putt at the 2024 HSBC Women's World Championship
