Sentosa Golf Magazine Mar - Apr 2021 by SentosaGolfClub

MARCH | APRIL 2021

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

THE BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE

OF SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

THE SERAPONG

VISUAL FEAST GAME ON

SUSTAINABILITY GATHERS PACE

CHEF KK’S HEALTHY START TO PHASE THREE

WORLD’S BEST ECO-FRIENDLY GOLF FACILITY

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THROW ON AND GO

Flex-neck collar construction for ease and comfort.

EVERYDAY COMFORT

Practice, Play, live. Staydry and comfortable with performance that moves with you.

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Members,

SGC Captain Vernon Khoo

Revenue Challenges

I trust you have all been keeping well. Please allow me to begin this message on a topic that has come into focus during this ongoing pandemic. Club Culture Sentosa Golf Club (SGC) is one of the best in the world and our Members enjoy the admiration and envy of many golfers. But what I’m most proud of is our Club culture of warmth, courtesy and friendliness amongst both Members and staff. Our Club is a unique blend of individuals from diverse backgrounds — Singaporeans, permanent residents and foreign residents of many nationalities. Despite our cultural differences, we all share a common love for golf, a game of friendship and camaraderie. I hope Members are as proud as I am of SGC’s culture and will do your part to grow this valuable intangible asset we have. During these challenging times, SGC has been our refuge and getaway and we’ve been running at 100% occupancy since our reopening after the Circuit Breaker. Given that Members cannot travel out of Singapore, all of us must continue to share our common Club space. There will be inevitable occasions in the Clubhouse and on the golf courses when we may encounter inconveniences and small altercations, but please do always exercise graciousness and courtesy to both your fellow golfers and our staff. Despite the odds, our golf course conditions have remained excellent. This is due to the dedication and hard work of our agronomy team. Let’s contribute to these excellent playing conditions by practicing good golfing etiquette. Do your part to help repair pitch marks, fill divots neatly and avoid damaging the grass next to the tracks. Let’s all take ownership of our Club and display the responsibility expected of us as Members of SGC. May I also urge Members to be generous in offering words of encouragement and giving recognition to deserving staff for the high standards of service we enjoy. Patience and small acts of kindness always go a long way, whether it be at the Club or outside.

COVID-19 has also presented SGC with revenue challenges. The Club used to derive 60% of its revenue from Members and their guests, and 40% from nonmembers, i.e. golfers at corporate events and 'walk-ins' by visitors. SGC’s business model of a small membership base has worked well in the past, giving Members good access to golf while leaving room for corporate and walk-in golfers. Compared to other clubs with a much larger membership base, the Club’s collections from subscriptions are a fraction of its revenue received. Yet, we are proud to deliver world-class standards. However, the golfing landscape has changed dramatically ever since COVID-19 struck. While golf has seen a boom worldwide and in Singapore, this dramatic increase in demand has meant that a Club like SGC has had to depend solely on Members (90%) and their guests (10%). We’ve had no revenue from corporate events and visiting golfers, and this is expected to continue in the months ahead. As we enjoy the $6m upgrade of the beautiful Serapong course, remember that it was done without having to tap on Members for any contribution. We depended on the generosity and support from our owners, Sentosa Development Corporation, for which we are most grateful. However, to continue to deliver two excellent courses, we need to be financially sustainable and viable as a business. With the current situation, we shall have to find fair ways to share the financial burden among all those enjoying their golf games at our Club. This will be in the interest of all Members. The financial wellbeing of our Club will translate to a better long term membership value for us all. Please allow me to end my message with a big thank you to all my fellow Members, for your support and understanding as we continue to build and uphold a caring and gracious Club culture. Happy golfing! Vernon Khoo Captain

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SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

CONTENTS 1.

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE SGC's Captain, Vernon Khoo, shares his latest thoughts from the Club…

Dear Members,

GM’S MESSAGE General Manager, Andrew Johnston, provides an update of Phase Three measures at the Club…

4-5.

LESSONS FROM LOCKDOWN Read all about the key takeaways from lockdown by the Club...

10.

CHEF KK’S HEALTHY START TO PHASE 3 Start Phase Three with a healthy recipe from our Executive Chef KK…

12-13. THE SERAPONG VISUAL FEAST Go behind the scenes and discover the key hole changes from The Serapong renovations…

14.

ADIDAS GOLF COLLABORATES WITH SGC Discover more about SGC's latest sustainability collaboration with adidas Golf…

16-18. GAME ON – SUSTAINABILITY GATHERS PACE GEO Foundation's Executive Director, Jonathan Smith, shares his latest thoughts on sustainability in golf…

21-22. RULES & INSTRUCTION SHORT GAME TIPS SGC's Sponsored Amateur, Brayden Lee, shares his tips for practicing at the Short Game Area…

This magazine is printed on environmentallyfriendly paper.

GM’S MESSAGE

MCI (P) 049/12/2020 To advertise in SENTOSA GOLF CLUB, please call 6275 0090.

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GM Andrew Johnston

It has been over a year since COVID-19 interrupted all our lives, bringing potentially permanent changes to how the world approaches work, travel, and how we interact with each other on a daily basis. Singapore has done well keeping the virus under control, but the spread of COVID-19 beyond our borders and its mutation continues to be a lingering concern. It is more important than ever to point out our community can only pull through this pandemic with teamwork. Please continue to do your part, however big or small, and encourage each other during this tough period. It is important to stick to the Safe Management Measures (SMM) we have implemented in the interest of everyone’s safety. As we have seen around the world, if one of us fails, the results could spiral out of control and nobody will be immune to the threat of the virus. To beat it we must all continue to respect each other’s space, stay masked up and do not allow complacency to set in. This new way of life will be with us for years and although it may relax with the vaccine, we must be honest that it is not going away soon. Golf has provided a respite from these new and relentless pressures and has proven its value greater than what we could have imagined. Beyond its purpose as a sport, the game has facilitated the conduct of business, for friends to gather and leave stress behind, all in a safe environment. We can all count our blessings we are connected to the game. As we continue to move further into Phase 3, I would like to assure you that SGC will continue to do its part to uphold the SMM and continue to offer you the best-in-class service. In addition to golf, we welcome you to use the Club for: • Birthday and private dining experiences, curated by our award-winning, Chef KK, and his team for up to 8 diners • Work-related events of up to 50 people • Wedding receptions or solemnisations for up to 100 people Please continue to keep well. See you soon at SGC. Andrew Johnston General Manager

Correction notice: Please note the Out of Bounds zones referred to on page 21 of the January / February issue, applies to The Serapong, not The Tanjong as stated.

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THANK YOU FOR SIX YEARS OF LEADERSHIP Lady Captain Mdm Lyn Yeo will be stepping down after six memorable years of service to Sentosa Golf Club. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lyn for her leadership, contribution and dedication during her tenure as Lady Captain. During her time as Lady Captain, Lyn has overseen a number of prestigious tournaments across our two worldclass championship golf courses, The Serapong and The Tanjong, in addition to the Club collecting a number of the golf industry’s top awards & accolades, including: Major Tournaments SMBC Singapore Open (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) HSBC Women’s World Championship (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (2018) Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (2018)

Awards & Accolades • World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility 2020 (World Golf Awards) • World’s Best Golf Club 2019 (World Golf Awards) • The Serapong – Singapore's Best Golf Course 2020 (World Golf Awards) • The Serapong – Ranked 59th in Golf Digest’s World's Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses • The Serapong – Ranked 1st in Golf Digest’s Singapore Best Golf Courses • The Tanjong – Ranked 2nd in Golf Digest’s Singapore Best Golf Courses • The Serapong – Named ‘Best Championship Course in Asia-Pacific’ in 2019 (Asian Golf Awards) • Best Managed Golf Club in Asia-Pacific 2019 (Asian Golf Awards) • Asia-Pacific Order of Zenith and the Legion of Leaders 2018 (Asian Golf Awards)

I have served on the Sentosa Ladies Sub-Committee for almost 20 years and had the honour of serving the last six years as Lady Captain. My personal highlights include hosting three Sentosa Ladies Open Day as Lady Captain and also being part of the organising committee of the inaugural Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship. I must thank Sentosa Golf Club and Management for giving me the opportunity to serve and I wish the new Ladies Committee every success and hope they enjoy the appointment as much as I have. Most importantly, I must thank the golfing executives, club staff and golf course maintenance crew for having been so supportive of me and my Ladies Committee all these years. Lyn Yeo

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F E AT U R E

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB – LE In 2020, the world of sport and golf in particular was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. From the twomonth ‘Circuit Breaker’, to the numerous restrictions that have been enforced throughout Singapore, Sentosa Golf Club (SGC) has had to rise up to face a number of challenges during the last year. As always, we have continued to strive for perfection and maintain a world-class facility with high standards and quality throughout this period, even whilst renovating one of the world’s Top 100 golf courses, The Serapong. In order for the Club to maintain such high standards, it has taken a huge amount of effort and dedication from everyone associated with SGC, including Members, greenkeepers, front of house staff, F&B staff, Committee Members, and many more.

LESSON

ATTITUDE An investment in the past decade of building a SGC culture, has delivered the most overwhelming ‘never say die’, ‘can-do attitude’ at the Club. Team spirit and bonding meant we had the ability to come together and deliver, as failure was not an option. Being faced with an unprecedented situation like COVID-19 showed our can-do, never give up attitude, and this is what has been built in our team. This was demonstrated by a number of our staff, who gave up their time to make sure the Club continued to run like clockwork during the lockdown. Many of our front of house office and F&B staff were out on the golf course or working outside of their comfort zones to support different departments. This showed that for anyone on our team, no task was either too big or too small, and that characteristics such as leadership, teamwork, positive spirit, and trust shine the brightest at SGC.

However, this period of time has also been a time of reflection for the Club, with many lessons learned along the way. Here are the top five lessons that we learned from lockdown:

GM, Andrew Johnston, operating the sand rake to shape Hole 9

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LESSON

COMMITMENT & MOTIVATION The lockdown showed us that our team are committed to win any challenge at all costs. And strive for the same levels of perfection that are normally expected from them on a day-to-day basis prior to lockdown. Their motivation to make a Top100 golf course even better never changed. Owing to the closure of Singapore’s borders and restrictions placed around the renovations, many of our team members particularly those residing in Malaysia were unable to see their families for prolonged periods of time, showing how motivated and committed they were to succeed in the face of adversity. As they were unable to go home to their families, SGC was committed to providing housing for them in hotels for over four months. Ultimately, these sacrifices showed how committed and motivated our team are to achieving excellence when faced with any challenge.

Turfing works by the SGC team to complete The Serapong on schedule

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SSONS FROM LOCKDOWN LESSON

LESSON

EXPERIENCE

BE NIMBLE

As with the rest of the world, this was a very dark period for many in Singapore and it was no different at SGC. The collective experience of all our staff was essential to get SGC through this period, especially when focusing on The Serapong renovations. Experience of running projects, both small and large, allowed our team to show their true leadership skills and manage tricky timelines, albeit with limited team numbers, in order for the renovations to remain on course. This was especially true for our General Manager & Director of Agronomy, Andrew Johnston, whose golf course design background allowed him to motivate and guide the team throughout the project. This, along with having a sense of humility and emotional intelligence, was critical to the construction and design process and allowed the team to achieve its success.

Adapting to change meant the Club had to continuously live and operate by new rules. This meant we needed to be nimble in order to remain aligned with the changing restrictions. The rules of operation were very different (and changing daily) from wearing masks, testing protocols and limited staff allowed on site, to quarantining and working from home, so all our staff had to adapt fast and be nimble – all the time. For example, we have over 200 employees at the Club, yet only a specific number were allowed to be on the property each day and approved to work. And for the renovations, our contractor had 150 labourers’ and operators involved with the project but just 25 days before the works started, 140 of them were quarantined for over four months. We had to adapt. And be fast to do it. Many of the team were required to work from home and on a regular basis the Club was working with just a handful of staff on the golf courses, so keeping up with the strict construction deadlines on The Serapong was tricky. It required the entire team to adapt accordingly at any given moment.

Our SGC staff volunteer from various departments

LESSON

TOGETHERNESS AND PARTNERSHIPS Our final lesson is that the partners we chose to work with during the lockdown were of the upmost importance. The Club was working with a contactor and developing a new set of rules for success in the most extraordinary of circumstances. As a Club, we needed to give sufficient runway to our contractor and share resources, as opposed to sticking to the pre-defined territory and parameters we were comfortable in. Everyone involved had to stay on the same page and hold one another responsible to achieve the shared goals. If either one of us fails, we both fail. At all times, the Club had to also constantly keep our staff, Members and guests front and centre of mind.

The SGC team joined the Golf Agronomy team to help the contractor keep the works on schedule

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MEMBER NEWS SMBC SINGAPORE OPEN CANCELLED Whilst it was disappointing to lose this fantastic event, we remain optimistic that we’ll still get to witness the best female players in the world when the HSBC Women’s World Championship arrives here in late April. Due to the situation with COVID-19, the organisers of the SMBC Singapore Open were left with no choice but to cancel the 2021 edition, and we fully support their decision. Now, our attention is on preparing The Tanjong for what promises to be a highly entertaining week of women’s golf. Fingers crossed!

WELCOME TO ROOTS A big thank you to everyone who put forward a name for our brandnew Members' Bar. The new Members' Bar will be named 'Roots'. The logo is a work in progress but will resemble The Serapong lagoon’s unique mangroves — the only species of its kind in Singapore. Roots, open daily from 12 noon until 9pm, will also commemorate our major tournaments, the rich history of SGC and the many fond memories that have been etched in Members’ minds. Please be advised that no reservations are allowed, and Members will be seated on a first-come-first-served basis. You may also sit at the Golfer’s Terrace and in Roots in groups no larger than eight, but please keep within your group. We look forward to seeing you there.

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“ANG POW” THANKS In the last issue, we asked for your support in contributing towards the Staff Ang Pow Fund. Giving “ang pow”, or red packet, to family and friends is an ageold Lunar New Year tradition. At SGC, it is also given as a gesture of appreciation to employees and staff who have rendered excellent service to Members throughout the year. So, our staff would like to thank you for your generous contributions. The amount collected was divided among all the staff.

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MEDALS ARE BACK Following a 10-month break, and after carefully considering the Safe Management protocols, we’re pleased to see the resumption of monthly medals – part of the Members’ weekly golf quota of three rounds per week (Monday to Sunday). Bookings/entries for the medals are allocated by a ballot and must be made in advance using the (FormSG) booking form. No advance phone bookings will be accepted and a minimum of 12 players per division will be required. We’re looking forward to seeing a healthy turnout for the upcoming fixtures on Saturday 20 March (The Tanjong) and Saturday 17 April (The Serapong). Here are some important details to note for these Strokeplay events: Men’s Division A - 0.0 to 9.9 (Blue Tee) B - 10.0 to 14.9 (Blue Tee) C - 15.0 to 24.0 (White Tee) Note: A and B players may form a flight, but C players must form a flight within C. Ladies Division A - 0.0 to 14.9 (Red Tee) B - 15.0 to 36.0 (Red Tee) Note: Ladies can form a flight with A and B players in the same flight.

Reminder to keep all tyres on track to protect our turf

HOLE-IN-ONE Mr Shizuka Hayashi The Tanjong – Hole 4 (130 metres) 5 December 2020 “I was blessed with the beautiful weather, my wonderful friends and great luck to achieve the hole-inone.”

Mdm Jung Sook Ja The Tanjong – Hole 17 (113 metres) 17 December 2020 “It has been seven months since I came to Singapore. I hope for more of these good days to happen at SGC and in Singapore.”

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BEVERAGE SPECIALS MAR/APR 2021

WINE

WHISKY

The Pure Winery - White Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc $56 The Pure Winery - Red Merlot, Barbera

$56

Uncomplicated taste - Zero sugar - Pure pleasure. ✓ 50% less calories ✓ 0% sugar ✓ 10.5% alcohol ✓ 100% taste ✓ 100% vegan

Prices exclude GST

Mars Iwai TRADITION Scotch whisky

1 Mars Iwai TRADITION

$128

3 Mars Iwai TRADITION

$338

6 Mars Iwai TRADITION

$658

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

GUEST COLUMN

Jerome

NG General Manager of the Singapore Golf Association

s the governing body of the sport in Singapore, the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) strives to promote its development through both youth and adults, and this year we are looking forward to how we can continue to innovate and find new ways to adapt to the new norms. SGA will continue to support its membership by being a resource for information with the sharing of best practices to guide all our golf clubs, operators, golf professionals and club officials to help grow the game for everyone and enjoy the social and health benefits that it brings. Through our various platforms, we initiated numerous creative campaigns such as Discover Golf Carnivals, public roadshows in the city, as well as in community clubs and schools, to introduce golf and encourage mass participation. Our used club donation drive last year received tremendous response

and we owe huge thanks to all our generous donors — through that we managed to introduce the game to over 100 new golfers and gave out 1,000 plastic golf sets for children under 12.

The future is in our youth and juniors

This year we are working actively to engage community clubs, schools, and Active SG on SGA’s new ‘Get Golfing!’ projects as we continue in our quest to introduce golf to the wider community. For example, our newly launched e-magazine is a new avenue to engage the local community and, as the saying goes, it only takes a spark to get the fire going. A big part of that journey is to develop and support our golfing ecosystem. The future is in our

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youth and juniors. The SGA Junior Development and High-Performance programmes are designed to holistically build one’s character. The introduction of the 5Rs — Replace, Rake, Repair, Respect and Repeat — video alongside the Gotong Royong golf day for our juniors are typical key initiatives that help educate our golfers on the importance of etiquette. The sport also needs more role models to aspire to and emulate. The SGA Rookie Professional Programme supports elite national golfers in their transition to represent Singapore on the professional tours and Sentosa Golf Club’s sponsorship programme has been an added boost to help them believe in themselves and achieve their goals. On behalf of the SGA, we would like to offer our sincere appreciation to all stakeholders in their support of Singapore’s golf development initiatives and may we come together as a community to take courage and realise our golfing dreams.

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

F&B NEWS WITH CHEF KK

Healthy season starts here! Brown Rice Risotto with Poached Chicken Breast Ingredients (serves 4 people) 1 white onion (chopped)

Directions Directions for poached chicken breast

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1. Bring chicken stock to boil and season with a pinch of salt

2 cups button mushrooms (sliced)

2. Add the chicken breast, lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes

1 cup short-grain brown rice

3. Let the chicken rest in the stock until it reaches room temperature Directions for brown rice risotto

3 cups water Salt and pepper (to taste)

1. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan and stir fry onions on medium heat

3 tbsp edamame seed

2. Once the onions turn soft, add mushrooms and stir fry for 2 minutes

2 tbsp born kernel

3. Add brown rice and mix in well

2 tbsp finely sliced kale

4. Reduce the heat and now add water

½ cup low fat cream

5. Season with salt and pepper and stir/simmer for 40 minutes until rice is done and no liquid is left

1 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 tbsp crushed hazelnuts 1 chicken breast boneless 1½ cup chicken stock

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6. Add in edamame seed, corn kernel and kale 7. Slice the poached chicken breast and put it on top of the risotto 8. Sprinkle parmesan cheese, hazelnut, serve hot and enjoy

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WEEKEND SPECIALS MAR/APR 2021

MONTHLY PROMOTION – MARCH / APRIL –

Live Oysters (Half Dozen). Choice of :• Baked Cheese • Onion Bacon • Yuzu Sake • Fresh with Lemon

6 & 7 MARCH

$25

Live Prawn

13 & 14 MARCH

$35 /KG

Crispy Fish, Prawn, Squid with Thai Chili Dressing and Spicy French Fries

Creamy Fettuccini, Button Mushroom, Green Peas with Seared Duck Liver and Chives

Minced Pork Mala Tang Hoon, Egg, Soup

Dumpling Soup with U-Mian & Crispy Ikan, Egg Soup

Indian Thali Meal - Dhal Dalcha, Paneer Masala, Aloo Gobi, Achar, Papadum with Jasmine Rice

Hainanese Lamb Stew with Jasmine Rice

20 & 21 MARCH

27 & 28 MARCH

Baked Chicken Leg Confit, Vichy Carrot, Mushroom Ragout, Wilted Lettuce and Thyme Jus

Baked River Trout with Fresh Herbs, Basil Red Onion, Cherry Tomato and Garbanzo Bean Pickled

Mala Ban Mian Shanghai Dumpling Soup

Stewed Beef Brisket in Noodles Soup

Flower Crab Rasam with Jasmine Rice & Papadum

Braised Pork Trotter with Carrot & Radish in Broad Bean Paste

3 & 4 APRIL

10 & 11 APRIL

Pan fried Seabass on Grilled Asparagus, Shimeiji Mushroom, Black Olive Mashed Potato, Lemon Butter Sauce

Tomato Risotto with Baby Clam, Parmesan Shaved, Pork Chipolata, Black Olive and Basil Pesto

Salted Egg Yolk Fried Rice with Prawns and Edamame

Simmered Duck Soya Sauce in Rice

Lamb Masala with Jasmine Rice, Achar & Papadum

Prawn Noodle Soup

17 & 18 APRIL

24 & 25 APRIL

Seafood Kimchijeon (Kimchi Pancake) with spring onion and pickled radish

Stewed Beef Ribeye Bulgogi, Sweet Potato Noodles, Leek, Enoki Mushroom, Braised Turnip with Caramelized Onion Sauce

Braised Pork Rib with Red Beancurd Sauce, U-Mian Soup

Deep Fried Sliced Fish Black Pepper Sauce in Rice

Assam Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice

Chicken Macaroni Soup with Shredded Black Mushroom, Bean Sprout & Crispy Ikan Bilis

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

THE SERAPONG

VISUAL FEAST While appearances will always be spectacular, they can also be deceptive. We take a closer look at the recent renovations.

o try and epitomise the brilliance of the recent renovations on The Serapong, then the iconic 6th hole is a great place to start. Once upon a time this was a drivable par 4 which, because of the design and access of the green, failed to tempt the pros looking for a two-putt birdie to go for it. Now it remains a shortish par 4 but it has been transformed into something else. With the back tees combined into one, moved to the right and expanded, it now uses the coastline as its boundary. Plenty will catch your eye-line down the left, but the water right will always dominate your thinking. The hole is framed by the big waste bunker left, and this also allows for cart-path access, while 60 palm trees have been added which mean that, if you do hit away from

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the water and avoid the sand, then your line into the green is going to be affected. But the real beauty is how it fits in and adds to the overall coastal story on the front nine. The 4th runs down the shoreline of the lagoon and with a realigned tee here at the par 5, now sitting next to the wall adjacent to the lagoon, it opens up the visual alignment of the how the serpentine shoreline and walls spread out in front of you and this runs all the way to the green. The 5th then features one of the most iconic backdrops in the game with the Central Business District sitting in the near distance before the 6th with the adjacent views of Pulau Brani island. In among all the impressive renovations of The Serapong – the new bunkering, re-turfed fairways, new drainage and levelling of all tee boxes – it is the senses that are most stirred with this run of holes. @sentosagolfclub

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The Serapong Hole 6

Up ahead at the 6th green the mounding on the right side in the final fairway bunkers has been lowered and the palm trees removed to open up a new false front to the green – the grass for that front is from the old 3rd green from The Tanjong. So now, from the fairway, the 7th fairway opens up and the dramatic shoreline theme continues.

contaminated, so each had been given new liners and new white sand, but it is the visual appearance and feel that is the clever part here. In reality nothing has changed, but the new serrated edges expose more of the face which make them feel larger and deeper – the serrating edging technique goes back all the way to the likes of Dr Alister MacKenzie.

As for the false front this has been nicknamed ‘The Dragon’s Tongue’ to fit in with the ‘Dragon’s Tooth’ rock that sticks out of the greenside bunker.

Less obvious on the eye are the drainage improvements, but they have already improved matters substantially following the record downpours last January.

Ahead to the par-3 8th there are more visual illusions with a new bunker appearing to be nestled just in front of the green when in fact there is another 20 metres before the putting surface. So the bunker should not be in play for the strong players, but it does allow some space to get at a tricky front pin.

A good example comes at the 12th which is now nearly one metre higher than the old fairway. By doing this it has allowed the hydraulics to be installed to get the water out of the hole. Previously this fairway was too low which meant that any surface water was impossible to remove as the fairway was only inches higher than the water level in the lake reservoirs.

If anything gives a course a real facelift it is the bunkers, and these have been a runaway success. Previously they had become

The tee box on The Serapong's 4th hole has been realigned to create a greater visual, with it now running adjacent to the lagoon

Myth of The Serapong Rough Finally, let’s bust a Serapong myth… the height of the rough? For some the thinking is that the rough is grown up for the SMBC Singapore Open. Well, here’s your answer. The rough hasn’t been grown for either a men’s or women’s professional event for the last eight years and it has been maintained for the past decade at the same ‘height of cut’ of 57mm. This is the same as The Tanjong, but the perception is that it feels longer on The Serapong. This is simply because of the lack of golf carts running on the rough on Serapong and, by not having them so far, it allows the rough to stand up and not get beaten down by the traffic. All of which explains why, when a big tournament is on the horizon, the carts are pulled off the rough. This height tallies with other championship courses around the world and will remain the case to guarantee the needed definition between the rough and the fairway. And, like all things on The Serapong, adds to the overall visual treat.

A new bunker has been added to the Par-3 8th Hole

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S G C N E W S I N D E TA I L

adidas Golf Collaborates with SGC on

CLIMATE ACTION Sentosa Golf Club and adidas Golf will be working closely together to further educate and influence those in the game and help put an end to plastic waste. The staff at Sentosa Golf Club will have their uniforms sponsored by adidas Golf, but done so using recycled materials, and there will be brand videos to showcase the Club’s sustainability efforts as well as event collaborations, seminars and unique and innovative ideas to press home the message of carbon neutrality. And much more is promised in the second half of 2021 with ideas that will be noticed by both Members and visitors alike for the greater good of the game and our planet.

Adidas Group have been consistently listed in the Top 10 of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index since 2000

The association is a natural one; both are leaders in the golf industry through their sustainability efforts with Sentosa becoming the first golf club in the world to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Initiative, having eliminated plastic use and utilised energysaving options in the SGC office, golf operations, greenkeeping and maintenance. For their part, the Adidas Group have been consistently listed in

the Top 10 of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index since 2000 and, for the past six years, they have had a long-term commitment with Parley for the Oceans by supporting their Parley schools and they have ingeniously developed a prototype shoe from Ocean plastic and illegal gillnets discarded by poachers. In 2019, adidas Golf, together with Parley and Runtastic, initiated their ‘Run For The Oceans’ campaign which saw 2.2 million runners worldwide download the app in just nine days and helped raise US$1.5m which was donated by adidas Golf. Another innovation saw a synthetic football field built using 20 tons of recycled plastic taken from beaches and coastal communities. At last year’s Players Championship the first Primeblue golf shoe, made using ocean

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plastic, was launched and this year we will see the release of both Primeblue golf shoes (ocean plastic) and the Primegreen Go-To polos using only recycled materials. This Recycled Loop is the start of a 3 Loop Strategy with the Circular Loop, recycling products over and over again, and then the Bionic Loop which is where products can not only be used but also returned to nature and therefore no plastic waste. The company removed all plastic use from their retail stores in 2016 and even key suppliers can now process recycled materials on a large scale and, by 2024, adidas Golf plan to have completely removed all virgin polyester from its production, reduced its greenhouse emissions by 30 per cent based on 2017 levels and be fully carbon neutral by 2050.

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SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

GENERAL

GOLF NEWS NEW TITLEIST PRO V1 RELEASED ADIDAS UNVEILS ZG21 SHOE This is Adidas’ lightest ever spiked golf shoe, weighing 20 per cent less than any previous spiked model. After studying where golfers put the most strain during the swing, adidas Golf have designed a new element called Swingplane which adds extra firmness without any excessive weight. Dustin Johnson said: “I couldn’t believe how light these were. It’s amazing how the team was able to reduce the weight so much while still keeping the comfort, traction and stability.” The shoe, which comes in four models — men’s laced, men’s and women’s BOA fit system, and juniors — was nearly two years in the making and the tech has previously been used in basketball and tennis.

COMFORT ALL ROUND FROM FOOTJOY When you slip the FootJoy HyperFlex shoe on you will soon notice how the shoes move in unison with your foot. The outsole has been designed to mimic the natural curvature of your foot and the athletic feel of them has already seen Rafa Cabrera Bello and Bernd Wiesberger put them into action on tour. The normal order is for a brand to create a shoe and then offer a BOA version, but this was designed with a BOA fit system at the heart of it with a new rapid fastening system eliminating any pressure points. FootJoy have also brought out the stylish cabretta-leather HyperFLX glove which offers a soft, comfortable feel and added breathability.

Nearly 20 years to the day after the first Pro V1 was put into play the latest incarnation has now come out. After talks with tour pros and recreational golfers alike they have added even more greenside spin and higherlaunching shots from the fairway, along with a softer feel. This has been done by giving the three-piece ball a softer core while the firmer casing layer increases ball speed. There is also a new dimple pattern for the first time since 2011 with 388 replacing the previous 352 version. Justin Thomas and Adam Scott have already put it into play. Compared to the Pro V1x it will still fly lower with a more penetrating flight and that softer feel.

DISTANCE AND EVERYTHING ELSE WITH SRIXON This is now the sixth generation of the Z Star XV ball and this latest offering promises a faster snap off the clubface, so some huge distances with the driver, allied with high greenside spin. The clever part of the technology here is a special heat treatment that bakes speed into the outer portions of the core while simultaneously leaving the centre soft. And the gradual transition means it works perfectly from club to club. Come and get yours at the Pro Shop now and play the ball that Hideki Matsuyama relies on – they come in pure white or tour yellow.

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GAME ON! Sustainability gathers pace

ot so long ago, sustainability, for many, would have been little more than a buzzword. However, sustainability in golf has evolved significantly over the last decade, as levels of awareness and urgency towards environmental and social issues have increased. We’ve witnessed this first-hand at Sentosa Golf Club, of course. Last year, aided by GEO Foundation, we became the world’s first golf club to join the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative — and our work with the international not-for profit, an organisation dedicated to advancing sustainability in and through golf, remains crucial. Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO Foundation, is buoyed by what he has seen at Sentosa and across the wider industry. “There is evidence that sustainability is actually much more deeply connected to the overall efficiency, popularity and all-round success of golf facilities,” explains Smith, who also stresses why it’s so

SGA Juniors learning to fill in divots at Sentosa Golf Club

There is evidence that sustainability is actually much more deeply connected to the overall efficiency, popularity and allround success of golf facilities.”

important for clubs around the world to implement sustainability strategies.

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO Foundation

Firstly, there’s the protection against pressures such as regulation and the cost of key resources like water and energy. Then there are the new opportunities it can offer, sentosagolfclub

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including golf course enhancements, investments and cost savings. On top of this, a club’s sustainability actions can boost its own profile and encourage a sense of achievement and pride within the community.

New Trends At Sentosa, we realise the importance of communicating what we do not just with our Members, but also the wider community. Smith is hopeful that more clubs will follow suit in 2021, and he’s also excited to see how new trends will develop, such as the continuing drive for operational efficiencies, including further analysis of key expenditures such as water and energy. We’re proud to be a great leadership example, and we’re encouraged to learn of the rapid increase in the number of associations, tours, tournaments and facilities that are building climate action into their plans. It is also hoped that more organisations will target becoming @sentosagolfclub

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Our work seeks to inspire, guide, recognise and promote both the concept and the reality of sustainable golf. We help our partners put together sustainable strategies, and then guide them in advocating more strongly for a more sustainable future for the sport; providing custom-built programmes that support new developments, existing facilities, and tournaments. Golfers are encouraged to use water stations around the golf courses

carbon neutral, which is something the GEO Foundation is helping SGC with. For any golf club looking to start its sustainability journey in 2021, Smith has this advice: “We’d suggest the key players in the management team come together and start a simple assessment of where they are now — the best practices and projects they have in place,” says Smith. “The aim is to see sustainability become an integral part of the club impacting its decision making, operations and communications.”

A sustainable herb garden is one of the many initiatives SGC has implemented at the Club since the launch of #KeepItGreen in January 2018

Smith also expects more progress in naturalising courses in ways that enhance the landscape, and an acceleration of the drive to introduce renewables onto courses, clubhouses and maintenance facilities, plus a move towards more electric vehicles and machinery.

SGC recently formed a partnership with international golf sustainability nonprofit, GEO Foundation, to help the Club pioneer new environmental initiatives

These are all steps towards a bigger goal: impacting climate change – and Smith is optimistic that the golf industry can, and will, play a significant role. “Climate Change is a high profile and critical issue that affects everyone.” www.sentosagolf.com

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Gotong Royong At Sentosa We were delighted to partner with the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) at the end of last year for Gotong Royong Day. The phrase from Indonesia translates into English as ‘communal helping of one another’. It involves the spirit of volunteerism and working together for the benefit of the people in the same community – and it proved to be a valuable experience for the junior golfers taking part. The Tanjong was used to produce a series of golf etiquette videos to educate all golfers in Singapore, and it was a keen group of young golfers from the SGA who led the way filling divots and repairing ball marks. It wasn’t all work, though, as they ended the day playing a six-hole round. It was the first time the SGA had done a Gotong Royong with the juniors, and it helped them to learn the importance of looking after the golf course. Other important topics were also covered, including how to rake a bunker, pace of play, and respecting nature.

5 ‘R’s OF GOLF REPLACE all divots with sand after hitting the shot

RAKE the bunkers

REPAIR pitch marks on the greens

RESPECT

SGA Juniors partaking in a Gotong Royong Day at Sentosa Golf Club

the course by not littering

REPEAT the above steps throughout the duration of their round

Sentosa Golf Club has further enhanced our sustainability credentials by entering into a three-year cooperation agreement with Porsche Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and Stuttgart Auto Pte Ltd to set up five charging stations for plugin hybrids and electric vehicles at the club.

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NEWS FROM SENTOSA ISLAND

ISLAND WAIVER FEE EXTENDED We’re pleased to inform you that Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) will extend the waiver of island admission fees for all guests until 31 March 2021. Free admission will apply via Sentosa Express (via VivoCity Station), and for those travelling by car through all gantries at the Sentosa Gateway. Existing ways to enter Sentosa for free will also continue to be in place, including via the Sentosa Boardwalk, SBS Transit’s Service 123 (distancebased bus fare applies), as well as through cycling.

BEACH RESERVATIONS… WHY STAND IN LINE WHEN YOU CAN… Book online! Every second of relaxation counts – and you don’t want to be wasting time waiting in a queue. So, reserve your entry to any of the beaches at Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong before your visit. Simply go to sentosa. com.sg/beachreservations, where you can choose your preferred beach zone or beach court and select a date and time slot (8am-1pm or 2pm-7pm)* . You’ll receive a confirmation email, which you’ll need to take to one of the three designated beach entry kiosks in order to collect your wristband. Not only does this new system give you more time to enjoy on the beach, but it will reduce queues and facilitate safe distancing.

FREE ISLAND FUN PASS *Beach booking is required only during peak periods (Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays).

LIGHTING THE ISLAND BLUE You don’t need us to remind you just how much there is to enjoy on Sentosa: theme parks, HydroDash, Madame Tussauds, and lots, lots more. However, this is something we do want to draw your attention to! With your Sentosa FUN PASS, you can really make the most of your trip. To find out more, including details on how to register for your free 2x10 tokens, visit sentosa. com/en/deals/fun-pass – and be quick about it, because they’re valid until 31 March 2021. Your cable car awaits! Not good with heights? Cruise the sunny shores and explore the island on a Segway… it’s all great fun no matter what mode of transport you take.

To celebrate Singapore World Water Day (SWWD), we’ll be lighting up the clubhouse front facade a brilliant blue in March. Organised by the Public Utilities Board (Singapore’s National water agency), SWWD encourages everyone to better appreciate our water resources – and the aim of ‘blue light up’ is to engage with the community in a different way. Sentosa Island will be participating on 20-22 March (7pm11pm) and 13-14 March, with Sentosa Causeway tower lights and Mt Faber (by One Faber Group) also planning a celebratory colour change.

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SANSAI TAKIAWASE

SUSHI KONDO HOTARU IKA SUMISO

PROMOTIONS

KOMOCHI YARI IKA

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RULES FOCUS Use of trolleys We’d like to remind golfers to check the right of way when crossing golf holes; this is as much about respecting your fellow players as it is avoiding the dangerous situation of straying into flying golf balls! To clarify, you are allowed to pull your trolley across the fairways. Please park them in a location that allows you access to the greens and tees, but never on these surfaces.

Out of bounds Please note that the 14th fairway of The Tanjong from the 13th tee is out of bounds. This is for safety reasons, and it’s the same case with the 7th fairway from the 3rd tee on The Serapong (also out of bounds). <<< HOLE 13

OUT OF BOUNDS

HOLE 14 >>>

INSTRUCTION

SHORT GAME TIPS You’ll be only too aware that a surgeon’s touch is required to score well around our two courses. Here, our very own 15-year-old sponsored amateur, Brayden Lee, shares his seven-stage warm-up routine, designed to get your short game razor sharp… 1. I like to start off by warming up my chipping action. You needn’t have too much of a goal at this stage; rather it’s about feeling the ball off the clubface and getting that touch going. 2. I’ll then target a certain pin, so I’m now really working on a goal – which is to get up-and-down. 3. Next, I move onto my bunker play, where a key focus for me is checking my basics – a crucial part of which is alignment. 4. I finish with some putts. Initially, I practice my stroke, and much like with chipping, I’m just observing and

getting a feel for how my clubface moves through impact. 5. I’ll then calibrate my green reading, and work on matching pace and line – so I’ll locate a few different putts with left-to-right and right-to-left breaks. 6. To get my speed spot on, I’ll then hit some lag putts. 7. Finally, I’ll knock some short putts in, so I can hear the ball dropping into the cup. It’s a nice way to end and gives you a confidence boost before you tee off. www.sentosagolf.com

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INSTRUCTION

USING THE SHORT GAME AREA The short game area (at the lower practice range) has recently reopened after a period of closure for safe management reasons. This area is a short buggy ride from the clubhouse and its continued use during Phase 3 will require the full co-operation of Members. Both the practice range and short game area are closed on Monday. Please also note the following: Pre-bookings are required The Club has started to allow pre-bookings for eight concurrent Members to use the short game area. There are two time slots available daily for the use of this area to prevent potential overcrowding: morning 9.30am-11am (earliest check-in 9.15am, latest check-out 11.30am); afternoon 2.30pm-4.30pm (earliest check-in 2.15pm, latest check-out 5pm). Making a booking Members may call 6275 0022, 6373 7128 or 6373 7131 (9am to 5pm) to make a reservation one day prior to practice. Members can book one short game area slot each day. Phone bookings are accepted on a first-come-first served basis, but priority shall be given to those without golf or practice range bookings on the day of practice or play. A fee of $50 will be charged for no-shows or non check-ins at the golf reception. When arriving All golfers must complete their SafeEntry and TraceTogether check-in at the single entry point located at the main lobby. Members with short game area bookings must check in at the golf reception and collect a buggy card. Please claim a golf cart at the staging area and proceed to the short game area. Finally, we ask that you don’t drive your vehicle to get the short game area and park there.

Thank you for your co-operation.

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AGRONOMY CORNER

HOW TO… RAKE A BUNKER In the last issue, we gave an insight into all the hard work that goes into designing and creating our signature bunkers; it’s an arduous task, but one our Golf Agronomy team carries out with great diligence to ensure they have the same consistency throughout the two golf courses. The redesigned serrated edges are a thing of beauty, too, and take hours of work to perfect — and we all want to keep them that way. So proud we are of our bunkers — and we do hope you’ve taken the time to have a good look — that we would like to remind everyone of the correct procedure for raking the sand. It’s easy to forget what you should and shouldn’t do, especially when you’re focused on your game, and

even those who have been playing the game for many years can get into one or two bad habits. So, please take a moment to refresh yourself with the following six-step guide…

Enter and exit on the low side of a bunker. Please use the large, grassed noses to walk in and out, and not the bunker faces

2 3

Rake your way out of the floor — with teeth facing down

You can use either side of the rake head to smooth the perimeter of the bunker where you enter and exit

When raking near the edge of a bunker, do not pull sand out of the bunker into the grass

Use good etiquette to help ensure everyone has a great day on the course.

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As you are exiting the bunker, use your club to knock sand off the bottom of your shoes. Walking across the green after hitting a bunker shot can leave sandy footprints that cause playability issues for other golfers and may even damage expensive maintenance equipment

Replace your rake outside the bunker in a location where it easily accessible by others and not likely to have a negative impact on play Adhering to the correct procedure won’t just put a smile of the face of the greenkeepers, but your fellow golfers, too. Use good etiquette to help ensure everyone has a great day on the course. After all, there’s nothing worse than finding your ball in a footprint — bunker play is hard enough!

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18 Holes With…

ANDRE HOEDEN In the latest edition of 18 Holes With…we sat down with one of Singapore’s most renowned DJ’s, Kiss 92FM's Andre Hoeden, to discuss his love for golf and his thoughts on the newly renovated Serapong Course… How old were you when you started playing golf? I was about 14 when I first had a 7-iron in my hands and attempted to hit a golf ball. Boy was it painful!

Do you have any superstitions whilst on course? Of course! A real but silly one is I never drink 100 Plus when playing golf, I fear my score will run into the hundreds!

What is your best ever round of golf and where was it? 78, with help of the wind, off the whites, at Echo Falls in Washington State!

What is the greatest golf tip you have ever been given? Enjoy your game and it is best played with a beer, surrounded by your best golf kakis.

Which rule would you abolish or amend? Any rule that penalizes the golfer for involuntary movement of the golf ball with no discernable advantage.

What about playing The Serapong do you enjoy most? I enjoy everything about The Serapong, it is the pride of the nation! The SGC team takes so much pride in every little detail. Every golfer feels special playing on such a pristine playground.

What is your favourite Major championship and why? I love them all! The majors are like your kids, you have to love them all. What is the best golf tournament you have ever watched, either live or on TV? Any tournament with Tiger playing, he’s the reason I started playing golf! Which three players would make up your dream fourball? Tiger, Charlie (his son) and Matthew (my son). What is the best shot you have ever hit? I cannot remember the best shot, but my worst shot was when I hit a bird at the driving range! What is your favourite club in the bag and why? My new TaylorMade Sim2 Max 24

driver, it keeps me ahead of my flight. Any new golf technology that helps make this crazy game easier! What is your greatest moment in golf? When I won my first tournament as a newbie golfer! I played 104 and it was at Palm Spring Golf & Country Club in Batam. I will never forget my first trophy. Have you ever achieved a hole-inone? Not that lucky! Close but no cigar, about 2cm from the hole at Collier Park Golf in Perth.

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What is your favourite hole on The Serapong? Hole #4 is definitely up there as a favourite. Par 5s are always exciting as it is only right to dream about an eagle. When I see water, I get excited knowing I have to cross it. I love the challenge! What do you think of the newly renovated Serapong Course? I still cannot believe how “true” the greens played. Unbelievably smooth, quick and well maintained. The bunkers are amazing too! Where does The Serapong rank in your list of favourite courses? It is right on top! I love the challenge it presents, and it humbles me every time I play there. The Serapong keeps me coming back. @sentosagolfclub

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2020 & JANUARY 2021 ORDINARY MEMBER 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Mdm Dewi Sri Wardani Mr Hiroaki Yasui Mr Husodo Angkosubroto @ Go Tiong Heuw Mr Ong Jen Yaw Mr Pang Wing Hey Mr Peter Jae Sun Min Mr Wang Yang Mr Yu Wen Lang

CORPORATE MEMBER 1. 2. 3. 4.

Cariflex Pte Ltd Dream International SG Pte Ltd E1 Corporation Singapore Branch Space Investment Pte Ltd

CORPORATE NOMINEE

Peter Min (right) with his family

WE MEET NEW MEMBER…

PETER JAE SUN MIN Name Peter Min

Occupation Private Equity at CLSA Capital Partners

Why did you become a member at SGC? Recently picked up golf again and after playing at different courses around Singapore, the decision was easy as Sentosa Golf Club has great course conditions and most of all friendly staff and marshals

Favourite thing to do in Singapore? Golf, tennis, eating, and drinking

Favourite thing about Golf? The minute you feel you’ve figured it out, the game humbles you again

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.

Mdm Choi You Jin Mdm Hong Joo Hyun Mr Cha Donghoon Mr Choi Kyoo Yoon Mr Goh Choo Kian Mr Kim Cheol Woong Mr Lee Sooi Chuen Philip Mr Masahiro Kikuchi Mr Park Jeonghwa Mr Prakash Kolluri Mr Ranobir Mukherji Mr Ryo Kishimoto Mr Ryu Sang Woo Mr Suh Jung Keun Mr Tan Bing Sing Mr Toru Kobayashi Mr Yoshihiro Otsuki Mr Yosuke Hamasaki Mr Yang Xinping

TERM MEMBER 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Mr Andrew Eric Hartley Mr Benjamin John Sheridan Mr Chang Neng Chao Mr Hisaki Endo Mr Kim Sang Rok Mr Lau Wing Hung Johnny Mr Olivier Pierre Destandau Mr Pierre Andre Genillard Mr Sudarshan Venu Mr Wang Bin Mr Yutaka Sugimura

Sentosa Golf Magazine Mar - Apr 2021

Articles inside

GAME ON – SUSTAINABILITY GATHERS PACE

ADIDAS GOLF COLLABORATES WITH SGC

THE SERAPONG VISUAL FEAST

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE