Raffles Country Club 450 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Singapore 639932 T: 6861 7649 | F: 6861 5293 | www.rcc.org.sg
RAFFLES CONNECTION Vol.
29 Raffles Country Club Newsletter
Mar- Apr 2015 http:// www.rcc.org.sg
Happy Easter!
Raffles Country Club Singapore
In Celebration of S$50+ Only GREEN FEES (1st Mon & Tue of Every Month)
SG 50
*Singaporeans born in the year of 1965 or earlier *Palm Course (Both AM & PM Session) *Lake Course (Only AM Session) *Buggy Fees and GST apply *Subject to Club Rules and Course Availability *Public Holidays not applicable *Promotion from 1 Feb – 31 Dec 2015
CALL 6861 7655 TO BOOK NOW
General Committee President Dr Daniel Goh Vice President Tony Jiang
Contents Message
Captain Patrick Low
President's Message General Manager's Message Vice President's Message
Treasurer Henry Kwok
Club News
Secretary John Goh Chairman, Audit Dr Daniel Goh Chairman, Food & Beverage Tony Jiang Chairman, Golfing & Greens Patrick Low Chairman, Communications & Marketing Alex Eow Chairman, Lifestyle & Social Yong Kah Teck Chairman, Discipline & Lady Captain Cheong Yoke Keng Chairman, Facilities & Estate Hoe Boon Leong Deputy Chairman, Finance & Establishment Ronald Pereira
Management General Manager, Richard Foo richard.foo@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0889 Finance Manager, Anthony Low anthony.low@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0828 Course Superintendent, Christine Chung christine.chungbhivat@rcc.org.sg / 6861 2725 Golfing Operations Manager, Dennis Ee dennis.ee@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0836 F&B/ Lifestyle Manager, Cristo Fong cristo.fong@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0863 Sales & Marketing / Communications Manager, Joanne Ng joanne.ng@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0838
New Staff Introduction A "Bonding" Good Time Preliminary Survey Results Snapshots Going Green
Food & Beverage
Is your Cava as Good as Champagne?
Events
Year End Countdown Party Chairman's Trophy Christmas Game
14 16 17
Lifestyle
Members' Experience at Eagle Ridge 28 Exciting New Products 30 Marketplace 31 Getting to know Glaucoma 32 Laduree 33
Facilities
Internal Audit Manager, Pang Hui Ngim hn.pang@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0800
Club Listings
Vice Chairman Ven Sreenivasan
13
Results 18 Champion Medallist 2014 19 Upcoming Club Competitions 20 Calendar of Events 21 Shanghai Sun Island 22 The Future & Value of Club Memberships 24 A Reciprocal Club in the Land of Smiles... Finally! 26 The Pleasures of Travelling Golf 27
Improvements around the Golf Courses Improvements around the Club
Chairman Alex Eow
06 07 08 10 12
Golf
Facilities Manager, Clifford Lee clifford.lee@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0883
Editorial Board
03 04 05
Table of Reciprocal / Affiliated Clubs Club Facilities & Directory
34 36
39 40
Highlights
Committee Members Justine Moss Jacob Tay Richard Foo Joanne Ng Relle Lee For Advertising and Magazine Enquiries, please contact
Joanne Ng – Sales & Marketing / Communications Manager joanne.ng@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0838
08
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Raffles Connection is published by: Raffles Country Club - 450 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Singapore 639932 (MICA (P) No. 156/10/2013)
www.rcc.org.sg
All information and dates are correct at the time of printing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by means without written permission of the publisher.
Messages
President's MESSAGE
I hope everyone enjoyed the festive season. The new management team has settled in and can focus on tasks to move the Club forward. Management shall start to review existing operating procedures and see how to provide better service to members. I would like to thank those who have spent time filling in the survey form. RCC being a members' Club should focus efforts on satisfying the desires of the majority. This is why getting feedback from channels such as the survey are important. As expected, there are three issues of major concern to members and I shall briefly address them here. On Palm redevelopment, the former committee had tried their best to reduce the cost by taking away the ‘nice-to-have’ features. Even then, the final figure still exceeded what was approved during the EOGM held in Feb 2014. We shall form a sub-committee to review various options available to the Club and present at a general meeting for you to decide. On GT, we are aware of the problems but the solution takes time. All I am prepared to say is, besides encouraging the current caterer to improve, we are also exploring other alternatives.
Dr Daniel Goh
President Chairman of Audit
The management shall start to review existing operating procedures and see how to provide better services to members.
On under utilisation and improving our recreation facilities, we are studying the pros and cons of launching a social membership category. The long overdue car park resurfacing at level four has been completed and will be open for use after CNY. It was a major task as the old surface and membrane needed to be removed before laying new surface with the correct gradient for water to run off. I would like to thank the FESC for a job well done. We plan to change the current monthly medal format and turn it into a networking, gathering and feedback session. I envisage having a shotgun start on both courses followed by a buffet dinner and social function. I have tasked management with looking into the details and hope that we can start from April. We are scheduled to sign a reciprocal arrangement with the President Country Club in Bangkok in early March. This is thanks to the efforts of our member Mr. Eddie Sua. I am sure members will enjoy the 2 x 18 hole courses. As you can see, there are lots of things that need to be done and I look forward to members with the right expertise and network to come forward and help.
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Golf Messages Warm greetings from Scenic Raffles.
General Manager's MESSAGE
At this special time of the year, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all our Chinese members and families a Joyously Bright, Meaningful, and Blessed Lunar New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai! The recently concluded Ang Pow Game drew a record turnout of avid golfers and fellow kakis for the morning Shotgun at both the Lake & Palm Courses. Truly a Reunion for our members as they were greeted with a day of CNY fun-celebration accompanied by the auspicious “Loh Hei”, Lion Dance performance, entertainment, door-gifts, and a shower of wealth and prosperity blessings in welcoming in the Year of the Goat. The event’s candid photographs can be downloaded from our website; and published in the next edition of Raffles Connection. We would also like to express our appreciation and to thank all our members for the time taken to complete the Member’s Satisfaction Survey. This survey allows the Club to analyze, assess, and to take remedial action based on your feedback & suggestions to address and to put things right. Other improvement measures that require capital expenditures and have a longer term impact on RCC’s membership standing, operating viability and sustenance, and positioning as a Premier Golf Club shall be tabled for the General Committee’s deliberation to set a longer term Key Thrusts and action plans to realize this end.
Richard Foo
General Manager
The greatest discovery of this Millennium is that we can change our lives by altering the state of our minds - Anonymous
Notwithstanding the afore-mentioned, the survey findings shall form the basis and a working benchmark for the Club to take a pro-active approach in service improvements, facilities upkeep and renewal, operating efficiency, introduce novelty event & activities, complementary tenancy-mix to add variety, and so forth to further enhance and to add-value to Raffles’ membership. Members will have the opportunity to partake in a “KopiChat” or members’ dialogue session with the General Committee and Club management sometime in April this year. Do look out for it in our weekly e-blast and Club announcement. On the facility improvements, we are pleased to share that the upgrading works at the 4th level of alfresco parking at the MSCP have been completed, and our members can look forward to a renewed, safe and ample parking spaces even during peak periods over the weekends and tournament days. We would like to remind all members of the New Rules implemented from 1st January’15 in administering the issuance of locker keys at the member’s changing rooms. All members are required to personally sign-out for the locker key in the register kept at the service counter, and to return the assigned key after the day’s use. A recent audit of the changing room lockers have found an alarming number of locker keys not returned by members after the day’s use, and were kept for an extended period for the storage of personal belongings. To ensure fairness and that equitable services are extended to all our members, your kind cooperation is sought to assist the Club and it’s personnel with the administering of the Bye-Laws 18 & 19 of the Changing Rooms and Lockers respectively. On our Golf Courses, and as we await for the URA’s land survey report to be announced by end-June’15. Our Course Maintenance team has put in place a proactive maintenance program for the Palm Course during this period of uncertainties. So far, we have seen a marked improvement of the Fairways and the Greens, much to the delight of our members and guests that have played at the Palm Course recently. To stay connected and to receive timely update of Club event, and important announcements via our weekly e-blast, please log-in to RCC Feedback at feedback@rcc.org.sg to update your email addresses with us. In closing, I would like to share a meaningful quote as food for thought this season that:-
“The greatest discovery of this Millennium is that we can change our lives by altering the state of our minds” - Anonymous See you at the Club soon! 4
Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
Messages
Vice President's MESSAGE
I am not one who neither minces my words nor says nice things for the sake of saying nice things. I offered myself as a candidate during the last election because I could no longer accept where the Club, my Club and your Club was heading. I want to make concrete changes and I am prepared to spend the next one and a half years of my life doing this if necessary. Hence, I am truly very grateful to the members for believing in me and giving me and Team 3R their support, to give us the opportunity to make changes, changes for a better RCC. Let us now unite and make concrete changes to the Club to restore its place among the clubs with great courses in Singapore. The current model upon which this club is being run is clearly not sustainable. We started out as a members’ club in 2001 with roughly $16 million in our kitty, with 27 years of land lease and two courses better than most. We are still left with roughly the same amount in our kitty, but with just 14 years left of our lease and one of the two courses in desperate need of rebuilding. This will wipe out what’s left in the kitty should we proceed to rebuild it. Should we be offered a lease renewal in the near future, we do not have the money for it. It is a matter of time, not if, we ran out of money, unless we change the way we operate.
Tony Jiang
Vice-President, Chairman of FBSC Deputy Chairman of GGSC
A New Way Forward!
Other than members’ monthly contributions and membership transfers, the two main revenue areas of the Club are Golfing and F&B. Both are not doing well enough to sustain us as a going concern. We need to change the way we do business. Given the way the business is done, our F&B should be bringing in money to the Club. But they are not, and instead, they are losing a quarter of a million dollars each year. This has to change. Golfing should also bring in more money, but our utilization is very low, as our course had gone through some bad patches which turned green fee-paying golfers away to other courses. We need to change this. Over the next couple of months, this GC will need to examine plans to change the way we do things. We have already had almost an entirely new team of management. Both the courses have shown signs of improvement of late and this will continue. This is partly due to the weather but more importantly, the work put in by our new course maintenance leadership and management. We shall now also start to do things differently to bring in real value to our membership. Between now and the next AGM, this GC will need to engage members on some of the changes necessary to make this club a sustainable concern going forward. This publication is but just one such avenue for this GC to inform members of our plans, and no doubt other avenues will also be fully tapped. I sincerely hope members can unite and give this new GC your full support to bring major changes to our Club to make it a sustainable club financially, with courses that others would pay a premium to play on in the near future.
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CLUB NEWS
New Staff Introduction Joanne Ng - Sales & Marketing / Communications Manager Joanne specialises in communications and has more than 10 years of working experience in the service industry, out of which 9 years were spent working in clubs. Her previous appointments in clubs were in communications, in the aspects of copywriting of marketing collaterals, journalism, web content development, A&P and branding. Her passion for the English language was spawned from an addiction to reading in primary school, which led to a 2-year stint as a writer for a fashion magazine right after A levels, before heading to Australia to further her studies. Joanne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the School of Media & Information in Curtin University of Technology, WA, with core units in journalism and communications.
Clifford Lee - Facilities Manager Clifford holds a Bachelor degree in Engineering Management from the University of Western Sydney, Australia. He has worked 20 years in several managerial positions in the civil service, public transportation, commercial properties and gaming industry. Clifford shares with us the traditional Japanese 5 S philosophy (1. Sei-ri, 2. Sei-ton, 3. Sei-so, 4. Sei-ke-tsu, 5. Shi-tsu-ke) he adopts in his trade of facilities management. “The 5 Japanese words are excellent tools, easy to pick up by staff from all levels and useful to apply in daily work management. The last rule ‘Shi-Tsu-ke’ is important in terms of maintaining self-discipline and sustainability in meet job deadlines and delivering personal effectiveness.
Lisa Wan - Assistant Manager – Human Resource Lisa is an experienced HR professional who graduated from RMIT University, specialising in Human Resource Management. With HR professional experience gained in various industries including healthcare, electronics and education industries, she believes in teamwork and having a good relationship with the staff. She enjoys travelling and cooking, and looks forward to working well with all staff.
Relle Lee Hui Ying - PR & Communications Executive Graduating with a Double Major in Hospitality & Tourism Management and Marketing, Relle has been pursuing her passion in the vibrant beauty industry for the past two years. Retracing her steps to when she was attached to one of Universal Studio's largest theme parks during her school days, she has now returned to hospitality, where all the fun and excitement dwells! With a love for adventure and challenge, some of her interests include traveling, visiting theme parks, cooking, reading, and of course, food & retail therapy.
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Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
CLUB NEWS
A "Bonding" Good Time
All eager to tee off!
Lady Captain, Ms Cheong Yoke Keng, all smiles with fellow golfer, Mr KC Loh. Wait! Have you forgotten your sunblock?
O
n 20th January 2015, 31 players consisting of members of the General Committee (GC), Subcommittees, Head of Departments and staff of Raffles Country Club congregated at the clubhouse for a friendly game. The main purpose of this friendly game was to foster better understanding between members of the GC, Sub-committees, and staff of the Club. The players were also paired up with members from another department or work function that would further enhance understanding between the departments. After the game, all players gathered at RCC’s Shanshui Restaurant to have dinner together and create better bonding. Playing using the “4-ball better ball” system, President Dr. Daniel Goh, partnering Dr. K K Tan, from the Food & Beverage Subcommittee, emerged victorious with a score of 43. Sadly, no RCC staff or their partners managed to get into the top 3.
Loh, Patrick Low, Mr KC From left Captain, Mr Lady Captain, Ms Cheong h, Go President, Dr Daniel Lee Yuke Lan. and Ms
Committee members and HODs
ir dinner! Everyone enjoying the
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CLUB NEWS
Preliminary Survey Results As an initiative to improve members’ experience at the Club, the committee conducted a members’ satisfaction survey ending on 8th February, to better understand members’ preferences and take on the Club’s current offerings. Tapping on the Club’s database of 2,600 members, the survey form was distributed to the members via email, newsletter, website and direct mail. At the end of the survey period, the Club only managed to receive 350 feedback, a small percentage out of our 2,600 strong database. However, if we take into consideration the estimate of 600 inactive members (with 500 members not spending a single dollar in 6 months, and 100 Absent members) our percentage improves appreciably. On this note, the Club would like to thank the 350 members who made an effort to provide the General Committee and Management with their valuable feedback, both quantitatively and qualitatively. In response, the General Committee and Management have taken time to analyse the data collected, and came up with an action plan to further enhance members’ experience. This action plan will be shared during the Club’s inaugural Kopi Chat, which is set to take place on 25 April 2015. The following charts highlight some of the key findings, as well as illustrate the topics Kopi Chat will be covering.
As the chart indicates, the most frequently utilised facility is the golf course, as well as our F&B facilities. The rest of the sports and social facilities are under-utilised. This strongly suggests that the Club is facing a pressing issue of wasted space, which could potentially translate to rental income. Further studies are necessary to improve RCC’s space utilization, in order for RCC to convert its property into a resort-style Golf and Country Club, which will further boost our competitive advantage over other clubs in terms of proximity to Johor and nature. 8
Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
Out of the 350 who responded to the survey, over 97% of them had utilised our golfing facilities, unmistakably placing golfing at the top of the list as to one of the main reasons why our members visit the Club. The survey also further confirms the fact that the Club’s focus should be on the upgrading and maintenance of the golf courses, in order to improve our golf course rating in Singapore. Maintenance of the golf courses to ensure tip top condition, as well as the enhancement of services provided by our golfing marshals should take priority in order to give a wholesome and enjoyable experience to our members and guests. Through this initiative, we aim to increase our golfing revenue. Similarly, our F&B facilities are looking at a good patronage level. This finding suggests that aside from our main source of revenue, which is golfing, we should also focus on the F&B outlets within the Club. As dining comes naturally and as a necessity after a golfing session, our food quality and standard of service will be reviewed and further improved to ensure a positive post-golfing experience. As of now, the FBSC and F&B Manager are in the process of mapping out an action plan to secure Golfing Terrance’s (GT) position as the preferred F&B venue after a round of golf. Regretfully, the survey results have shown that our social facilities such as; Jackpot room, Mahjong room and Relaxation room are neglected. With only 12% of the sample size indicating that they have used at least one of these facilities, the committee may have to consider other avenues of improving traffic to these under-utilised spaces. A study on balancing the use of space within the Club will be conducted, to ensure optimization of resources in RCC. As such, the engagement of professional services may be necessary for a more comprehensive recommendation, to assist the General Committee and Management in their decision-making.
CLUB NEWS
Once again supporting the evidence that the majority of our members visit RCC for the sole purpose of golfing, we can see that less than half of this number have actually utilised any sport facilities such as; Driving Range, Tennis Courts, Badminton Courts, Squash Courts, Table Tennis and Swimming Pool, which are available for the members during the past year. Even then, over 80% of the ‘Yes’ came from users of the Driving Range. This translates into potential lost revenue, as well as illustrate how extremely niche RCC members’ interests are. An innovative way to fill in this gap is crucial for a more balanced P&L, and plans for a corporate social membership for companies around Tuas and Jurong may be the answer to this predicament.
Lucky Draw Winners Name Dr Teo Cheng Peng Mdm Cheong Yoke Keng Mdm Han Lee Yee, Jalean Mdm Koh Mui Hua Mr Akira Sekiguchi Mr Alejandrino Eduardo III Dagondon Mr Cao Yong Mr Chan Kheng Hua Mr Chan Yue Meng Mr Chew Kwee San Mr Chua Kim Hock, Alan Mr Edmond Au Wah Mr Eng Meng Chor Mr Foo Chee Hiang, Harold Mr Goh Hoi Lai Mr Goh Sze Hee, Vincent Mr Ho Tuck Chew, Andrew Mr Hoong Bee Lok Mr Ian Morrison Mr Jesper Svenstrup Mr Kan Seng Chut Mr Kang Kum Meng, Albert Mr Khoo Choon Hock, David Mr Khoo Thiam Hock Mr Koen Peter Rene Cardon Mr Krishna S/O Veerappen Mr Lawrence Lee Mr Liew Yew Chuan Mr Lim Kay Yi, Bernard Mr Lim Siang Chuan, Joseph Mr Lim Tiong Wah, Louis Mr Liu Po Hsiun, Robert Mr Loh Chee Leong, Stephen Mr Low Sim Yam Mr Low Yong Heng, Francis Mr Ng Chee Yap Mr Ng Kin Ming Mr Nibu Mattathil George Mr Ong Eng Seng Mr Ong Wee Heng Mr Poh Pai Chin, Ronnie Mr Sarwal Ashwani Kumar Mr Sharma Sundareswara Mr Sze Tong Shut, George Mr Tan Ju Hong Mr Teo Thiam Chye, Kelvin Mr Toshihiko Ikehara Mr Wong Peng Lam Mr Wong Yee Seong Mr Yam Jong Fuat, John
Membership No. 15220 15718 14897 15972-02 15007 16027 15138 13433 12631 15307 14359 15625 15380 13061 15373 14530 32923 13537 15327 34551-01 12051 14925 10335 15376 33361 13312 14701 10124 14859 14628 15817 15031 15196 13659 10316 14965 15893 16052 13876 13216 13544 15878 11409 10649 10125 15666 31746 14377 15992 15620
All ready to pick out the winners
of our members' satisfaction
survey
Mr Ven Sreenivasan seems to be happy with his pick! Chairman Mr Alex Eow making a draw
Mr Yong K ah making a Teck draw
GM Mr Richard Foo smiling into the camera
draw! Our 50 lucky winners for the Can you find your name?
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CLUB NEWS
Snapshots
2014) Ladies' Christmas Game (17 Dec es Country than 15 “Santarina” visited Raffl re mo Christmas came early when costumes, and s gie bug ted beautifully decora h Wit 4. 201 ber em Dec 17 on Club the prizes given f at the Lake Course. Among gol of e gam d goo a d oye enj they buggy and best dressed golfer. away included best decorated
Crocodile Spotted One of our golfers spotted a crocodile at our Lake Course hole 17 towards the back of the 17th Green. He said that it looked more like a rock as it stayed very stationary. He knew there are no rocks in that particular location so took a few shots to check it up, and it turned up to be the elusive crocodile!! It was spotted again the very next day, same time at the right edge of the rightmost clump of vegetation of the 17th Green.
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Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
RCC Membership Price Prices of Golf Club Membership slide in 2014 but RCC and three others are on the rise. If we take notice of the change of government policy on land use for golf courses, we should now take proactive steps to make RCC the resort type golf club in Singapore as a differentiator to secure our future of land lease renewal without too much interference. Two key factors of enhancing the position of RCC is increased utilisation and enhanced membership density per 18 holes. Please refer to the article on page 24 by Ven S of Business Times for more details.
CLUB NEWS
Eagle Ridge 36 RCC members vis ited our reciprocal clu b Eagle Ridge Golf Country Club Philippin and es from 29 Jan to 2 Feb 2015 and played rounds over four cours fou r es in one location -- Gr eg Norman, Nick Foldo Aoki and Andy Dye. Ev , ery member was given a souvenir of a frame group photo. Good go d lf, Good food and Good fellowship for all.
Yoga coming 6th February Yoga continues its Term 4 this is to help and a great 2015. The purpose of Yoga ying healthy. Keeping tool for the members for sta in both the mind and balance, strength, harmony ques incorporated in hni body. The relaxation tec n, such as lower back Yoga can lessen chronic pai a can also lower blood pain, arthritis, headaches. Yog ia, increase flexibility, pressure and reduce insomn and tone, improved increase muscle strength lity, weight reduction, respiration, energy and vita lth, improved athletic cardio and circulatory hea from injury. These are performance and protection a. some healthy benefits of Yog
Lost & Found Missing something after your previous golfing session? You may wish to check out the Club’s Lost & Found corner, located near the left side of the bag drop-off/collection point! Please note that items with value of more than $50 shall be kept for 2 months, while anything below shall be kept up to 3 weeks. Simply approach any of our golfing receptionists for more information or to report your loss.
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CLUB NEWS
Going Green - RCC Embraces Digital Communication By Justine Moss
At the launch of the year-long Clean & Green 2015 Campaign back in November 2014 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the Singapore Sustainable Blueprint 2015 (SSB 2015) explained the government’s vision to commit $1.5 billion over five years to create a more sustainable future. Focus areas include green and blue spaces, transport, air quality and resource sustainability. It will also work towards being a ‘zero waste nation’ by reducing consumption and reusing and recycling all materials. According to ecobusiness.com, the National Environment Agency estimates that Singapore produces 60,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, equivalent to the weight of 172 MRT trains. Half of this comes from consumers, and half from the industry sector. In addition, a total of 796,000 tonnes of food waste was generated in Singapore last year – equivalent to the weight of about 145,000 elephants. The encouraging news is that more and more people are becoming aware of the need to come forward and do their bit for the environment and their local community. And, the SSB 2015 is looking to support community projects and foster stronger community stewardship over caring for the environment and sustainable living practices. More smart technology and eco-friendly features will be embedded into Singapore’s towns and homes. A green lifestyle will be second nature, with more ways for people to recycle as well as save energy and water at home. There are other initiatives including a ‘car-lite’ Singapore, and being a leader in Green Economy – businesses will adopt greener practices and Singapore will become a hub for the cutting-edge business of sustainable development, and be a leader in green, sustainable buildings. Many local and international companies have embraced the idea of contributing to Singapore’s journey to becoming a more vibrant and sustainabile city. Last September, Starhub, DHL Express and e-waste recycle company TES-AMM joined forces to install 100 e-waste bins across Singapore. The project first started in 2012 between Starhub and 12
Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
TES-AMM where first of all five bins collected more than a tonne of e-waste. In 2013, 6,500 kilograms were collected from 30 bins. There are countless stories of other organisations doing their bit to search for ways to introduce green features into their work spaces, and of individuals and communitites getting involved in green projects. Some immediate ways to help include: •8 Use a fan instead of an airconditioner, or set the air-con to 25 degrees Celsius. •8 Switch off applicances at the power socket when not in use •8 Purchase energy and water-efficient white goods •8 Shorten your shower time •8 Share food and not to over order when eating out, ‘dapao’ it home •8 Donate clothes, books, toys etc to charity •8 Recyle bottles, cans and paper and help Singapore reach its recycling target of 70% by 2030 •8 Keep public places clean and make sure you throw your rubbish into a rubbish or recycling bin •8 Take public transport from time to time and reduce your carbon footprint •8 Switch off your engine when your vehicle is parked RCC is committed to going green by reducing its print run of Raffles Connection by 25% each year starting 2015. Please inform our Sales & Marketing/ Communications team if you would like to start receiving your Raffles Connection online rather than by mail. The first 50 to reply and switch over to the digital version will receive a sleeve of 3 golf balls. *Justine Moss is a member of CMSC, a professional freelance journalist, a featured writer and editor of RCC Connection.
Food & Beverage
Is your Cava as Good as Champagne? What is Cava, Spanish Sparkling Wine? Spain produces fine sparkling wines called Cava, in which the wine is produced in the “méthode champenoise” or “Champagne method”, the same method that is used to make Champagne. Cava is a Greek term that was used to refer to a "high end" table wine or wine cellar, and comes from the Latin word "Cava" which means cave in English. Caves were used in the early days of Cava production for the preservation or aging of wine. In 1872, Josep Raventós Fatjó of the Codorníu estate was the first to produce wine made using this method in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, (Cataluña,) Spain. He introduced his first bottles of Cava to the public and it was an instant success, particularly with high society.
How Cava is produced? Pressing: The first step is the pressing of freshly picked grapes. Only about 50% of this juice, known as flower must, is used to make cava. First Fermentation. After removing the skin and fibrous parts by clarification and filtration, the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks. The temperature is kept at a constant 15-18 degrees Celsius, and the sediment is removed upon completion. Blending. Wines fermented from different grapes are blended and yeast and cane sugar added before the wine is bottled and temporarily corked. Secondary Fermentation. The wine is fermented a second time in the bottle. The action of the yeast and the cane sugar causes fermentation again, and natural carbon dioxide is released into the wine. Riddling (Remuage). To remove the sediment produced from the second fermentation, the bottles are turned upside down and rotated so the sediment is collected in the neck of the bottle. Disgorging (Degorgement). The neck of the bottle, where the sediment has collected, is frozen and the temporary cork removed. The internal pressure forces the frozen sediment out. Wine of the same type and volume is added to fill the bottle. Corking, Labelling, and Shipment. Finally, a cork with a star mark is used to seal the bottle, a label is attached, and the bottle is ready for shipment.
The types of Cava may be classified by the amount of sugar added to them: Brut Nature - up to 3 grams of sugar, not added sugar Extra Brut - up to 6 grams of sugar per litre Brut - up to 12 grams of sugar per litre Extra Seco (extra dry) - between 12 and 17 grams of sugar per litre Seco (dry) - between 17 and 32 grams of sugar per litre Semiseco (semi-dry) - between 32 and 50 grams of sugar per litre Dulce (sweet) - more than 50 grams of sugar per litre
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Events
YEAR END What better way to bid goodbye to 2014 and welcome the New Year than throwing a black and gold Year End Countdown Party for members and guests?
Happy
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Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
Events
countdown PARTY
At the Onyx Party, it was an evening filled with good food, music, dancing and great company. In line with the theme, all members were clad in black and gold. Some of the highlights included fun games, dancing and lucky draw for members and guests. Just before midnight, the party gathered together to welcome the New Year!
New Year!
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Events
Jessie Tan with
Chairman Tan
& Mrs Tan
great company
Chairman's Trophy
C
hairman's Trophy, one of the most prestigious events in RCC’s calendar, received such an overwhelming subscription that many players were on the waiting list well ahead of the closing date.
Flight N
o. 1
Even without the customary chilli-andbawang set-up, Mother Nature was kind to grant us fine weather. Participants competed based on team event – Stableford points. When the golf-course battle ended, Mr Alan Chua and Mdm Linda Yeo were crowned the Chairman’s Trophy champions. The prize presentation segment showcased winners of the Club’s events for the last 6 months. A sumptuous spread to add to the hard-day’s work at the golf course. It was a thrilling golfing event to start off the year.
ng Daniel Goh hitti Club President 5 r Pa e at th his second shot
Dinner 16
Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
y-2
Decorated Bugg
Events
Christmas Golf Game
O
n 20 Dec 2014, “Christmas Sleighs” were spotted on the Greens of RCC Palm Course. On a closer look they were actually nicely decorated buggies by our members for our Special Christmas Greensome Golf Event. Members enjoyed the Christmas Theme Golf Match with their families and friends.
Captain presenting to Champion Team Gan Chir Seng _ Dr Daniel Goh
As it’s a season of sharing and giving, the key strategy to win this game was teamwork. The team of Mr. Gan Chir Seng and Club President Daniel Goh claimed victory in the game with their superb teamwork. The score was based on 14 holes aggregate as the weather affected play. All participants were not disappointed though, as they were welcomed by a sumptuous dinner spread, a live band and lots of lucky draw prizes. The Master of Ceremony made the event a joyful one.
Enjoying a sum
ptuous spread
-1
Best Deco Buggy – Candy The
Best Dress Golfer – Cindy Tan
March - April 2015 | Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29
17
RESULTS
Golf
January MEDALS
03 Jan 2015 at Palm / Strokeplay (PM)
Men's A Division Best Nett: Runner-Up Nett: Best Gross:
Champion Score
Ong Hoo Eng Willie Lim Han Sin Samir Bedi
65 nett 69 nett 75 gross
65 nett Ong Hoo Eng Willie
Men's B Division Best Nett: Runner-Up Nett: Best Gross:
Champion Score
Ong Kian Keong Wang Tee Hau Dave Liow Kah Kheong Clarence
66 nett 69 nett 85 gross
66 nett Ong Kian Keong
Champion Score
Men's C Division Best Nett: Best Gross:
Ng Song Cheng Thomas Meichl
67 nett Ng Song Cheng
67 nett 91 gross
Ladies' Division Best Nett: Best Gross:
Champion Score
Ng Lian Moi Theresa Norlia Embong
69 nett 82 gross
71 nett 98 gross
Ladies' Division Best Nett: Best Gross:
Teo Ching Ching Maria Tan Joo Ee
Coming Up Aces
69 nett Ng Lian Moi Theresa
Champion Score 71 nett Teo Ching Ching Maria
CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY 10TH JANUARY 2015 / LAKE COURSE
Hole-in-One Achievers
Linda Yeo
Winning Team:
Linda Yeo Chua Kim Hock
89pts
2nd Team:
Chua Teck Beng Ong Kian Keong
83pts
Lee Cheong Pheng Patrick Lye Kwang Pheng
79pts
Gan Shou Ying Teo Cheng Tho Jennifer
79pts
Wong Pei Shan Regina Wong Hee Jit Vince
76pts
3rd Team: 4th Team: Pang Sang Choi Lake Hole 2, 106m, 30 November 2014
18
Patrick Lye Kwang Pheng Lake Hole 2, 106m, 20 January 2015
Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
Chua Kim Hock
5th Team:
Golf
Left-to-Right Break Putt
(L to R) Ng Ah Sek, Ng Ah Huat, Nainal Kok & Kwoh Kok Kiong
Champion Medallist 2014
Judy Cho sink
ing the putt
T
he 2014 Medal Winners braved the weather on Saturday 27 Dec 2014 to compete in RCC's Champion Medallist 2014. Palm course, with its tough & challenging layout, greeted all the participants. Although the game was disrupted towards the end due to continuous heavy downpour, our Ladies Division manage to conclude with a winner, Ms Judy Quek. Denise Seow
Sebastian Song’s follow through
March - April 2015 | Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29
19
Upcoming Club Competitions
Golf
March 2015 7th Mar - Saturday
RCC vs KLGCC inter-port game (Practice) PM @ Lake
8th Mar - Sunday
RCC vs KLGCC inter-port game (Official Game) AM @ Lake
14th Mar - Saturday
*Men’s A, B, C & Ladies Medals (Strokeplay) – PM @ Palm
21st Mar - Sunday
*Senior & Ladies Evergreen Medal (Stableford) - PM @ Palm Junior Medal (Stableford) PM @ Palm
*Tournament Score Counting Game
APRIL 2015 4th April - Saturday Monthly Medals PM @ Lake
12th Apr - Sunday
SGA ICL (1st Leg) OCC vs SCC PM @ Palm
25th Apr - Saturday
Ladies Bogey Competition PM @ Lake
26th Apr - Sunday
SGA ICL (2nd Leg) RCC vs SelCC @ LGNCC
*Tournament Score Counting Game
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Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
Calendar of Events
Events
March 2015 Wednesday
Thursday
1
Sunday
2 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Monday 3
Tuesday
4 Palm Course Closed Whole Day
5 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
6
Friday
7 RCC VS KLGCC Inter-Club Friendly 2015 Lake PM
Saturday
8 RCC VS KLGCC Inter-Club Friendly 2015 Lake AM/ Shotgun start
9 Lake Course Closed Whole Day RCC Fishing
10
11 Palm Course Closed Whole Day
12 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
13 Private Tournament - Shotgun / Lake PM
14** Men's A,B,C & Ladies Medals in conjuction with Mercedes Trophy Qualifying Round
15
16 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
17
18 Palm Course Closed Whole Day
19 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
20
21 Junior Medals Senior & Ladies Evergreen Medals Private Tournament - 48pax / Lake AM Palm PM
22
23 Palm Course Closed Whole Day
24 Lake Course Close Whole Day Korean Association Golf (AM) - 50 pax R/T
25 SGA Matchplay Competition / Lake AM
26 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
27
28 Keppel vs RCC Interclub Friendly (Away)
29
30 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
31
* Calendar subject to changes. Refer to RCC website for latest event calendar. ** 14 Mar: 1st Quarterly Prize Presentation (Palm AM/PM)
April 2015 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1 Palm Course Closed Whole Day
2 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
3 Good Friday
Friday
4 Men's A,B,C & Ladies Medals Lake PM
Saturday
5
6 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
7
8 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
9 Palm Course Closed Whole Day
10 Private Tournament - 72 pax / Lake PM
11
12 SGA Interclub League - OCC VS SCC / Palm PM
13 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
14
15 Palm Course Closed Whole Day
16 Lake Course Close Whole Day
17 Private Tournament - Shotgun / Lake PM
18
19 Private Tournament - 32pax / Palm PM
20 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
21 Palm Course Closed Whole Day
22 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
23 SGA InterAssociate Members League
24 Private Tournament - 48 pax / Lake AM
25 Ladies Bogey Competition / Lake PM
26
27 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
28
29 Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Private Tournament - 32 pax / Lake PM
30 Lake Course Closed Whole Day
* Calendar subject to changes. Refer to RCC website for latest event calendar.
March - April 2015 | Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29
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Golf
G
Shanghai Sun Island Internatio
olf may still be a relatively new sport in the world’s most populous country, but in the few decades or so since it was introduced into China, a number of first class golf courses and resorts have sprung up in the country. These include layouts such as Mission Hills in Shenzhen, Mission Hills and Shanqin Bay on Hainan Island, Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai, Pine Valley Golf Club in Beijing and Stone Forest Country Club and Spring City in Kunming. There are countless others, but also on the list are the Sun Island series of golf courses which Raffles Country Club signed reciprocal agreements with in 2013. These include the Shanghai Sun Island International club in addition to the others in the Sun Island series of golf courses; 27 holes on Kunshan
SHANGHAI How to get there Singapore Airlines and China Eastern fly direct from Singapore to Shanghai seven days a week. A number of other airlines fly via major Asian cities such as Cathay Pacific, Xiamen Airlines and Thai Airways. The Shanghai Sun Island International Club is roughly an hour’s drive away from Shanghai. When to visit With a subtropical maritime monsoon climate, Shanghai is generally mild, however as it’s situated in the southern part of China, it still has four distinct seasons. The hottest time is July and August,
22
Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
Sun Island, 18 holes on Suzhou Sun Island, 25 holes on Nanjing Sun Island and 18 holes in Yangzhou. The award-winning 36-hole Shanghai club features the ‘Old Course’ and the ‘New Course’, both of which are superb. The two courses, which feature a number of water hazards were designed by Nelson, Wright & Haworth Golf Course Architects Group and are relatively flat and much easier to play than links courses. The challenges come from the large number of water hazards in various shapes and sizes and in the positioning of the numerous bunkers guarding approach shots. Because the layout of each hole is relatively straight and unobstructed, thankfully it is usually possible to see the pin from the tee.
with more than 10 days at temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. The coldest time is from late January to early February. The spring from March to May is recommended as the best time to pay a visit. Where to stay Like any major city, there’s a large variety of accommodation options at your fingertips. For a bit of a splurge, try The Waterhouse at South Bund, The Peninsula, The Four Seasons or Park Hyatt. There are also lovely boutique hotels such as URBN Hotel Shanghai, Hotel Indigo, Rhea Boutique Hotel or Casa Serena Boutique Hotel. But if you want to
Golf
nal Club Those who can hit hard, straight and with accuracy will definitely have an advantage over those who are a little wayward with their tee and second shots. Golfers also have to watch out for the strong winds which blow from time to time, and will have to gauge which clubs to use and the direction in which to hit. There are a number of signature holes on the Old Course which was built in 1993 and opened for play two years later. Hole number five is an exceptional par-3 where accuracy is absolutely key, while hole number nine is a tough hole as it requires a 200 yard carry over water off the tee. It is unlikely many players will get home in two shots. The long par-4 11th becomes a slight dogleg left. Accuracy is the key to this hole which was voted third Best Par 4 in Asia by Asia Golf Monthly in June 2003. Finally,
stay at the golf course, then check into the gorgeous wellness Sun Island resort which looks out onto the iconic 1,200-year-old Mao Pagoda. It has villas, a full-scale medical and wellness compound, indoor swimming pool and gym. What to eat In Shanghai you’ve got the choice of dining in swanky restaurants along the Bund, or sampling excellent street food. The phrase “When in Rome do as the Romans do” rings so true in Shanghai when it comes to food. Xiao Long Bao and a number of other delicious Shanghainese dumplings and delicacies should be on your list of things to eat. Try some of the following dishes – Beggar’s Chicken, Yangchun
By Justine Moss the par-3 16th is challenging as you need to ensure that your tee shot can carry over water from tee to green, which is guarded on both sides by bunkers with quite a severe slope from back to front. Awards that the club has won over the years from a number of industry publications include Best Course in Shanghai, Top 10 Course in Asia, Top 5 Golf Resort in Asia and China and runner-up in the Best Par-3 (hole 16), Best Par-4 (hole 11) and Best Par-5 (hole 9) in Asia. No. 2588 Shentai Road Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai, China Tel: +86 21 6186 9688 | Fax: +86 (021) 6186 9695 Email: shgolf@sunisland.asia www.sunislandgolf.com
Noodles, Nanxiang Steamed Buns, Pigeon Egg Dumplings, Guo Tie (pot stickers), Paigu Niangao (pork spare ribs with rice flour strips), Sheng Jian (fried bun), Cong You Bing (green onion pancake), Stinky Tofu, Xie Ke Huang (crab shell pie) and Tang Gao (deep fried donut). What to do Shanghai Museum, The Bund, Fuxing Park, Dongtai Road for antiques, Xin Tian Di for its architecture, eating, shopping and entertainment, Nanjing Road for shopping, People’s Square, Take a cruise on the Huangpu River, Yuyuan Gardens, 50 Moganshan Road – Shanghai’s contemporary art district
March - April 2015 | Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29
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Golf
The Future and Value of Golf Club By Ven Sreenivasan
M
ost of us took up the game of golf about two or three decades ago. That was the “golden era” of the game, when golf really took off in a big way in Asia in the late 1980s and 1990s.
It was a time when increasing affluence and economic development around the continent saw young people in their 20s and 30s flock to the sport. The aspirational attraction of the game was high amongst many young executives who saw it as a gentrified sport which signalled their coming of age. Land was rapidly cleared, scores of golf courses were developed and clubs were established all over Asia. In Singapore, we saw the emergence of clubs like Tanah Merah Country Club, Laguna National, Raffles Country Club, and Orchid Country Club. Sentosa saw the addition of a second 18-hole course. Public outfits like the 9-hole Seletar Reservoir par-3 course, and later Marina Bay, were established. They joined the established clubs like Singapore Island and Country Club, Seletar Country Club and Keppel Club. Across the causeway, at least a dozen private and public clubs sprouted up around Johor Bahru, responding to the rising demand from Singaporean golfers. Today, Singapore has over a dozen clubs catering to some 30,000 members, while over in Johor there are three times as many. The popularity of golf continued to climb through the 1990s as the likes of young, exciting “super-star” golfers like Tiger Woods emerged and energized interest in the game. This trend continued through the turn of the millennium, prompting many more to take up the sport. As a result Singapore club membership prices rose. And even amid the fluctuations in economic and job market conditions, remained relatively firm. The upward trend in incomes and the aspirational allure of golf remained intact well in the 1990s and early 2000s. Many people also regarded golf clubs as places to wine, dine, entertain and socialize. They were great places to network with other professionals. Everything was humming along nicely until the financial crisis of 2008/2009 hit home. Suddenly, not all the “5C’s” were seen as equally essential. While, cash (savings) and condo (home) were still critical, car and credit card seemed less so. Way down the list was the club membership. Though there was some demand recovery from 2010 through 2013, it was not as strong or sustained. Many in the industry are now wondering if 2014 marks a turning point for the sport in Singapore. Last year saw the sharpest decline in prices of leading clubs in Singapore slide in more than five years. Meanwhile, golf retailers saw sales plateauing, and internal market research by golf equipment manufacturers started
24
Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
Golf
Memberships showing that demand was coming largely from “upgraders” amongst existing golfers, mostly in their 40s to 60s, rather than new entrants to the sports. Many clubs here are also starting to feel financial stress, and in Johor, the majority of clubs are in the red. Singapore clubs have fared better, largely because of tight cost control and better management. But the outlook remains uncertain for the industry as a whole. Most Singapore clubs are barely in the black today. This is because income from membership subscriptions and F&B spending do not quite match the expenditures arising from maintaining huge real estate, assets and staff. If not for income from private competitions, visitors and packaged sales deals, many golf clubs here would be in the red on their operating P&L numbers. Interest in the game amongst the younger set is weak. Golf club membership brokers, equipment makers and even sports retailers note a steady decline in demand for memberships and golf-related products amongst today’s younger executive crowd. Not surprisingly, with falling numbers of young entrants to the sport, most clubs here are faced with a membership profile which is ageing rapidly. RCC’s average membership age is steadily heading towards 60 years. The latest spanner in the works has been the issue of lease renewals for clubs. The Singapore Land Authority and other relevant agencies are reviewing Singapore’s land use as the nation’s population heads towards the 6 million mark and beyond. Keppel Club will lose its land by 2021. And within another 10 years, at least three more golf courses could go. There is also uncertainty about the cost of the new lease renewals. And how many clubs will be able to afford significantly higher charges? But one thing is certain: a key criterion for whether leases will be renewed is utilization. Facilities with low utilization will be in danger. So as club members and golfers, we have to bear in mind these factors as we head into the next decade. We RCC members have to take a long hard look at the facts and ask ourselves some tough questions. Can RCC (and any other club, for that matter) sustain itself as a viable entity some 15 years down the road? Can it attract enough new members and young blood to add vibrancy to the brand? And what will this brand be? What can the club do to boost utilization? These are some questions which have to be answered by golf clubs here as they prepare for the future. And the answers could determine their future.
The author is a member of the CMSC and a media professional. The opinions expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of RCC or its management.*Do you have any comments or feedbacks that you will like to share with us regarding this article? Please email us at: relle.lee@rcc.org.sg to share your view!
March - April 2015 | Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29
25
Golf
A reciprocal club in the land of smiles...finally! Another addition to RCC’s burgeoning list of reciprocal clubs will take place this month when a number of General Committee members will travel to the magnificent President Country Club in Bangkok. What makes the trip more special is that it is the first reciprocal signing in Thailand for RCC and the first in Singapore for President Country Club. Accompanying RCC President Dr Daniel Goh on the trip from 3rd to 6th March, will be Vice President Tony Jiang, Treasurer Henry Kwok, Hon Secretary John Goh, Lady Captain Cheong Yoke Keng and Chariman, Communications & Marketing Alex Eow. The 36-hole championship layout (four nines named North, East, South, West) was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and is located around an hour’s drive from the centre of Bangkok. It is definitely challenging, and even though the fairways appear wide, club selection is key as placing one’s drive in the correct position to attack the flag is a major factor to scoring well. Try and stay out of the tough Bermuda rough which can be tricky to get out of. Most greens, which run fast and true, are well protected by deep greenside bunkers and getting up and down is no simple task. Facilities at the semi-private club include a clubhouse, practice facilities, restaurant, function rooms and proshop.
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Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
Golf
The Pleasures of Travelling Golf By Justine Moss
O
ne of the advantages of being a golfer and living in Singapore is its close proximity to many other superb golf destinations within the region. And while, yes, there’s nothing like getting together with one’s golfing kaki for a round of weekly golf on RCC’s courses, occasionally a golf holiday with friends or family on a layout further afield beckons strongly. There are so many delightful places to choose from that offer excellent cuisine and post-golf activities so here’s a small taste. Justine Moss dips into the smorgasbord of offerings and recommends a couple in Bali, Bangkok and Bandung. Bali The Bali National Golf Club (www.BaliNatinalGolfClub. com) has recently been redesigned with new fairways and green complexes and the result is spectacular. The front nine is a par-35 that plays on undulating land away from the ocean, while the back nine is on relatively flat land with a par-37 configuration. Most of the layout has retained its original design, except for the dramatic new 17 and 18 holes. The penultimate par-3 is now an island green and therefore club selection is key. The finishing par-4 hole requires an approach shot over water to land on the green in front of the clubhouse. Facilities include a modern clubhouse, pro-shop, restaurant, bars, VIP lounge, spacious locker rooms and a golf institute. The Greg Norman-designed Nirwana Golf Club (www. nirwanabaligolf.com) is one of Asia’s great courses and features five ocean-side holes with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, three cliff-to-cliff tee shots and eight holes sculpted into the terraced rice fields. Located 45 minutes’ drive west of Bali’s Kuta/Seminyak/Legian tourism hub, it plays 6223 from the Shark tees. The gorgeous signature Par 3 7th overlooks the famous Tanah Lot temple and your drive needs to carry over water and hopefully land on the elevated green. Facilities include the five-star Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort, Clubhouse, Golfers’ Terrace and pro-shop. Bangkok The Riverdale Golf & Country Club’s (www. riverdalegolfclub.co.th) 18-hole course has been carved into a Chao Phraya River Delta valley and is roughly 45 minutes drive from the centre of Bangkok. There are plenty of challenges with trees strategically placed in the middle of the fairways and a large number of water hazards and bunkers to test both low and high handicappers, yet most will really enjoy a round here. Accuracy is key as it’s very easy to end up on a neighbouring fairway, yet while the design
favours intelligent play, there are plenty of bold and subtle risk and reward options. Facilities include a modern clubhouse that houses a restaurant and bar, locker rooms and a fully equipped pro shop where you can rent clubs. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to play the back nine of Augusta then here’s your chance. At the Royal Gems Golf City (www.royalgemsgolfcity.com), the par-71 course’s back nine have been replicated from Augusta’s 10-18 holes, while its front nine have taken their inspiration from top courses such as Bayhill, TPC Sawgrass (island green) and St Andrews (road hole). The Ron Garl-designed course is a tough layout but one really gets the feeling of walking the hallowed turf of some of the best holes in the world. Facilities include a driving range, restaurant and bar. Bandung At 800 metres above sea level, the courses here are a delight to play as it means the temperatures are not as hot. The Bandung Giri Gahana Golf & Resort (www. girigahanagolfresort.com) measures 6562 metres from the black tees and water comes into play on only some of the holes, in particular the 6th, 13th, 14th and 16th. However, there are plenty of bunkers to make up for the lack of water hazards with a long bunker stretching down the right fairway of the third hole, and the rest of the holes sporting fairway and greenside bunkers. The course will challenge both low and high handicappers with its deceptively easylooking wide fairways and well-guarded greens. Facilities include 47 rooms, ‘Kampung Sunda’ style cottages, clubhouse, a restaurant overlooking the golf course, driving range, tennis courts, SPA, swimming pool, fitness centre and pro shop. Located around a 30 minute drive from the city centre, the par-72 Mountain View Golf Club’s course (www. mtnviewgolfclub.com), which was designed by fivetime Open Championship winner Peter Thompson and golf course architect Ross Peret, is in excellent condition and a real pleasure to play. Each hole has its own unique challenge, whether it is driving from an elevated tee box or tackling the undulating terrain. The design also incorporates multiple tees on each hole to accommodate players of all abilities and provide a variety of ways to play the hole. Facilities include a superb clubhouse with The View bar and restaurant. This serves excellent Sundanese, Indonesia, Chinese, Japanese and western cuisine with some of the best views in the city. There is also the Balcony Lounge, pro shop, VIP rooms, multi function room and The Balcony Massage.
March - April 2015 | Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29
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Lifestyle
on arrival
Group photo up
prepared Welcome lunch
by Eagle Ridge
Golf & Country
Club
T
he Lifestyle and Social Committee, headed by Chairman Yong Kah Teck, marked this year with its first Social Golf trip, the 5 day/4 night trip to Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club, a reciprocal Country Club in Cavite, The Philippines. The trip took place from 29th January to 2nd February 2015, and Eagle Ridge Golf and Country
Members' exper Club welcomed 36 RCC members and opened its four courses - Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Aoki and Andy Dye. Although the schedule was tight, heavy traffic jams could not stop the group from having fun, thanks to members who willingly volunteered to entertain
!
se strike a pose
Everybody plea
My caddy know
s best!
Join us the next
time. It has been
fun!
Good friends make
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Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
best golfing buddies
Lifestyle
Dinner was gr eat!
s say it all!
The happy face
ience at Eagle Ridge the group, singing songs, telling humorous stories and being happy. Most importantly, there was the opportunity to interact with each other. Many aspects of this trip exceeded their expectations such as the fresh and abundant food to choose from, the warm hospitality and the shopping in Alabang and Makati.
Many thanks to Lifestyle and Social Sub-committee member Jessie Tan for a job well done and, more importantly, to the members for their support and cooperation to make this trip memorable and enjoyable.
All set to tee of
f!
od time!
go We’re having a
It has been a wo
nderful trip!
Another group photo
for the album
March - April 2015 | Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29
29
CLUB NEWS
Exciting NeW Products
By Justine Moss
Traditionally many of the golf brands unleash new products, apparel and footwear in the first quarter of each year. *Justine Moss went in search of some must-have equipment. Callaway XR Driver, Fairway Wood, Hybrid and Irons Speed is the driving force behind the new XR Driver—from the aerodynamic crown to the R•MOTO face and maximum shaft load. To reduce drag and maximize speed through the swing, a Speed Step Crown was designed and combined with an optimized aerodynamic head shape. The weight of the face was reduced by 10% to make it thinner for faster ball speeds. The new XR Fairway Woods have a revamped design led by a next generation Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup that’s up to 36% thinner, much lighter and has a bigger sweet spot. The result is increased ball speeds across the face for greater distance and 16 percent more forgiveness so the clubs are easy to hit. In creating the new XR Hybrids, the R&D team developed a completely new Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup that increases ball speed for much greater distance and forgiveness at every impact location, even on off-center hits. For the XR irons, they have the same face cup technology that’s redefined ball speed in fairway woods and this improved Cup 360 acts like a spring to increase ball speeds on shots hit low on the face, as well as every other impact location. The XR clubs were launched end February in Singapore – the XR Driver is priced from $637 to $925, the XR FW from $419 to $650, the XR Hybrid from $400 to $419 and the irons from $1,312 to $1,537. Cobra Golf Fly-Z+ Driver Hot off the production line, this driver, part of the new Fly-Z family of drivers, features the all new FlipZone weight technology, a revolutionary, moveable weight system which is engineered to provide two different flight paths in one club that enables maximum distance for any swing and any golfer. It also features COBRA’s New Speed Channel Technology, which is an engineered trench around the perimeter of the face that works to minimize thickness, resulting in increased ball speeds across the face for incredible distance and more forgiveness. The forged E9 Zone Face technology removes weight from key areas behind the face and hosel to increase the size and speed of the sweet zone for more distance on off-centre hits. Available from midMarch, it’s priced at $869 for Asian specs and $699 for US specs. FootJoy Hyperflex TM Featuring innovative materials like the new FlexGridTM exoskeleton, HYPERFLEX delivers lightweight support and cushioning so you can play at your highest level. The FlexGrid exoskeleton is strong enough to keep the foot from rolling laterally during the golf swing but also conforms to the foot and allows it to flex. The base layer that supports the exoskeleton consists of a tight-knit, lightweight, soft, flexible, waterproof mesh, which allows for maximum comfort, breathability, flexibility and airflow. The shoes come in a variety of colours and are available in Singapore mid March. Prices are $270 and $300 (BOA).
2015 Titleist Pro V1 & Pro V1x Designed for all golfers seeking to shoot lower scores, 2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1x deliver exceptional distance with consistent flight, more short game control and even softer feel from a new, patented urethane elastomer cover formulation, and long lasting durability. Comparatively, the Pro V1 has a softer feel, slightly more long game spin and a penetrating trajectory for a shallower angle of descent for more roll. The Pro V1x offers a slightly firmer feel, lower long game spin and launches higher with a steeper angle of descent. Available now and priced at S$99 (MAP: S$79.20).
TaylorMade Golf R15 Driver With its new Front Track system in R15, adjusting a TaylorMade driver has never been quicker or easier. Inside the track system are two sliding split weights that weigh 12.5 grams each. Its club head has 5grams more discretionary mass to manoeuver and is 4grams lighter than the TaylorMade Golf SLDR driver. Using a torque wrench, one can loosen and slide the weights to the heel for a draw, to the toe for a fade or split for maximum stability. Additionally, the R15 incorporates TaylorMade Golf’s most adjustable loft-sleeve, providing golfers with the ability to alter their face angle, lie angle and loft preference to affect side-to-side trajectory. Another plus is the low and forward center of gravity (CG), and this is thanks to the Front Track system which is 12mm closer to the leading edge with 40 more grams of weight forward. In total, 75% of the mass is in the front of the driver. Available now and priced at SGD $629 for Asian specification and SGD $569 for global specification *Justine Moss is a member of CMSC, a professional freelance journalist, a featured writer and editor of RCC Connection. 30
Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
Lifestyle
MarketPlace
Brand New VGR #5 Fairway Wood ity Maruman Ver with head cover Never been used and comes
$200
Pain-lezz Joint Nutrients
to: se email rties plea mail.com a p d e t s ns@g Intere municatio jayjaycom
Brand New Callaway women's XHot2 golf driver Comes with head cover. Brand new and still sealed
$300
Therapi Cal-Mag (Calcium + Magnesium+ Vitamin D3)
Retail Price: bot of 120 capsules $65.00 Special for RCC members :
Retail Price: bot of 120 capsules $36.00 Special for RCC members :
$35.00
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis (inflammation and pain of the joints) are stiff fingers, creaky knee joints, frozen neck or shoulders and back pain, which may lead to more serious joint problems and excruciating pain requiring surgery, if not treated early. Each Pain-lezz Joint Nutrients capsule contains Glucosamine sulphate 400mg + Chondroitin sulphate 300mg + Methylsulphonylmethane (MSM) 200mg.
$18.00
Made in Canada for strong bones & teeth, promotes healthy heart beats and blood pressure, strong muscles (prevent muscle cramps or spasms), minimises stress and promotes sound sleep.
For free consultation on health supplements, contact: Loh Kum Chuen, Pharmacist / CEO Mobile: +65 97371902
Atima International, Inc (Canada, USA and Singapore) Email: atimahealth@gmail.com www.atimagroup.com March - April 2015 | Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29
31
Inter-Club Friendly with Keppel Club SATURDAY 28 MARCH 2015
Closing Date: 21st March 2015
Entry Fee - $60
Inclusive of the following: Complimentary Green & Buggy Fee at Keppel Competition Prizes Lunch Dinner For more info, please call Golf Reception at 6861 7655.
Getting to know Glaucoma Glaucoma is an irreversible eye disease that can happen to anybody, at any age. Find out more about Glaucoma and how you can prevent it, with RCC member Mr Soh Eng Ann, a Glaucoma patient.
Mr. Soh Eng Ann, Age: 70
Glaucoma is an irreversible eye disease that can happen to anybody, at any age.
discover it when I realized that my right eye had significantly narrower field of vision as compared to my left. Glaucoma is the narrowing of the vision, also known as tunneling vision. This is caused by the buildup of pressure in your eyes. The only way to detect this disease is to go for regular eye checks. Once you are diagnosed, the doctor will advise you on the recommended course of treatment to prevent it from worsening. Q. Is there advice on preventing Glaucoma?
Q. Hi Mr. Soh, thank you for granting us an interview with you. We understand that you have been diagnosed with Glaucoma, and we believe that not many people know about the implications of Glaucoma. Can you share more about the disease with us? A. Glaucoma is an irreversible eye disease that can happen to anybody, at any age. This risk increases with age and could be hereditary, but nobody is immune from the threat of this silent killer. It is painless, and I only managed to 32
A. Go for a proper eye check periodically. A checkup is affordable, and the earlier you detect this condition the less damage your eyes will receive. Remember, this condition is irreversible, but definitely preventable. There is a high percentage of people going blind from Glaucoma as it is unnoticeable. Q. How badly has Glaucoma affected your daily life? A. Well it’s bad, but fortunately I
Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29 | March - April 2015
still have one good eye (chuckles). Even now, I am only able to see 3040% of the entire picture. You really have to depend on your friends to tell you where or how your ball lands. It does affect your golfing experience because you really are not able to see where your ball is going, for example left or right. Q. Thank you for the invaluable information. Lastly, do you have any advice for other members suffering from Glaucoma? A. Medication can cause discomfort, and may cause your eyes to be tired even when you’ve received treatment. But, understand that this actually helps you to keep whatever remaining vision you have, so it is critical that you continue with your treatment. It affects playing golf and increases the danger when you are driving, so be sure to be doubly careful.
*Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Consult a doctor or other health care professionals for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Lifestyle
Ladurée Macarons Born in the enamouring Paris, capital city of France, the story of Ladurée macarons starts with Pierre Desfontaines, the second cousin of Louis Ernest Ladurée in the middle of the 20th century. Made to be crisp on the outside, smooth and soft in the middle, the unique recipe has remain unchanged since then. Ideal for a leisurely tea break, or as a nectarous finale to the meal, a birthday will not be complete without this kaleidoscopic delicacy fit for royalties. Made fresh daily, let the sweet creations of Ladurée sweep you off your feet on your special day. With much love and well wishes from Raffles Country Club to our esteemed members, enjoy an exclusive 15% off your purchase, when you celebrate your birthday the “Parisian” way. CG_marcom_h148_w210.pdf 1 13/10/14 2:45
Facilities
Improvements LAKE COURSE UPDATE Lake Greens
Green turf shows improvement on coverage and density on most green
The Lake Course green turf health has shown improvement in terms of growth rate, grass coverage and shoot density. This improvement has been aided by less rainfall during the past few weeks. Cultural practices such as needle-tine aerification, grooming, vertical brushing and top dressing with sand continues on a routine basis. We have adjusted our fertilization and soil amendment programs to meet the nutritional requirement deficiencies as per our latest soil test report. The Fertilizing programs are targeted at striking a balance between the elements present and available in the soil for plant uptake. Also, to make available the nutrients to plants that are important for their overall development such as Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium which are currently at low levels. Establishing good turf density is our number one goal for Lake greens at this juncture, as there are still patches of sparse growth along the green perimeter which need more attention. These areas require extra care as well as selective maintenance programs. We will continue to monitor the greens’ condition and adjust the maintenance program accordingly to achieve 100% consistency.
Healthy new roots from Lake course green turf. Significant improvement made on root mass and root length.
Palm Greens Palm greens need more attention as the thatch and mat levels are accumulating. Thick layers of organic matters habour diseases and insects. Black layers are forming in the root zone creating anaerobic conditions unfavourable to plant growth. The team carries out green de-thatching work weekly namely vertical cutting and scarifying. This is to break up the thatch layer and allow better gas exchange and oxygen movement. Bi-monthly topdressing is carried out to smoothen the surface and dilute the organic matter on the surface. Palm course is due for hollow-tining.
Anaerobic black layer on Palm green profile
Hollow-tining will help Palm greens to breathe better, allowing more water and gas movement into the soil profile, to get through the thick organic layer. Coring will also relieve compaction, promote root growth and help plants' overall development. There has been no major coring on Palm greens in the past 3 years.
Manual hand tining on weak areas to help with turf establishment
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Additional localised spoon feeding of folia fertiliser and bio-stimulant on weak areas on greens
Protection of new turf areas on green using ropes
Facilities
around the Golf Courses
Report By Golf Course Superintendent
Palm Course Irrigation Repair There are currently 8 mainline leaks and 20 lateral line leaks in Palm Course on various locations. To date we have repaired 13 mainline and 8 lateral line leak points.
Photographic Report On Lake Course Green Improvements
Green #4
Green #6
Green #9
Green #13
Green #7
Green #8
Green #14
Green #16
Green #2
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Facilities
Improvements Around
Location: Shanshui Palace Common Façade Job Description:
Painting of the Common Facade
Painting of the common façade for the Shanshui Palace Restaurant has been completed by RCC’s in-house building technician. Areas which painting has been done are as follows: High wall parameter up to 3.6Mh using Maxilite White paint, and all wall metal railings using the ICI Emulsion Black paint. Job completed date 2nd February 2015. The next painting works have been projected and scheduled, and this includes Albatross, Fan and Tennis Court Fences.
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Facilities
the Club
Location: Rooftop Car-park Flooring
Job Description:
Replacement of the waterproofing membrane.
Waterproofing work is still in progress at Multi Storey Carpark. Stripping of the existing waterproofing membrane has been completed, followed by cleaning, touching up of all crack lines and holes, as well as leveling of the flooring for all areas. Once the entire flooring has been fully cured, the application of the waterproofing membrane will proceed as planned, followed by painting of the car park lot and all arrow signs.
Before
After
March - April 2015 | Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29
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Table of Reciprocal / AffiliateD Clubs RECIPROCAL CLUBS AUSTRALIA Avondale Golf Club
New South Wales, Australia
Macquarie Links International Golf Club
New South Wales, Australia
Mount Lawley Golf Club
Western Australia, Australia
Yangzhou Prime International Vacation Club Co. Ltd
VIETNAM Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club
Tianjin Fortune Lake Golf Club
Danang Golf Club
Tianjin Warner International Golf Club
Long Thanh Golf Club
Shanghai, China Tianjin, China
Tianjin, China
INDIA Oxford Golf & Country Club
Sanctuary Lakes Club
Pune, India
St. Michael’s Golf Club
INDONESIA Finna Golf & Country Club
New South Wales, Australia
East Java, Indonesia
Sun City Country Club
Gunung Geulis Country Club
Western Australia, Australia
West Java, Indonesia
The Cut Golf Course
JAPAN Ashinoko Country Club
Victoria, Australia
Western Australia, Australia
The Lakes Golf Club Eastlakes, Australia
The Links Kennedy Bay
Western Australia, Australia
The Vines Golf and Country Club
Western Australia, Australia
The Western Australian Golf Club (Inc)
Club Listings
Shizuoka, Japan
MACAU Macau Golf & Country Club Macau
MALAYSIA Glenmarie Golf & Country Club Selangor, Malaysia
Kelab Golf Negara Subang Selangor, Malaysia
Hai Duong, Vietnam
Da Nang City, Vietnam Dong Nai Province, Vietnam
The Montgomerie Links Vietnam Quang Name Province, Vietnam
AFFILIATED CLUBS AUSTRALIA Araluen Country Club
Western Australia. Australia
BRUNEI The Empire Hotel & Country Club
Negara Brunei Darussalam
CHINA Mission Hills Golf Club Shenzhen, China
Orient Pearl Golf Club
Beijing, China
INDONESIA Rancamaya Golf & Country Club
Ciawi Bogor, Indonesia
Kelab Golf Sarawak
JAPAN Robert Trent Jones II Club
Western Australia, Australia
Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah
BRUNEI Pantai Mentiri Golf Club
MACAU Macau Golf & Country Club
Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia
Western Australia, Australia
Wanneroo Golf Club
Sarawak, Malaysia
Selangor, Malaysia
Brunei Darussalam
Selangor, Malaysia
CHINA BFA International Convention Center Golf Club
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
Hainan Province, China
Guangzhou Foison Golf Club Guangzhou, China
Meishi Mayflower International Golf Club Hainan Province, China
Phuket, Thailand
Meru Valley Golf & Country Club Perak, Malaysia
Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club Sabah, Malaysia
Tropicana Golf & Country Resort Selangor, Malaysia
Kunshan Sun Resort & Club
Cebu City, Philippines
Jiangsu Province, China
THAILAND Blue Canyon Country Club
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Shanghai Sun Island International Club Shanghai, China
Macau
PHILIPPINES Alta Vista Golf & Country Club Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club
RESTRICTED LOCAL RECIPROCAL CLUBS** SINGAPORE Jurong Country Club Singapore
Keppel Club Singapore
Orchid Country Club Singapore
Suzhou SunIsland International Club
General TriasCavite, Philippines
Sembawang Country Club
THAILAND Bangkok President Golf Club*
Nanjing SunIsland Leisure & Resort Club Co. Ltd
Bangkok, Thailand
Warren Country Club
Jiangsu Province, China
Jiangsu Province, China
*Signed on 6 March 2015
Singapore Singapore
**Booking via club balloting
For more information and assistance, please feel free to call the Golf Reception Counter at 68617655 or e-mail: golfrecep@rcc.org.sg March - April 2015 | Raffles Country Club • Vol. 29
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Club Facilities / Directory
Club Listings
GOLFING Golf Reception
Tel: 6861 7655 Fax: 6861 5563 Opening Hours: Daily 7.00 am - 6.30 pm
Golf Courses Opening Hours: Daily
Palm & Lake First tee-off: 7.14 am Last tee-off: 6.15 pm ( 9 holes)
Green Fee (Guest) – Lake Course Mon to Fri am $117.70 pm $171.20 Weekends & PH $235.40
Green Fee (Visitor) – Lake Course Mon to Fri am $171.20 pm $235.40 Weekends & PH $374.50
Buggy Fee / Golfer
$24.61 / 18 holes $13.91 / 9 holes
Driving Range
Tel: 6861 6563 Opening Hours: Mon 1.00 pm - 9.00 pm Tue to Fri 8.00 am - 9.00 pm Sat 7.00 am - 9.00 pm Sun 7.00 am - 7.00 pm PH 7.00 am - 8.00 pm Last issue of ball 45 minutes before closing time
Ball Fees
$1.45 / 30 balls $2.15 / 50 balls $4.30 / 100 balls
Pro Shop
Tel: 6863 3551 Opening Hours: Daily (except Mon) 7.00 am - 6.30 pm Mon (except PH) 7.00 am - 5.00 pm Rental of golf sets is available.
Halfway Houses Opening Hours: Mon to Fri Weekends & PH
9.00 am - 5.00pm 8.15 am - 5.00pm
Changing Room Opening Hours: Daily
SPORTS & RECREATION
Key Contacts
Recreation / Reception
Tel: 6861 7649 Fax: 6862 3965 Opening Hours: Daily 8.00 am - 9.00 pm
Jackpot Room
Mon – Sun 11:30am - 8:45pm (Inclusive of public holidays)
Card / Mahjong Room Opening Hours: Daily Table Fee Guests
8.00 am - 9.00 pm $5.35/5 hour/session $10.70 per entry
Fitness Centre Opening Hours: Daily Members Guests
8.00 am - 9.00 pm FOC $5.35/guest /day
Sauna
Opening Hours: Daily Members Guests
8.00 am - 9.00 pm FOC $2.14/guest/day
Tennis / Squash Courts Opening Hours: Daily Court Fee*
8.00 am - 9.00 pm $3.21/hour
Badminton Court Opening Hours: Daily Court Fee*
8.00 am - 9.00 pm $10.70/hour
Swimming Pool
Opening Hours: Daily 8.00 am - 9.00 pm Members FOC Guests (Mon to Fri) $1.07/guest/day
Operation hours for Karaoke: Close on Monday Sun, Tue, Wed & Thur: Friand Sat:
5-9 PM 5-11 PM
*No guest rates.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
7.00 am - 8.00 pm
Golfing Reception Ms. Maszni Bt. Mamat Golf Administration Officer maszni.mamat@rcc.org.sg / 6861 7655 Tournament & Corporate Booking Ms. Nurjannah Bt. Ahmad Redzuan Sales & Marketing Officer jana@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0839 Golfing Operations Mr. Hamzah B. Ahmad Executive (Golf Operations) hamzah.ahmad@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0826 F&B / Banquet Mr. Martin G. Canlas Executive (F&B) martin.canlas@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0833 Lifestyle Mr. Joeness Lamban Executive (Operations) joeness.lamban@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0823 Membership Ms. Sau Man Ling Membership Officer manling.sau@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0812 Housekeeping Mr. Johnny Chan Assistant Housekeeper johnny.chan@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0873 Accounts Ms. Magdaline Chin Assistant Manager (Finance/ Membership) magdaline.chin@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0808 PR & Communications Ms. Relle Lee Executive (PR & Communications) relle.lee@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0816 Golf Course Maintenance Mr. Chua Kiat Beng M&E Superintendent kb.chua@rcc.org.sg / 6861 2725 Human Resource Ms. Lisa Wan Assistant Manager (Human Resource) lisa.wan@rcc.org.sg / 6864 0818
Golfers’ Terrace
Tel: 6862 8765 Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 7.00 am - 8.00 pm Weekends & PH 7.00 am - 9.00 pm Open to members and golfers only
The Albatross
Opening Hours: Tue to Sun & PH 4.00 pm - 9.00 pm Fri & Sat 4.00 pm - 11.00 pm Mon Closed Open to members and guests only Available for private function booking.
Shanshui Palace Restaurant
website: www.rcc.org.sg email: feedback@rcc.org.sg
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Tel: 6862 1838/9 Opening Hours: Daily Open to public
11.30 am - 3.00 pm 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm