The Official Newsletter of RCC
06 26 34
11th Annual General Meeting Mooncake "Mid Autumn" Festival 2011 Festival Golf Vacations
Vol. 09 November - December 2011
www.rcc.org.sg
34 06
30 26
12 15
24 17 03 04
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05 General Manager's Message 06 11th Annual General Meeting 08 RCC Junior Golf Development Programme Request for Email Address and Mobile Numbers Strict Adherence to Tee Times 09 Does the Club’s Constitution Require Any Changes? Collection of Golf Bag Tags & Locker Keys Wildlife on Lake Course Festive Golf Package 10 Corporate Room Rates for RCC Members @ Cititel Mid Valley IU Reader System for Members’ Car Park Upgrading of Driving Range Toilets & Operator’s Hut Maintenance of Golf Greens
11 National Day Competition Ladies’ Greensome Competition Men’s Senior & Ladies Evergreen Medals 12 Monthly Medals - August 2011 Monthly Medals - September 2011 14 Tiger Medal 2011 15 Members' Get Together 16 Club Matchplay Championship 2011 17 SGA Inter-Club League 18
21 Coming Up Aces Honesty of Staff 22 Hosting of Event - BT Corporate Golf League Singapore National Amateur Championship 2011 23 Service - Marilyn & Marie 24 Hellos & Goodbyes New Members Night
25 Quarterly Fishing at RCC Social Bowling 26 Moon Cake "Mid Autumn" Festival 2011 27 Supersize Layer Cake Just Adris Pilates Fitness 30 Swinging Dry
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28 Amy Welcome to RCC Gateau au Chocolat 29 The Albatross, your wine bar Shanshui Palace Christmas Offer 2011
31 Better Putting 32 Palm Course 7 & 8
34 Festive Golfing Vacations
36 Table of Reciprocal and Affiliated Clubs
Poolside comes alive
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elcome to our final issue of Raffles Connection for 2011. How time flies and it has certainly been an eventful year! Our new golfing wing was opened by Mr. Goh Chok Tong in July and has had a lot of favourable feedback from our members and their guests. We have also had no shortage of memorable tournaments and events, which have been thoroughly enjoyed by all associated with RCC. I hope you enjoy this edition which again showcases the club’s activities over the past couple of months. Our quarterly Members’ Get Together was again a huge success with everyone enjoying the postround merriment poolside. Read all about it on page 15 in this issue. Our Mooncake Festival was again well received as well as our quarterly fishing outing.
how you can collect your golf bag tags and locker keys, a message on the installation of the IU Reader in the car park, and a reminder of adhering to strict tee times. I am also pleased to share with you that television and film actress Amy J Cheng will be contributing future food-related write-ups from our next issue. Read all about her on page 28. For those planning a golfing trip at the end of the year, check out the courses profiled on pages 34 and 35. And it just leaves me to wish you all a wonder ful well-deser ved break and enjoyment during the end-year festive season, and may you all rest well and recharge your batteries for an exhilarating 2012. Enjoy the read!
We h a v e a n u m b e r o f i m p o r t a n t announcements in our club news pages, which goes to show just how proactive we have been in making the club a better place for all our members. These include
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Justine Moss
Message from Chairman, -
he primary aim of the Lifestyle team is to create opportunities for members to network, socialise with their friends and bond with their family members, by inviting them to join the many events organised throughout the year. RCC is a members’ club and members can propose the activities they like. Committee will evaluate the viability of implementing the requested activities based on the allocated budget, timing and expected participation. Staff will then organise, publicise and deliver the approved events accordingly. Looking at the encouraging turn-up rate at recent events (Easter Fun Day, Mooncake Festival, Fishing Day), we are confident that the activities organised by the club have been well-received by most members and their friends. In the past, karaoke was opened to members only on Saturday evenings at the Albatross (the multipurpose room above the Golfers’ Terrace). After much deliberation on upgrading the karaoke facility, the Club decided to invest in a KOD (Karaoke-onDemand), touch-screen monitor system with a large database of about 40,000 songs. The old sound system and microphones have also been replaced to achieve a more soothing listening pleasure. Members and their guests can now enjoy the karaoke facility during the operating hours of the Albatross. However, there are still many members who are unaware of these changes. For the not so active members, the Lifestyle activities will be an avenue for you to spend quality time with family members and friends. To encourage our non-golfing members to frequent the club, RCC
has been steadily improving the facilities to create a better ambience for leisure and games e.g. the newly renovated RCC Living Space (located opposite the air-conditioned badminton hall), which is created with a living room concept, where you can read, watch TV and at the same time play Mahjong and games in an adjoining room. The biggest event for the year is the Year End Countdown Party. As the capacity of our banquet halls is limited, priority booking has been opened to members before bookings from members’ guests are accepted. This event will be partially subsidised by the Club. The tradition has been somewhat similar to the company dinner and dance, to appreciate the continuous support from active golfing members, and to encourage non-active members to celebrate the special occasion with fellow members. For this year’s countdown party, we are bringing in Comedian, Kumar, to stir the laughter, while a sumptuous spread with dishes such as Buddha Jump over the wall and suckling pig are being served at the tables. Organising overseas trips is not difficult, but having to plan ahead and releasing the calendar in advance is a major challenge to the committee. We plan to organise 3 to 4 overseas trips during the coming year before the term ends for the current committee. Some of the activities planned include free-and-easy shopping/ makan trip to KL with optional golf, and golfing trips to Bandung, Taiwan and Bangkok. The Lifestyle Sub-Committee looks forward to another exciting year, with your continuous support. Clarence Liow
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General Manager describes his first six months running Raffles Country Club and his plans for the club
? It has been enriching, enlightening and certainly a challenge. Enriching from the numerous members I have come to know. Some have been encouraging and helpful, others have been a source of inspiration and many are simply a joy to be associated with. Enlightening, because I was from a proprietary club background and being involved in a members’ club is a paradigm shift and a short learning curve is required. Challenging as there is certainly so much to do at the club.
? Firstly financial stability is of utmost importance, as the club has to be an ongoing concern. Secondly service improvement at all levels has to be enhanced, and finally continual facilities upgrading needs to be done to ensure the club remains relevant to members’ needs.
? Renewing our land premium is an issue but members may not identify with it, as it is still many years away. However, there are many clear and present issues in the club that need to be addressed. Many may not be aware that our greens are more than 20 years old and a certain level of upgrading is required. Our irrigation system needs an overhaul and course turf machinery need to be regularly replaced. Operating costs have gone up and profit margins are low. Despite the challenging environment, subscription rates have been held constant and there has virtually been little or no price increases in many of our services. The club needs to improve its revenue base and it also needs to be careful not to hurt our members’ wallets. At the same time, our reserves are already small and it will not be wise to dip into them further.
? While cost reduction is a certainty, it must not be done at the expense of reducing the standard of services and quality. The club must certainly look at revenue creation and for RCC there are only two sources of income besides subscription. Our golf course utilisation is below 50% and food and beverage is currently
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operating at a deficit. We need to have more events at the club as they contribute to the club’s income. A healthy financial situation will enable the club to undertake many of these required upgrading projects and at the same time maintain a motivated workforce. Surpluses can then be added to our capital reserves and it is our hope that there will be very little capital contribution from members at the expiry of the lease.
? With more events being held at the club and an increase in the utilization rate, members will of course see more activity on the golf course and may at times not get their choice slots. We ask for understanding as, unfortunately, such private events are only held at certain times of the year and management in close consultation with the various committees would need to make judgment calls.
? If we do scale back the hosting of these events, many of the planned upgrading projects cannot take place due to a lack of financial resources, and there will be a gradual reduction in the standards of presentation of our courses.
? By and large, members have been very understanding but management will not take this for granted. There will be grouses and it is important that this be managed so that it does not lead to disgruntlement and complaints due to lapses in service - they must be properly attended to and corrected. Finally, feedback given by members must be addressed to ensure continual improvements in the club.
? It is imperative that the management team works closely with the General committee and the various subcommittees to transform Raffles Country Club to premier status and one that others want to emulate and learn from. Members are encouraged to provide constructive feedback so that inconveniences can be minimised and service improvements made. It is our hope that staff and members alike continue to support one another in the quest for total excellence.
11th Annual General Meeting eld on the evening of Friday, 16th September 2011, this was the first AGM where spouse members were admitted to observe the meeting proceedings. As this year is a non-election year, the quorum was not reached at 7.30pm and the meeting commenced only at 8.00pm sharp. Although only one matter was tabled for discussion, members were encouraged to bring up other issues that they may have. A member was concerned about the long term financial health of the Club to meet the extension of its current lease which expires in 17 years, and pointed out that though he might not be able to enjoy the Club by that time, he felt that it should also be his and other members’ responsibility and concern. He pointed
out that although members’ approval is needed for upgrading expenditure, he wondered if they understood the implication of spending such a substantial sum. One example of such major implication on the Club’s cash reserves is the recent golfing wing upgrading project, which had drawn down the reserves from $21 million to $12 million. In his presentation of the Budget for FY 2011/2012, Treasurer shared his views on the need to increase revenues and how the Club intends to achieve it. Whilst staff costs are expected to rise, the Club would have to look into increasing productivity to contain costs. President shared that this had been so, as evidenced by the increasing operating revenue per employee
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over the past three years. He also urged members to bring their guests to the Club, as though the Club is marketing more corporate games, they generate lesser profit when compared with members’ guests. Other issues included quality of service at the Golfers’ Terrace as well as on the golf courses, price of membership and the condition of the greens. The members who attended generally
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agreed that improvements had been made in several areas over the past year, and there is more room for improvement in others. The meeting also re-appointed Paul Wan & Co. as the Club’s external auditors for another year. After a lively discussion which lasted about 2 hours, the meeting closed at 10.00pm.
RCC Junior Golf Development CC started our Junior Golf Development Programme in April 2011, with the aim to promote and stimulate the interest in golf among the young. The first and second modules of this programme were completed and a graduation ceremony was held on 18 September 2011. A total of 14 trainees graduated from this program. The third module commenced on 24 September 2011 and 10 trainees have enrolled so far.
Request for Email Address and Mobile he Members’ Area of our revamped website will be ready soon. In order for members to access this Area, the Club will be issuing each member with a userid and password. To do this, the Club will require your email address. Members who have provided their email address only need to update the Club if there are any changes. Those who have not may do so via our website, www.rcc.org.sg, by clicking the Members Details Form from the drop down menu in the Members Area section. Members can also receive updates and information from the Club via SMS. If you wish to receive such updates, please submit your mobile numbers via the same form.
Strict Adherence embers are to note that with immediate effect, they are allowed to proceed to the tee boxes only twenty minutes before their scheduled tee off time. Our Golfing Executives and staff will control the dispatch of flights from the buggy bay. The strict adherence to tee off times will alleviate congestion at the tee boxes and also prevent queue jumping especially on the part of latecomers. With the strict adherence to tee off times and proper control of timing between flights, slow play will be minimised and all golfers will truly enjoy their game of golf. Early collection of buggies prior to tee off is also discouraged as the Club would also like to minimise free roaming, as it will lead to a loss of control by our golfing staff and will disrupt timing controls at the tee boxes. The Club respectfully asks for our members’ co-operation in the implementation of this system and to refrain from arriving late. 08
Does the Club’s Constitution ?
he Club’s Constitution was first drawn up in 1988 when RCC was registered as a proprietary club. To become a members club, certain n necessary eces ec essa sary ry amendments were made to ease the transition. Members are invited to provide feedback as to whether they feel the the present Constitution needs to be relooked at and changes made to meet present present and future challenges. It would be helpful if members could identify the areass where they feel changes should be considered as well as their inputs as to what these hese should sho houl ulld be and why. A copy of the present Constitution is available from the general neral office. e Please send your feedback to feedback@rcc.org.sg
Wildlife on hese otters were spotted on hole 17 of the Lake course by member Winfred Tan while playing in the Lakeside Family Charity game on 7th October.
Collection of &
Festive Golf Package (Minimum 32 players)
Only from November 2011 to January 2012 * $50 RCC member (AM / PM) * $100 Non-member (AM) * $130 Non-member (PM) * Package includes : • • • • • • •
1 round of 18 holes at either Lake or Palm Course (weekdays only excluding Public Holidays) Complimentary buggy drinks International Buffet Menu in November (after golf) $50 F&B Voucher as Prize for reservations in November Christmas Buffet Menu in December (after golf) Chinese New Year Buffet Menu in January (after golf) Complimentary Green Fee Voucher as Prize for reservations in December & January
*Terms & Conditions Apply
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embers are reminded to collect their golf bag tags and locker keys at the bag drop centre prior to registering for their game. The simultaneous issuance of bag tags and locker keys will definitely help in easy identification and proper return of golf bags to their rightful owners. Our changing room attendants can now focus on proper servicing and maintenance of the changing rooms at all times. We hope that all members will extend their usual support and cooperation in facilitating this new system.
Corporate Room Rates for RCC Members @ Members will be pleased to note that the Club has negotiated for the following special corporate rates for them to stay in Cititel (Mid Valley) in Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur, from October 4 to December 31, 2011 :
Rack Rate (room only) Room Type
Single
Twin
Corporate Rate Single
Twin RM
RM Superior
350 ++
185 +
+ 200++
Deluxe
350 ++
255 +
+ 270 ++
Please call our Customer Service Officers at 68617655 if you need further information or to make your reservations. Terms and conditions apply.
IU Reader System ’ he Club will be implementing the IU Reader System at the Multi-Storey Car Park soon, to ensure that only members have access to the sheltered car park lots which are reserved for members’ use only. If you have not registered your vehicle IU Numbers with the Club, please do so immediately. It is advisable to submit the log cards together with the form, to ensure that the correct IU Numbers are registered. This will minimise any inconvenience when members need to park their cars at the Multi-Storey Car Park. Please call the Membership Section at 68640812 / 818 if you need further information.
Upgrading of Driving Range & ’ lease be informed that the Driving Range toilets will be undergoing some upgrading works from Monday, October 10, 2011 to Sunday, December 4, 2011. Temporary toilets will be available for patrons’ use. The Driving Range will be in operation as per normal.
Maintenance lease be informed that the Club has adjusted the mowing height of the greens for both the Palm and Lake Course, to enable better and speedier recovery of the greens. We seek members’ kind understanding and any inconvenience caused is much regretted.
Any inconvenience caused is much regretted.
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National Day Date : 9 August 2011 | Course : Lake Course | Format of Play : System 36 Stableford Position
Name
Score
Winner
Yeap Chee Leong
40 pts (ocb)
1st Runner Up
Teo Keow Seng
40 pts
2nd Runner Up
Wang Hwee San
39 pts
3 Runner Up
Ang Poh Hock Bobby
38 pts
4 Runner Up
Soh Sai Sim David
37 pts (ocb)
rd th
Ladies’ Greensome Ladies’ Greensome Regina Wong
Date : 14 September 2011 | Course : Palm Course | Format of Play : Strokeplay Winner Player
Regina Wong & Judy Quek
Score
65 Nett
Combined 50% of Handicap
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Ladies’ Greensome Judy Quek
Men’s Senior & Ladies Evergreen Date : 17 September 2011 | Course : Lake Course | Format of Play : Stableford
Men’s Senior Medals Winner Player
Ng Ah Sek
Stableford Points
46
Handicap
24.0
Men's Senior Ng Ah Sek
Ladies’ Evergreen Medals Winner
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Player
Teo Chai Ching
Stableford Points
39
Handicap
15.5
Ladies' Evergreen Teo Chai Ching
August
Date : 6 August 2011 Course : Palm Course | Format of Play : Stableford
Men's A Division
Men's A Division Pak Hong Kong
Winner
1st Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
Pak Hong Kong
Tan Lee Hong
Mark Oh
Stableford Points
37
36 (ocb)
36
Handicap
11.7
11.9
9.8
Winner
1st Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
Tan Wei Ming
Steve Lai
Joseph Lim
Stableford Points
40
39 (ocb)
39
Handicap
15.9
18.0
14.0
Men's B Division
Ladies' A Division Men's B Division Tan Wei Ming
Winner
Runner-Up
Player
Elvina Wong
Regina Wong
Stableford Points
39
38 (ocb)
Handicap
14.0
16.0
Ladies' B Division
Ladies' A Division Elvina Wong
Winner
Runner-Up
Player
Linda Yeo
Yeo Swee Tuan
Stableford Points
37 (ocb)
37
Handicap
20.3
19.1
Ladies' B Division Linda Yeo
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September
Date : 3 September 2011 | Course : Lake Course | Format of Play lay : Stro Strokeplay oke kepl play ay
Men's A Division Best Nett
Best Gross
Runner-Up Nett
Player
Wong Hua Choon Willie
Tan Kim Vey Eric
Tan Lee Hong
Score
64 Nett
77 Gross
71 Nett
Handicap
11.9
4.4
11.5
Men's A Division Wong Hua Choon Willie
Men's B Division Best Nett
Best Gross
Runner-Up Nett
Player
Low Oon Hoe Michael
Ong Kah Hock
Png Teck San
Score
69 Nett
90 Gross
72 Nett
Handicap
16.7
14.9
13.3
Men's B Division Low Oon Hoe Michael
Men's C Division Best Nett
Best Gross
Player
Tan Kok Jin James
Chong Kah Wei
Score
63 Nett
99 Gross
Handicap
19.4
22.7
Ladies' A Division Best Nett
Best Gross
Player
Ang Mui Keow Michelle
Nonita Chand
Score
66 Nett
81 Gross
Handicap
6.9
5.0
Men's C Division Tan Kok Jin James
Ladies' B Division Best Nett
Best Gross
Player
Patricia Schneider
Doris Wong
Score
71 Nett
98 Gross
Handicap
23.5
22.3
Ladies' A Division Ang Mui Keow Michelle
Ladies' B Division Patricia Schneider
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Tiger Medal
Date : 1 October 2011 | Course : Palm Course | Format of Play : Strokeplay
Men's A Division Best Nett
1st Runner Up
2nd Runner Up
Player
Kwek Pong Hwee Paul
Tan Lee Hong
Goh Kia Ring
Score
72 Nett (ocb)
72 Nett
73 Nett
Best Nett
1st Runner Up
2nd Runner Up
Player
Leong Kong Yon
Chua Kim Hock
Jeremy Tan
Score
67 Nett
68 Nett
69 Nett
Men's B Division
Date : 1 October 2011 | Course : Lake Course | Format of Play : Strokeplay
Men's C Division Best Nett
1st Runner Up
2nd Runner Up
Player
Ng Ah Sek
Tan Lim Weng
Henry Yu
Score
62 Nett
64 Nett
68 Nett
Best Nett
1st Runner Up
2nd Runner Up
Player
Ng Lian Moi Theresa
Oh Mui Kim Esther Tan Lee Boon Shirley
Score
69 Nett
72 Nett (ocb)
Ladies' A Division
Men's A Division Kwek Pong Hwee Paul
Men's B Division Leong Kong Yon
Men's C Division Ng Ah Sek
72 Nett
Ladies' A Division Ng Lian Moi Theresa
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Members' ike previous events, this was well attended with about 240 golfers and 20 family members and guests. The afternoon game was the regular Monthly Medals played in conjunction with the Tiger Medals, and winners walked away with prizes sponsored by Asia Pacific Breweries. The catering staff once again prepared a sumptuous barbecue dinner and members enjoyed the fashion show of sports and swimwear by Bodynits. This event was one of the quarterly prize presentations whereby prizes are awarded to winners of club competitions held during July to September 2011.
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Club Matchplay
he Club Matchplay Championship 2011 was concluded on 9 October 2011. Qualifying for this tournament was held on 1 October 2011, in conjunction with the Club’s monthly medals. The top 16 men on gross score and top 8 women players on gross score qualified for the tournament proper. The Matchplay Championship was played on an individual knockout system based on gross scores without handicap index allowances; and the winner of each round will proceed to the next. Ms Nonita Chand and Mr David Soh overcame their respective opponents in the final to emerge as ladies and men Matchplay Champions respectively.
Matchplay Championship (Ladies) – Oct 2011 Palm 10th Tee 1st Round 2 Oct (pm)
Palm 1st Tee Semi Final 8 Oct (pm)
Jessie Oh
Norlia Embong 2/1
Norlia Embong Shirley Tan Theresa Ng Chloe Wong Ivy Chang Nonita Chand Elvina Wong
Palm 1st Tee Final 9 Oct (pm)
Norlia Embong 3/2 Shirley Tan Walkover Nonita Chand 19th Chloe Wong 6/4 Nonita Chand 2/1 Nonita Chand 3/1
Matchplay Championship (Men) – Oct 2011 Palm 1st Tee 1st Round 2 Oct (pm)
Palm 1st Tee 2nd Round 8 Oct (pm)
Paul Kwek
Paul Kwek 4/3
Naranjan Singh Li Wen Yu Sim Sem Peng Lau Wing Cheok Patrick Low James S.K. Fu Chen Huat Lai Frankie Yeap Francis Low Bobby Ang Tan Lee Hong Lim Chong Lin Willie Ong Yeo Bee Kheng David Soh
Palm 1st Tee Semi Final 9 Oct (am)
Palm 1st Tee Final 9 Oct (pm)
Paul Kwek 5/4 Sim Sem Peng Walkover
Lau Wing Cheok 1 up
Lau Wing Cheok 3/2 Lau Wing Cheok 4/2 James S.K. Fu 7/6 David Soh 1 up Frankie Yeap 7/6 Frankie Yeap 3/1 Bobby Ang 2/1 David Soh 5/4 Lim Chong Lin 19th David Soh 2/1 David Soh 3/2
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SGA
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fter a gruelling six months of intense competition, our RCC Team emerged as champions in the Senior Division of the 2011 SGA League.
The next best results were for our A division (fourth) and B division (sixth) teams. They performed creditably to finish sixth overall.
Our seniors were tied with Keppel Club in first position with nine wins, two losses and one draw, amassing 25 points. However, during the head-to-head match with Keppel, our team prevailed and was eventually crowned champions.
We wish to thank all team players who sacrificed their personal time throughout the year and who tried their very best to win every single point for TEAM RCC! It has been my honour and privilege to be your team captain and I value all the help and support that you have given to me and the team.
The players in the Senior Division are Willie Ong, Kang Yong Chiang, Teo Keow Seng, Sim Sem Peng and Chua Soon Chiang. We congratulate them all for this marvellous achievement.
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KC Loh
Golfing
Social Recreation
Public Holiday
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance SLGA Evergreen Challenge 2011 – 100 pax, Lake (PM)
Public Holiday Hari Raya Haji Timesheet AM/PM
The Goh Chok Tong Prime Minister’s Cup – 144 pax, Lake (PM)
Public Holiday Timesheet AM/PM
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Social Bowling
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
20th NUS Alumni & Friends Golf Game – 144 pax, Palm (PM)
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance Students Care Service Charity Golf – 144 pax, Palm (PM)
Timesheet AM/PM Men’s A, B, C, & Ladies’ Medals – Lake (PM) Jackpot Bonus Night
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Timesheet AM/PM
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Timesheet AM/PM
Timesheet AM/PM
NTU President’s Golf Challenge 2011 – 144 pax, Lake (PM)
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Quarterly Fishing Day
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance Irish Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament – 60 pax, Palm (PM)
Jackpot Bonus Night
Ronald McDonald House Charities Golf 2011 –144 pax, Lake (PM)
Timesheet AM/PM Ladies’ Rosebowl Competition – Lake (PM)
Timesheet AM/PM Law Society 14th Charity Golf Tournament – 144 pax, Palm/Lake (AM) (TBC)
Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
SPOM-JOM Golf Game – 48 pax, Palm (AM)
Private Golf Tournament – 72 pax, Lake (PM)
India Se Golf Tournament – 72 pax, Palm (PM)
Social Bowling
Tampines West Charity Golf Tournament – 144 pax, Palm (PM)
IndoChine Classic Golf Tournament – 108 pax, Palm/ Lake (PM) (TBC)
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Events are current at time of publication.
Sanyu-kai Golf Competition – 40 pax, Lake (AM)
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Golfing
Social Recreation
Public Holiday
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
China Business Association Golf – 120 pax, Palm (PM)
BGA Golf Tournament 2011– 120 pax, Lake (PM)
Timesheet AM/PM 28th TPCS Cup – 48 pax, Palm (AM) Men’s A, B, C & Ladies’ Medals Palm (PM) Jackpot Bonus Night
Timesheet AM/PM Chua Chu Kang Charity Golf – 144 pax, Lake (PM)
Timesheet AM/PM
Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Social Bowling
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance NUSS AGM Golf– 144 pax, Lake (PM)
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Timesheet AM/PM RCC Champion Medalist – Palm (PM)
Timesheet AM/PM Christmas Competition – Palm (PM) Jackpot Bonus Nite
Timesheet AM/PM
Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Timesheet AM/PM
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Timesheet AM/PM
Bridgestone Corporate Golf Tournament – 60 pax, Lake/Palm (PM) (TBC) Social Bowling
Public Holiday Christmas Day Timesheet AM/PM
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Public Holiday Timesheet AM/PM
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance German Association Christmas Golf Game – 40 pax, Lake (AM)
RCC Year-End Dinner & Dance
Events are current at time of publication.
Golfing
Public Holiday New Year’s Day Timesheet AM/PM
Social Recreation
Public Holiday Timesheet AM/PM
Public Holiday
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Social Bowling
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance IFPAS Golf Tournament – 144 pax, Lake (PM)
Timesheet AM/PM Chairman’s Trophy – Lake (PM) Jackpot Bonus Nite
Tanglin Club Captain's Cup – 100 pax, Palm (PM)
Timesheet AM
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance Shan You Counselling Centre Charity Golf Tournament 2011 – 144 pax, Palm/ Lake (PM)(TBC)
Timesheet AM/PM
Timesheet AM/PM
Timesheet AM/PM
Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Social Bowling
Central CDC Charity Golf Tournament – 144 pax, Palm/Lake (PM) (TBC)
Public Holiday Chinese New Year
Public Holiday Chinese New Year
Timesheet AM/PM
Timesheet AM/PM
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Events are current at time of publication.
Timesheet AM/PM Men’s A, B, C & Ladies’ Medals Lake (PM)
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Timesheet AM/PM
Palm Closed AM only for maintenance
Lake Closed AM only for maintenance
Timesheet AM/PM
Jackpot Bonus Nite
Lunar New Year Competition – Palm (PM)
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Coming Up Name:
Wong Hua Choon Willie
Sim Kin Song Steven
Course:
Lake Course Hole 14
Lake Course Hole 8
Date:
3/9/11
1/10/11
Wong Hua Choon Willie
Sim Kin Song Steven
"
Honesty ust wanted to say a huge thank you to the marshals and ground staff at the club when I recently lost my iPhone. I was using it to keep track of my score when for some reason it got misplaced and somehow must have fallen out from the buggy. I knew roughly where I had lost it, but despite the best efforts of me and my playing partners going back out and combing the area, the phone was not to be found. I reported it to the marshals who promised that they would do what they could to find and retrieve it, and return it to me. I knew that it was going to be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but imagine my surprise when I got a call that evening saying that the phone had been found and was ready for me to collect. I can't thank everyone involved in looking for and returning my phone enough - it really was very much appreciated. I have now returned to the analogue version of score keeping (pencil and paper scorecard) and ensure that the phone is secured away in the bag when I play." Nick Hawkins
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Hosting of Event n Friday September 30th, Raffles Country Club's Lake Course was the venue for this year's Business Times Corporate Golf League fifth leg. Featuring 27 top local companies, the League, in its second year, has also attracted a lot of premium sponsors such as Presenting Sponsor Audi Singapore and Main Sponsor Park Hotel Group. Coming into the fifth round there were two points between defending champions Dream Team (OAAG) and Team SunMoon. On the Lake Course, OAAG, who went on to successfully defend their title, managed to score an impressive 115 points to lead the competition with 531 - a mere two points ahead of Team SunMoon. A sumptuous dinner awaited the golfers post-round at the Shanshui Palace where a number of generous prizes were given out for novelty holes and lucky draw.
Singapore National Amateur his tournament was held on Raffles Country Club’s Palm Course from 23 to 26 August 2011, with 53 male entries and 17 female entries. The tournament was played over two rounds of 18 holes stroke play for the Men’s and Women’s Divisions. The top 16 players and the top 8 players with the lowest gross aggregate score for the two rounds in the Men’s and Women’s Divisions respectively, qualified for the match play rounds. Lam Zhiqun emerged as winner of the 12th edition of the Singapore National Amateur Championship held at Raffles Country Club. He beat Jerome Ng 4 and 2 to win the tournament for the second time. His first win was in 2006. Marc Ong beat Gregory Foo at the 21st hole for the 2nd Runner Up position. In the Women's Division, Amelia Yong beat Joey Poh 1 up to take the winner's trophy whilst Koh Sock Hwee beat Low Si Xuan at the 19th hole to take the 2nd Runner Up position. Captain of Raffles Country Club, David Soh, was present to give away the trophies to the winners.
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Service Dear Members,
&
Greetings from the Sales & Marketing Team!
y name is Marilyn Cheok and I believe that being with the Club for 17 years has made me a familiar icon in RCC. My Sales & Marketing Officer, Ms Marie Milano, who came onboard less than a month ago, is currently assisting me with the planning and coordinating of the Sales & Private Event planning aspects of the department. Ms Teoh Hoe Ho is our Department Secretary and her main duty is to provide the general administrative support for the team. The Sales & Marketing Department was created only a few months ago with a focal mission of increasing the revenue margin of the club. RCC needs to be a viable business entity in order to provide members with better facilities and more activities at low or no additional cost at all. The core responsibility of the sales & marketing dept is currently the securing and organizing of private tournaments. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused to members as a result of the recent increase in the number of private tournaments, but do be assured that we are constantly striving to maintain a good equilibrium between our need to generate profitability and satisfying the needs of members. Double shotgun tournaments, although far and few in-between, will, inevitably, cause much inconvenience to members however we hope for your kind understanding. For obvious reasons, it’s quite impossible to space out the private tournaments schedule evenly throughout the whole year, which results in certain months seeing a higher influx of events while some months will be relatively quieter. We will need to capture the peak months in order that the club's annual income will not be affected by the low months' reduced takings. In our bid to maintain that fine equilibrium, my team will not only be focusing on private events, we’ll also be looking at how to share our success with members. The Super Tuesday promo was introduced recently, providing members with a great opportunity to introduce guests at 50% of the guest rate green fee. It has been such a huge success that we will be introducing more value added activities in the area of F&B and Entertainment on Tuesdays. In short, Tuesdays will be Super Duper in RCC for members and their guests in time to come! We have also introduced fun festive treats to corporate members who joined the club with the main purpose of entertaining their companies' clients. We do understand that because corporate members usually make golf reservations with guests in their flights, they find it rather difficult to book weekend slots in RCC. I would like to reach out to our corporate members and inform you that the club does set aside a maximum quota of eight flights per weekend for you, however we do advise that bookings be made at least 10 days in advance to avoid disappointment.
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The year-end festive celebrations are fast approaching and enclosed in this newsletter is a delightful golf package with everything you will need to have a fun filled festive golf gathering. We are also looking at a fantastic deal for our non-Chinese and foreign members to enjoy great food and golf at fantastic rates on the first day of Chinese New Year. Fret not; we will still extend this treat to Chinese members who wish to join in the fun. Do look out for our email blasts on this in December and remember to book in early to avoid being left out. Amidst all the hype about private events, it is still our hope that members can work together with the Club by introducing more guests. You can be sure that we will then be very motivated to come up with great referral programmes to express our appreciation for your support. With an increased and regular stream of members' guest’s rounds, we can then gradually reduce the number of private tournaments we need to secure and maintain healthy coffers. Dear members, this is your club, and if all of us can chip in to do our bit to supplement our great big family, we can scale greater heights together in greater comfort. Until then, private tournament sales will be very much an integral part of RCC. My team and I are proud to announce that we are by far one of the best private tournament venues an organizer can ask for. The high volume of repeat tournaments year after year speaks for itself. A typical shot-gun tournament will cover a superb event planning checklist, which includes course preparation, buggy staging, registration, scoring, novelty games, hole-inone, full F&B support, prize presentation set-up, banners, event boards, entertainment, photography and the list goes on and on. And, to top it all off, the offering comes in an outstanding valuefor-money package, which is coordinated for the participants’ total golfing experience by my passionate team in our bid to uphold a hassle-free one-stop event management concept. Future plans for my team will include a Banquet Sales Section as well as a Communications Section. With this, I would like to close my brief introduction and wrap up my team's spirit in a nutshell by adding a *second line to our sales & marketing team's tag line: At RCC, our Passion is your Success.. *And RCC’s Success is to be Able to Give our Members the very Best..
Hellos & Goodbyes
August Hello
August Goodbye
Cho Chun Kee Lim Eng Beng Yeo Eng Khern Wong En Shen Daniel Aniruddha Banerjee Yasuo Shono Schiller Marganda Napitupulu Susan Griffin Shunji Oki
Leong Yuet Cheng nee Carol Chan Ng Kee Thiam Henry Amerasinghe Terrance Selwyne Chan Thye Guan George Noriyuki Sato Fernandez Patrick Charles Masahiro Goda
September Hello
September Goodbye
Ang Tong Huat Bhaskar Gopalan Chew Sern Yan Nicholas Kang Chiang Meng Jude Anthony Ho Tuck Chew Song Hyunchul
Ng Gek Pah Soh Kong Pheng (Deceased) Yong El Helou Catherine
New Another enjoyable and successful 'Welcoming New Members' night was held at the club on Friday August 19th. As well as representatives from the various club committees, 30 new members and their spouses attended the event at The
Albatross Lounge in the evening. A sumptuous buffet spread was served together with a range of drinks, which all added to a very enjoyable evening as the new members mingled and learnt more about the club's facilities.
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Quarterly Fishing
Social
Date : 14th November 2011 Time : 1.45pm Venue : Palm Course Holes 2 & 11
Social Bowling events will be held on 8th and 22nd November, and 13th and 27th December 2011
Members Free of Charge Guest $21.40* Buggy Fee $10.70* (Inclusive of GST) Deposit of $5/+ for each name tag given to guest and will be returned in exchange nge for tag at 6pm
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Moon Cake "Mid Autumn" Festival 2011 …
his festival has always brought children of all races together especially in Singapore. As a child I remember when we were given 20 cents each and would run to the corner provision shop and choose our lantern. Be it a bird shaped lantern or an airplane for the guys, it put a smile on every face because it meant mum and dad were going to take us out that particular night and have our lanterns all lit up. All the kids in our kampong were going to be there. Back then I never knew what the real celebration was, I only knew there were going to be lots of friends around, then we would get to eat plenty of moon cakes. Dads would sit around drinking Chinese tea and telling stories about their childhood days and business ventures they had, mothers were exchanging shopping tips and some were laughing away playing mahjong… It was so much fun then! That is what the Lifestyle Sub-Committee (LSC) wanted to emulate this year. Using this festival as a view to what the Recreation wing would be like again, the LSC starting planning
and the management team started organizing and executing it. A month later we saw a beautiful party of children and parents, all 124 members, family and friends at our Lake Front Café having fun, eating, chatting and doing what we wanted to achieve, bring life back to our Recreation Wing. In all the fun, we had moments of panic when the rain came and we were still smiling pretending all was fine but God was good! On the dot, as planned in our program, the rain stopped for us to do our first ever Lantern Walk on the Palm Course. It was not only fun, it was educational for children because no age is ever too young to sell them the pride of being a member of RCC! We even had a wonderful Moon Cake Lotus Floral Buffet spread. Yes, apart from the food, we specially prepared this buffet as a surprise to parents and children. Pomelos to create the mountains, lotus bouquets to create the paths and candles to give light and food tags to explain each different kind of moon cake. There were 16 different kinds all cut into eight pieces each, which means 168 - in Chinese this means Prosperity on every road you take.
In addition, we secured a sponsorship partner - F&N's Nutri Tea - who wanted to be a part of our celebration. When they heard us doing this event to reach out to our members in a different way, they volunteered to share the nutritional values to be had in their drinks with us. Apart from the hot Chinese Pu Er tea which we prepared, we were lucky to have also tasted these selected cold teas. NutriTea range is the ideal beverage for daily consumption, and the ingredients, with their anti-oxidant properties, are specially blended to life both the mind and body, restoring balance in a soft therapeutic way. Next up is our End of the Year Dinner and Dance. This year it's going to be colourful and you will hate yourself if you are not there!
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Starting 1st January 2012
Strictly by reservation only
Small $28
Supersize Usual $35
Raffles Country Club Members Exclusive – reservation is required. Please call us 3 working days in advance
Large $48 usual $68
Black Forest
Tiramisu Layer ayer Cake
A truly classic dessert made with real fresh whipped cream, three layers of moist madefrom-scratch chocolate cake and a sublimely delicious cherry filling.
Generously infused with dark roasted espresso, multiple layers of creamy mascarpone mousse blended with rich coffee liqueur, whipped cream & dark chocolate shavings. Truly heavenly indeed.
Bliss Chain of Restaurants Bliss Restaurant 01-01 Cheng San CC Ang Mo Kio St 53 Tel: 6280 3389
Bliss Kidz Café Jacob Ballas Children’s Gdn Botanic Garden, 1 Cluny Rd Tel: 6463 2336
Bliss Café Sungai Buloh Wetland Resrv 301 Neo Tiew Cresent Tel: 6861 1389
Burp Café 3 Hougang Ave 10, #02-02 Punggol Community Club Tel: 6343 7844
Exclusively yours for the coming New Year, all you have to do is present your birthday coupon and enjoy the cake of your choice.
Pilates Exclusive for Raffles Country Club Members!
PILATES FOR GOLFERS
Experience Powerful & Pain-Free Swings Everytime!
Golfer's Pilates, Weight Loss Pilates, Body Aches Pilates, Runner Pilates
Just aturday at The Atrium for yo u r e n te r t a i n m e n t o n l y. From 5pm to 8pm.
30 days Unlimited Pilates Reformer & Mat Group Classes @ only $249. Valid till 31st January 2012. Raffles Country Club Members Card must be presented to enjoy this promotion price. Joining fee of $35 applies. Prior reservation is required. This promotion is not valid with other promotions. Pilates Fitness reserves the right to change the promotion without prior notice. For more information, please call recreation reception at 6861 7649 and ask for Maria, Christina or Leo
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Amy Hi Dear Readers, efore I introduce myself, let me share with you what I consider to be one of the biggest accomplishments of today. My older boy (14-years-old, complete with the cool attitude except when it comes to video games), wolfed down three of the banana muffins baked by his mum. This is considered a big accomplishment for three reasons: he doesn’t usually like banana muffins, he gave me a compliment on how delicious they were and the recipe is my own. In case you think I am a reputable baker, I am not…yet. Currently, I am an actress and have also written and illustrated two children’s books, Silly Snigger Stripe Riper and The World On Her Knees.
With regards to acting, I have had the privilege of being a professional actress for the past decade on film, TV as well as stage. My first major acting role on television was in the local series “Growing Up”, where I was also nominated for Best Actress for the Asian Television Awards in 2001. My recent television appearance was on Channel 5 – it was called Four Chapters, which I co-hosted with Edmund Chen. Securing leading roles in the German movie production, Der Chinese, shot entirely on location in Taiwan over two months, and the French tele-movie, Déjà Vu, gave me the opportunity to experience the Hollywood and European standard of work ethics and professionalism. Not to mention, the chance to taste a plethora of delicious food, from
Gateau au Chocolat
street style dishes, to quaint eateries, to posh dining restaurants in these overseas locations. They were the perfect way to bond with the cast and crew as well! So here I am, excited about having this opportunity to share with you our common interests – FOOD ( this is assuming you are the kind of person who lives to eat rather than eat to live). If you are, then join me as I explore the regular and not-so-regular places around Singapore for good food and good wine! Here’s to more exciting food journeys and friendships ahead!
Amy J Cheng
(Chocolate Fudge Cake) - Serving for 4
by Roderick Koh
fter Switzerland, I was dancing in the South of France with a Dance Company, and during those few years, I was also studying at the Universite D'Aix Marseille, doing French Literature and Communications. One day, our professor decided on an assignment for us, and, being French, she loved good food and good wine like all French do, so she decided to get us all to come up with different recipes. This chocolate fudge cake is one I love till this day. By the way we always had great dinner parties with her, Merci de beaucoup Colette! And the chocolate cake just got better through the years. I have added wine in the recipe.
3. Beat your eggs gently and then pour the eggs into the above batter. Once this is done, you add in the last ingredient, the flour. Mix it well and quick.
Ingredients 4 eggs, 250g of baking chocolate, 250g of salted butter, 250g of icing sugar and 150g of flour
5. Set your oven at 180 degrees C. When your oven is well heated, you then put your cake in for 30 minutes, do not overcook the cake or it will turn out to be just a normal chocolate cake. What you want is the centre of the cake to be still soft like chocolate mousse and the outer layer soft, moist and juicy.
Here we go... 1. First melt the chocolate in a "bain marie" which is to have a pot on the stove, and add water in it. Then use another pot to contain your chocolate and let it melt on the boiling water not on the flame. This is a cooking method where you use the water as your heating agent and not the fire applied directly to the chocolate or you will burn the chocolate. 2. When you see the chocolate melting away beautifully, you then add the butter and get a spatula and mix it in till they both become one, then slowly, add in the sugar and keep stirring.
4. Now you are ready to transfer this mixture into a baking pan of at least two to three inches in height, and the size of a normal loaf of bread. This is not a chocolate cake that will grow out of its normal size, so the amount of mixture you have is about the size of your cake. Oil your pan with a little butter and flour it after. Shake off the excess flour. This is to prevent your cake from sticking to the pan.
Et voila! It is Done Serving the cake as it is, is wonderful. If you add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, well that is Awesome. I like to be naughty sometimes, I have the cake with the ice cream and two champagne soaked strawberries on each portion. I call it HEAVEN! Enjoy while it's hot! It's the best!
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The Albatross, We are open Tues, Wed, Thurs and Sunday from 4.00pm – 9.00pm. Fri & Sat from 4.00pm – 11.00pm Closed on Mondays.
This Christmas at Raffles Country Club, we would like to help you decide on gifts for your friends. The Albatross has a special offer for the Single Malt lovers. The Glen Livet. You can place your orders from 14th – 30th November 2011 for the following. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… The spirit of Christmas is about giving…
On weekends if you do come with your friends before opening hours and wish to patronize The Albatross, our staff will be more than happy to serve you. Watch out for the monthly promotions on spirits and wines.
The Glen Livet 12 years Usual at $142 Now for Christmas
2 bottle
s for
$200
Singers and singer-wannabes, Good News! Our new Karaoke system is up and running for you!
2 bottle
Join us at the Albatross, if you want to have your own party then get in touch with Roderick or Margaret. We will plan and organize your party for you!
Shanshui Palace Only in December for a special Price of $338.00++ Plus 1 Bottle of Red Wine Free 㐩㝛㑧㻏⛙㲋Ⓣ㥟 Whole Suckling Pig, Pomfret & Shark’s Fin Set Menu
⼵㺇⤙≵⏒⏵ Braised “Ling Zhi” Mushroom with Spinach
ⱄ⼶㊮㊦㐩㝛㑧㻏 Christmas Crispy Roasted Suckling Pig
⸿Ⰻ▙后㨥 Chilli Crab
⡧⌠㨥㑠咥Ⓣ Braised Shark’s Fin Garnished with Crab Meat Finished with Shredded Dry Scallop
ⱄ⤙㮫⡌ギ Braised Ee-Fu Noodle with Chives & Mushroom
㜟㖷㚩 Thai Style Deep Fried Soon Hock
ⲽよ㝦㊹ Christmas Special
⿽㊮ㅒ㱵㥪 Cereal & Butter Fried Prawns Please make your reservation 3 days in advance SHAN SHUI PALACE RESTAURANT 450 JALAN AHMAD IBRAHIM RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB SINGAPORE 639932 Tel: 6862 1838/9 Fax: 6861 5706
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s for
$420
Swinging ith all the heav y rain that Singapore has been experiencing over the past few weeks, it’s a good idea to pack some outerwear gear in your golf bag next time you have a round. FootJoy released the advanced and versatile DryJoys Premier Rainsuit in Singapore in August, and it’s an excellent lightweight option that can easily be rolled up and tucked away in your golf bag. The features that distinguish this rain suit from most are apparent when you peel back the layers…literally. The DryJoys Premiere Rain Suit features three interchangeable liners that allow the player to adapt to all types of weather conditions. The Mesh Liner is ideal for warm, wet, windy conditions; the Taffeta Liner for wet, windy conditions and the Softshell Liner for cool, wet, windy conditions. The shell features the proprietary FJ Protect Waterproof System. This exterior treatment instantly beads water and sheds it from the garment to deliver maximum protection in the toughest golf conditions while still allowing breathability for optimum comfort. Removable sleeves, lower leg panels and underarm vents enhance the wearability while the premium FJ Four-Way Nylon Stretch fabric allows complete range of motion during the golf swing. Additional features include a lycra cuff, reinforced shoulder panels which protect the shoulder area from the weight and friction of a carry bag, a double zipper, the Sta-Dry Grip System™, waterproof scorecard pocket, lined waterproof hand pockets, bonded seams and ‘it’s a Cinch System’ which adjusts the fullness of the jacket by pulling a cinch-cord, easily accessed through the side pocket. FootJoy will be showcasing these at this year’s Barclays Singapore Open, which is taking place at Sentosa Golf Club from November 10th to 13th. The DryJoys Premiere Rainsuit is available now in Singapore and comes in a variety of sizes. The jacket comes in one colour - royal + white/black to accompany the black pants. The jacket retails for $888 while the pants are $385.
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Better nfortunately, Putting is the shot that is often neglected when it comes to practice and technique. Putting makes up about 40% of your shots on the golf course and, by improving this, it is the easiest way to reduce your scores. To be a great putter, there are three components that you need to master: 1. Alignment – being able to aim your putter at your intended line 2. Speed – being able to control the speed or distance of your putt 3. Green Reading – being able to gauge the slope of the green A sound technique is a sure way to improving these areas and becoming a better and more consistent putter. This all starts with a good set up position. There are many ways to grip the putter and stand, however I suggest taking note of the recommendations below.
It is impossible to achieve the correct angles with the wrists and arms if your body is not set up with the correct body shape. The body should appear as it is in the shape of a backwards K. This will ensure that the shoulders will be on a tilt and will allow the golfer to achieve the correct wrist angles.(Refer to image 1 & 2)
Most problems with wrist angles come when golfers get their shoulders too levelled and the spine too straight. This causes the wrists and shaft to be leaning away from the target. The golfer will have too much angle in the left wrist and the right wrist will become too flat. (Refer to image 3) It is much more effective to putt with a flatter left wrist and more angle in the right wrist as in the picture below. (Refer to image 4)
1
2
7 8 3
4
5
6
I also suggest placing your ball position closer to your front foot rather than the centre of your stance. (Refer to image 5 & 6)
From the back view, I believe your putting path and motion will improve if you can align your shaft and forearm in a straight line with the elbows bending. By placing the putter more in your palms rather than your fingers you will able to achieve this alignment. Many amateurs try to keep their arms straight, causing numerous problems with how the shoulders move. (Refer to image 7 & 8)
There are many other lessons to learn which will improve your putting. Getting the set up correct is the first place to start. Having a correctly fitted putter will also help you to get these angles correct. Book in for a putting lesson at the driving range. I will analyse your current stroke and your putter and help you to make more putts. Paul Tudor, Australian PGA Member Raffles Country Club Driving Range Ph: +65 81005960 Email: paul@academyofgolf.com.sg 31
Palm
Hole No. 7 Par-3 172M/B 146M/W HCap 13 The longest par-3 on the Palm course and the par-3 choice for insurance companies for Hole-in-One prizes (read most difficult to score a hole-in-one). The prevailing southwesterly wind makes this hole one or two clubs longer than its measured length. From the blue tee, the pro or low handicapper’s choice of club could be anything from a 7 iron to a 5 wood depending how hard the southwesterly is blowing. For the high handicapper, a hybrid or even a driver may have to be used. The right side of the green is well protected by a large greenside bunker. A ball in this deep bunker will have very little green to stop. A sand shot that is too strong will end up in the even deeper bunker on the opposite side of the long and narrow green.
as unsighted are two deep bunkers on the left of the green waiting for the golfer who thinks going long is the safe option. The green is angled so an attempt to run a ball up will first have to overcome the soft front of the green which often results in a plugged ball. Those who succeed in reaching the green will be rewarded only with a ball on the front of the long and narrow kidney-shaped green. If the flag is blue, a long 30-40-metre putt will challenge even the best putter. The high handicapper will play to the fairway just short of and left of the green. After a good chip the golfer will have a putt for par. This par-3 is not only visually intimidating - it is also difficult. A birdie is a great result and a par is quite satisfying for all levels of golfers.
For those wanting to go long and left of the intimidating bunker on the right, beware,
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Hole No. 8 Par-5 469M/B 428M/W HCap 7 This is arguably the most beautiful hole on the Palm course. Beautiful and challenging. A double dogleg (dogleg left then right), the landing zone for both the high and low handicapper is a down slope behind a high part of the fairway. Good tee shots will fly over the high part of the fairway and will probably be unsighted on a down slope. The pro will try to cut a little off the first dogleg and stay on the left side of the fairway where he can have a view of the green. The distant bunker on the right of the fairway is a good sighting bunker to aim for when teeing off. Any tee shot to the right side (or even middle) of the fairway will have the large green blocked from view by tall trees. Water lurks both to the right and left of a wide fairway from the Tee Box. The high handicapper will, if he or she is lucky, be able to get their ball on in three, but if their first and second shots are off target, they will have to seek to put the ball on in four - hopefully near the pin.
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The large green is the first of Palm’s steep sloping greens that pose a challenge to the best and a nightmare for the not so good putter. Sloping down to the front right, half of the big green is covered by this slope. The diabolical pin positions are just above the slope. If the pin is up on the upper level, a ball that does not carry to this level is likely to stop and roll backwards or sideways down the slope leaving a long putt up the slope. If the pin is on the bottom of the slope, a ball to the centre of the green will roll back to the bottom. Chipping down to the pin from the left edge of the green can be a nightmare. The ball may make a right angle right turn and practically roll off the green if hit a fraction too hard. This hole is one where the pro hopes to eagle but may have to settle for a par if he or she is a little off target. The high handicapper should treat this respectfully as a par-5 (or even par-6) to keep the angst at bay.
Destination s 2011 winds down and one starts to think about the festive season, it’s time to start thinking about where to head for that well-deserved short break with the family, friends or your golfing kakis. We checked out a few golfing destinations in the region which are a short hop away. Da Nang, a short Silk Air flight away, is fast becoming a favourite with Singaporean golfers, and currently has two excellent layouts.
The Montgomerie Links, Da Nang, Vietnam
Dunes Course - Da Nang Golf Club, Da Nang, Vietnam
When Colin ‘Monty’ Montgomerie was appointed as the designer back in early 2007, his vision was always to create a links-style course rather than a ‘parkland’ layout. Construction on this par-72 course – which is an affiliated club of RCC - commenced in April 2007. Measuring 7,090 yards from the back tees, it has matured considerably and Monty has capitalized on the site’s natural, sand-dune topography. Although Monty hasn’t earmarked any of the holes as ‘signature’, there are a couple which deserve a special mention. The par-5 12th is a beauty and at 481 metres from the Monty tees is one of the longest on the course. It requires three strategically placed shots to get your way around the bunkers and once on the green you’re almost guaranteed an uphill putt.
Situated literally a pitching wedge shot away is the Greg Normandesigned Dunes course which is quite magnificent. The 7,160yard, 18-hole, links-style layout was designed in the true spirit of the game, meaning blown-out bunkers, firm and fast fairways that intermingle into wild seaside vegetation, rugged waste areas, swales and hollows. In other words, yes it’s challenging but at the same time such a privilege to play every hole – all uniquely different - which weave through rugged sand dunes.
The finishing hole is superb, although the longest at 538 metres and it’s a real possibility to get a birdie on the hole before bowing to the gallery and retiring to the clubhouse in high spirits. Long hitters will want to go for the green in two, if only just to try and avoid a number of left and right hand side fairway bunkers, but be prepared for an undulating and elevated green. Facilities include a 3,000 square-metre clubhouse, golf academy, driving range, pro shop, restaurant & bar, member’s lounge and spa and 54 estate villas.
Like the Montgomerie Links it has views of ‘China Beach’ and the Marble Mountains and a lot of sand in its topography but it has a very different layout and feel. Although the fairways are quite generous there are so many built-up waste areas that accuracy is absolutely key here if you want to achieve a decent score. Every time you take a shot you really do have to think strategically about where you want your ball to land. The signature par-3 16th with views of the sea and Cham Islands is breathtakingly beautiful and I can guarantee that you’ll want to stand on the tee box and gaze out for a few moments to drink it all in. Facilities include a 3,800-square-metre clubhouse, a golf academy, fully stocked pro shop, restaurant and bar, in addition to a driving range and chipping/putting green. Contact Details: Tel: +84 (0) 511 3958000 Fax: +84 (0) 511 3958001 Email: info@dananggolfclub.com
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Mission Hills Haikou, Hainan Island, China
The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Brunei Darussalam
Its sister club Mission Hills Shenzhen is an affiliated club, and this 10 course facility is just as impressive. Built on the volcanic region of the Island, all courses are designed by the Schmidt-Curley outfit and are simply superb. Last year it hosted the inaugural Star Trophy and in November it is the venue of this year’s World Cup. The crème de la crème is the championship Blackstone layout that features lava rock, lakes, mature trees and a variety of flora and fauna. If you’re hankering after a more traditional Australian sandbelt course then do try the Sandbelt Trails. A favourite is The Vintage which is quite unique with its fair share of small and huge greens, interesting bunker locations – one in the middle of a green – and blind shots. Others include Stepping Stone, Lava Fields, Meadow Links, Stone Quarry, Double Pin, The Preserve and Shadow Dunes. The facilities are quite magnificent and include accommodation featuring 518 rooms and suites, Spa facilities, swimming pools; mineral springs pools, gymnasium and a selection of excellent restaurants. A mere three-hour direct flight from Singapore, this is definitely worth a visit to experience some of China’s premium courses.
An affiliate club of RCC, it houses an 18-hole Jack Nicklausdesigned course that is set in the luxurious resort’s 180-hectare property. The front nine on this par-71 layout overlook the sea but are set high and back within the vegetation while the back nine holes – the tougher of the two – are more or less on the same level as the South China Sea. The fairways are relatively narrow with water only really coming into play on five of the holes, but it’s the greens which made a big impression on me as most of them look and feel as if they’ve been trimmed with nail scissors. Bunkers – and lots of them – make up the water shortage with many lurking alongside fairways or hugging the greens. The signature par-5 15th is quite magnificent and rivals the bordering beach in terms of sand content, with practically the whole left side of the fairway taken up by one huge bunker. Another spectacular hole is the finishing par-4 18th. Nestling between the sea on the left and a large bunker on the right with the fairway running downhill to the green, this index one hole measures around 435 metres from the black tees. If you can aim straight and make par on this hole it’ll feel like a birdie.
Contact Details: Tel: (86 898) 6868 3888 Fax: (86 898) 6866 0688 Email: info@missionhillschina.com
Another plus, especially with Brunei’s searing heat, is that the Empire offers night golf. Facilities at the country club are quite magnificent with night golf available, a golf school, a pro-shop, driving range, and bistro in addition to other sports facilities such as tennis, badminton and squash courts, swimming pool, gymnasium and Spa. The hotel itself sports facilities such as an 11,000 square metre Lagoon Pool, beach and a number of water sports.
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Signed in 2011
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Golfing Golf Reception Tel: 6861 7655
Fax: 6861 5563
Opening Hours: Daily
7.00 am – 6.30 pm
Golf Courses Palm & Lake Opening Hours: Daily First tee-off: 7.15 am Last tee-off: 6.15 pm ( 9 holes)
$96.30
pm
$139.10
Weekends & PH
$235.40
Green Fee (Visitor) Mon to Fri am
$149.80
pm
$203.30
Weekends & PH
$374.50
Buggy Fee / Golfer
$21.40 / 18 holes $13.91 / 9 holes
Ball Fees
Tel: 6861 6563 1.00 pm – 9.00 pm 8.00 am – 9.00 pm 7.00 am – 9.00 pm 7.00 am – 7.00 pm 7.00 am – 8.00 pm 45 minutes before closing time $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 Changing Room Opening Hours: Daily
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
Lakefront Café Opening Hours: Mon to Fri Weekends & PH Open to public
Members FOC Guests (Mon to Fri) $2.14 / guest / day (Weekends & PH) $3.21 / guest / day
11.00 am – 3.00 pm 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Shanshui Palace Restaurant Tel: 6862 1838/9
Green Fee (Guest) Mon to Fri am
Driving Range Opening Hours: Mon Tue to Fri Sat Sun PH Last issue of ball
The Albatross Lounge Opening Hours: Tue to Sun & PH 4.00 pm – 9.00 pm Fri & Sat 4.00 pm – 11.00 mn Mon Closed Open to members and guests only Available for private function booking.
9.00 am – 5.30 pm 8.15 am – 6.00 pm
7.00 am – 8.00 pm
Food & Beverage 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
Opening Hours: Daily
11.30 am – 3.00 pm 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm
Open to public The Raffles Opening Hours: Lunch Open to public
11.30 am – 3.00 pm
Sports & Recreation Recreation / Reception Tel: 6861 7649 Opening Hours: Daily
Fax: 6862 3965 8.00 am – 9.00 pm
Jackpot Room Mon to Fri 11.30 am – 8.45 pm Sat & PH 10.00 am – 10.00 pm Sunday 10.00 am – 8.45 pm Members aged 18 and above only Card / Mahjong Room Opening Hours: Daily 8.00 am – 9.00 pm Table Fee $5.35 / 5 hour / session Guests
The LivingSpace Opening Hours: Daily Members
8.00 am – 9.00 pm FOC
Club Officials Managers - Khoo Peck Khoon, General Manager 6864 0888 - Woo Lee Choo, Senior Manager (Finance / Corporate Services) 6864 0828 - Sia Liang Lock, Manager (Facilities) 6864 0883 - Roderick Koh, Manager (Food & Beverages/ Lifestyle) 68640863 - Marilyn Cheok, Asst Manager (Sales & Marketing) 6864 0816 - Geraldine Ng, Asst Manager (HR / Membership) 6864 0818 Executives - Peter Pang, Golf Operations 6864 0826 - K P Ling, Golf Operations 6864 0836 - Shahrin Bin Taib, Golf Operations 68640846 - Margaret Teo, Senior Executive (Food & Beverage) 6864 0833 - Magdaline Chin, Senior Executive (Accounts) 6864 0808 Membership Accounts
6864 0812 6864 0801
$10.70 per entry General Office Tel: 6861 7649
Video Games Opening Hours: Daily
8.00 am – 9.00 pm
Fitness Centre Opening Hours: Daily
8.00 am – 9.00 pm
Members Guests
FOC $5.35 / guest / day
Sauna Opening Hours: Daily
8.00 am – 9.00 pm
Members Guests
FOC $2.14 / guest / day
Tennis / Squash Courts Opening Hours: Daily 8.00 am – 9.00 pm Court Fee $5.35 / hour
Fax: 6861 5293
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 8.00 am – 6.30 pm Sat 8.00 am – 3.30 pm Closed on Sunday and PH website email:
www.rcc.org.sg feedback@rcc.org.sg
The Club welcomes articles, letters, comments and contributions from members. We reserve the right to edit all materials. The views of the contributors and writers need not necessarily represent those of the Club. No part of the Newsletter may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the Club. Raffles Connection is published by Raffles Country Club, 450 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Singapore 639932. MICA (P) No. 111/07/2011 Editor: Khoo Peck Khoon *All fees are inclusive of prevailing GST Designed and Produced by Oculus Design Pte Ltd