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RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB NEWSLETTER | May - June 2016
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s e l f y f t i a r R Cha 16
2
, ives eams L g ovin lling Dr r p m I Fulfi
Raffles Country Club Singapore www.rcc.org.sg
s t n e t n o C
GENERAL COMMITTEE President Dr Daniel Goh Vice President Tony Jiang
Snapshots Welcoming Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs
8 10
FOOD & BEVERAGE Passion Group. 3 Restaurants. What's Next?
The Key to Aging: the “Force”
34
Celebrating Mums and Dads
36
Travelogue: Vietnam Golf Trophy
38
Sydney Swing 40 11
EVENTS Hainan Golf Trip
Captain Patrick Low
LIFESTYLE
CLUB NEWS
15
FACILITIES
20
Inter-Club Friendly RCC vs Kelab Golf Negara Subang
24
HSBC Youth Golf Challenge
26
Don't Lose Your Height
27
RCC vs KLGCC Inter-Club Game
28
SGA Inter-Club League 2016
30
Teeing Off On Time
33
Chairman, Golfing & Greens Patrick Low Chairman, Communications & Marketing Alex Eow
42
Chairman, Discipline & Lady Captain Cheong Yoke Keng
Improvements around the Club
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Chairman, Facilities & Estate Hoe Boon Leong Deputy Chairman, Finance & Establishment Ronald Pereira
MANAGEMENT
GOLF
HIO & Mercedes Trophy
Chairman, Food & Beverage Tony Jiang
Improvements around the Golf Courses
Nourishing a Smart Brain Talk 18
19
Secretary John Goh
Chairman, Lifestyle & Social Yong Kah Teck
Ang Bao Golf Competition 16
Monthly Medal
Treasurer Henry Kwok
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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
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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 Facilities Manager Kevin Kwan kevin.kwan@rcc.org.sg 6864 0883
EDITORIAL BOARD Raffles Connection is published by: Raffles Country Club, 450 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Singapore 639932 l www.rcc.org.sg MCI (P) 173/04/2015 For Advertising and Magazine Enquiries, please contact Sales & Marketing/Communications Manager Joanne Ng: joanne.ng@rcc.org.sg/ 6864 0838 All information and dates are correct at time of printing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.
Chairman Alex Eow Vice Chairman Ven Sreenivasan Committee Members Justine Moss Richard Foo Joanne Ng Relle Lee
WE ARE EXPANDING
THE RCC FAMILY! REFER A FRIEND AND BE REWARDED!
The first phase of the Membership Launch took place between 16 January and 17 April 2016. The second phase of the Membership Launch began on 18 April 2016. With it, we introduced a new Membership Scheme and a 3-month Member-Get-New Member Promotion.
What do YOU get? • $500 F&B spending credits for every successful sign-up of a referral.
What do NEW MEMBERS get?
• 30-month Interest-Free Instalment Payment • One-Time Full Payment – For those who choose to pay the full entrance fee upfront, we will waive three months of subscription fees for Transferable Weekday Golfing and six months of subscription fees for Transferable Golfing membership. • $500 F&B Spending Credits - These credits can be used at any one of the F&B outlets at the Club. They are Golfers’ Terrace, Fu Lin Men Chinese Restaurant, Fukuya Japanese Restaurant and soon-to-be-opened Lakefront Western Restaurant. Call Membership at: 6864 0812 / 6864 0878 should you need any clarification. Get your friends to sign up today! Get your friends to sign up today! Member-GetNew Member Promotion ends 31 July 2016. So hurry! MEMBERSHIP TYPE
Entrance Fee Sign-up Incentives
30-month Interest Free Instalment Payment
Full Payment Incentives Member-Get-New Member Scheme (for each successfully enrolled member) Promotion ends 31 July 2016
Transferable Weekday Golfing
Transferable Golfing
$20,000 (Local) $30,000 (Foreign)
$40,000 (Local) $60,000 (Foreign)
$500 F&B Spending Credits
$500 F&B Spending Credits
Down-payment + 30 months
Down-payment + 30 months
Local: Down-payment: $5,000 + 30 months instalment of $500 per month
Local: Down-payment: $10,000 + 30 months instalment of $1,000 per month
Foreigner: Down-payment: $7,500 + 30 months instalment of $750 per month
Foreigner: Down-payment: $15,000 + 30 months of instalment of $1,500 per month
3 months subscription waived $100 x 3 months = $300
6 months subscription waived $140 x 6 months = $840
$500 F&B Spending Credits
$500 F&B Spending Credits
s ' t n e d i s e r P ge
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
Messa
This year, the Raffles Charity 2016 will be held on Saturday, 2 July and Sunday, 3 July. I am pleased to inform everyone that this event is coorganised by Raffles Country Club, Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs. RCC will focus efforts on the Saturday while the CCCs will focus theirs on the Sunday. The Guest-of-Honour on Saturday is ESM Goh Chok Tong and Guestof-Honour on Sunday will be DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam. This year, as we cast the net wider by co-organising with Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs, we hope to raise more funds to help the less fortunate. All the organisers are targeting to raise $750,000 over the two days. The funds raised on Saturday shall be for the beneficiaries of Raffles Charity, while funds raised on Sunday shall be for the beneficiaries of the CCCs. This annual Charity game is for our Members to show that we care for the less fortunate and would like to do something to make their lives better. On the Saturday, 2 July game, Members can participate at a privileged rate of $1,400 per flight or $350 per ball for the morning session and $1,600 per flight or $400 per ball for the afternoon session. Please join us in this meaningful cause to show that WE CARE and book early to avoid disappointment, as slots are limited. I hope Members can support this worthy cause, not only via participation but also in helping to secure possible Sponsors.
In regard to our membership recruitment, at the time of writing (31 March), a total of 52 new Members have been recruited. This consists of 34 Transferable Weekday Golfing Members (TWGM) and 18 Transferable Golfing Members (TGM). As the membership launch closes on 17 April, we will be implementing a Member-Get-Member Scheme from 18 April. Every new member recruited that you have introduced means that you will be rewarded with $500 F&B credits; and new members will also get $500 F&B credits each. I am heartened to note that there is a good demand for the TWGM, where the members can play golf only on weekdays (excluding public holidays) without paying green fees. RCC, similar to other golf clubs, is far busier during weekends and public holidays as compared to weekdays. The TWGM scheme is an excellent way to increase weekday course and club utilisation while generating more income for the Club. With the creation of the TWGM, we shall also evaluate possible policy and terms that can allow Members to switch from TWGM to normal Transferable Golfing Member and vice versa.
Dr Daniel Goh President
This annual Charity game is for our Members to show that WE CARE
FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE AND WOULD LIKE TO DO SOMETHING TO MAKE THEIR LIVES BETTER.
We plan to regularise the TWGM into the Constitution at the Annual General Meeting scheduled in September and I urge Members to support the incorporation. On this note, I shall end my message and I look forward to seeing you at the Charity game.
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80
Brand New Buggies Coming Your Way! Vroooom……… The Club has gone through a rigorous selection exercise to acquire 80 brand new buggies. We can expect these Procar Elite2 golf buggies to arrive in June this year. The new buggies boast many new and exciting features. For golfers’ convenience, the buggies come equipped with a club and ball washer, large cooler box, rain cover for golf bags, four sand canisters, USB charger and an under-canopy zip storage. All accessories are kept within the buggy’s width for golfers’ safety and ease of operation. The new buggies also come with a powerful five horse power DC motor with regenerative charging system.
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These new buggies employ the latest technology in its braking system. The brake auto-engages when the foot is lifted off from the accelerator pedal and it gradually slows down the buggy. The anti-roll back electromagnetic brake is activated when the buggy is at complete stop or when stationary. Your safety is our concern. Golfers can definitely look forward to a more enjoyable golfing experience at the Club!
g& n e fi l g o a G s f s o e n a eM e t t i Chairm m m o C bu S s n e e r G
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
Time flies and so far it has been a very challenging and fruitful 19 months for me as the Captain of RCC. Much has happened. The recent hosting of the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Players Championship at Palm shows that the Grand Old Dame can still deliver. There were some adverse comments about the course but it was mainly because of the deferred upgrading of Palm. As you can see in the March/ April Raffles Connection, Palm’s Robert Trent Jones design provided a good challenge and we received positive comments from the pros. Preparing Palm for the ADT was indeed challenging, given the short preparatory time of less than eight weeks. The last major golf event at Palm was the Yokohama Singapore Open in 1998. The GGSC members, together with the Course Superintendent (CS) and the maintenance team, worked to ensure good playability of key play areas such as greens, green approaches and tee boxes. Palm’s interim improvement work target, set earlier during the beginning of budget year by the GGSC, was timely. Drainage improvement works on selected soggy areas helped to enhance condition of play. The CS and her course maintenance team worked closely with the ADT officials to get the course into shape befitting tournament standards. Play parameters were measured daily and discussed among the ADT Tournament Director, Chief referee and course maintenance turf team. Adjustments were made to ensure consistency and good playability. It was no easy task but we delivered! The GGSC will continue to work with the golf course maintenance team to improve problematic areas in Palm such as water logged issues at bunkers, irrigation line leakage, soggy landing zone, tee renovation and landscape improvement on strategic locations. The team has successfully replaced and installed a new irrigation
pump station in Palm to help reduce line leakage. Indeed, the course maintenance team has done much to keep Palm playable and credible; and Lake in its current good condition. I have received feedback from some of you that we should keep buggies on track permanently at Palm. In order to protect Palm whilst others are not in favour of this, the GGSC has decided that we will compromise and keep buggies on track only after rain. Great news for us is that 80 units of golf buggies have been procured and will be delivered to the Club in June. This new batch boasts many useful accessories such as club and ball washer, USB charger, under canopy zip storage net, an improved golf bag cover, larger cooler box and enhanced safety features. Golfers can look forward to a more enjoyable golfing experience with us! In February, we had our Inter-Club Friendly with Kelab Golf Negara Subang (Pg 24). March also brought us back to KLGCC for our annual Inter-Club competition. Although we did not win, I am pleased to say that we have brought our friendship to the next level. I am heartened to hear all the positive feedback from our members in this away game. You can read all about it on Pg 28. I encourage members to participate in our InterClub games with our reciprocal clubs. This helps to build rapport and also strengthens the relationship we have with them. We did well in the SGA Inter-Club League 2015. Competing against 12 golf clubs in Singapore, RCC made a historical achievement by emerging overall second! Our Men’s B Division also won the Division Champion Trophy. This year, we will be aiming for the Overall Champion Trophy! Turn to Pg 30 to see the new team! The GGSC is also working on reformulating the Senior & Evergreen
Patrick Low Captain Chairman of Golfing & Greens Sub-Committee
Great news for us is that
80 UNITS OF GOLF BUGGIES HAVE BEEN PROCURED and will be delivered to the Club in June.
Medal. The experience in the past is that the competition attracted lacklustre interest. Work is underway to organise a Senior & Evergreen Trophy instead, to generate more interest by making the competition more exciting with more trophies, attractive prizes and an entertaining dinner programme. This event will have its place in the Golf Fixtures too. A brand new golf event that has made its way into the Club Golf Fixtures this year is the RCC Invitational. Golfers from other local and reciprocal clubs will be invited to play. It is going to take place on 14 August so mark your calendars!
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’s r e g a n a M General
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
e g a s s e M
First of all, my colleagues and I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all members who have taken time to fill and complete the 2016 Member’s Satisfaction Survey; and be sure to stay tuned to the results of the lucky draw as a reward for your participation. With your valuable feedback and suggestions, the Committees and management can better assess the areas of weaknesses and shortcomings to make steady adjustments and improvements to make Raffles a better Club where you will be proud to entertain your guests, business associates, family members and friends. A place you can call “Ohana”, the Hawaiian word for family home that warmly welcomes guests as family members. I am pleased to share that this year’s Raffles Charity Day will be co-organised with the Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs. This will cast a wider net in reaching out to the needy community and the less privileged in the Jurong South West CDC. This year, Raffles shall host its fundraising and golfing event on 2 July 2016 (Saturday) for both the Lake & Palm Courses, and to be followed by a dinner event which will be graced by ESM Goh Chok Tong. Our co-organising partners, Jurong GRC & Bukit Batok SMC CCCs, shall be hosting the fundraising and golfing event on the 3 July 2016 (Sunday) to be graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economics and Social Policies, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam. We are expecting this 2016 joint charity event to attract more than 1,000 golfers, so please sign up early to make a difference to someone’s life! “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill The booking forms and applicable preferential rates for Raffles members are enclosed with this Newsletter, and are also available at our Golfing Reception for your ease of sign-up with your buddies to make a positive impact in someone’s life. All sponsors can enjoy up to 2.5 times tax deduction for cash donation, including their contribution through flight bookings in support of 2016 Raffles Charity; subject to IRAS T&C.
Richard Foo General Manager
We are expecting this 2016 joint charity event to attract more than 1,000 golfers,
SO PLEASE SIGN UP EARLY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO SOMEONE’S LIFE!
On the social Golfing front, the last quarter has been an exciting journey filled with activities and fond memories for our members. The Ang Pao Game, Inter-Club Friendly Home game with Kelab Negara Subang (KGNS) and the Away game with Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC), and the HSBC Youth Golf Challenge, to name a few, have certainly sealed the bond and camaraderie amongst our members and friends of our Reciprocal Clubs. For a more insightful update on Golfing news, please read our Captain’s Message on page 5. The Committees and management would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome our newly enrolled Transferable Golfing and Transferable Weekday Golfing members to the Raffles’ Ohana – Family! We look forward to seeing you at the Club, and your active participation with a host of activities and events that await you. See you at the Club soon!
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Snapsh ts
Golfing & Greens Sub-Committee (GGSC) & Staff 2016 Making Your Golfing Experience a Better One! From Left to Right (Sitting): John Yam (SC Member), Cheong Yoke Keng (Lady Captain, SC Member), Patrick Low (Captain, Chairman of GGSC), Paul Singh (Vice-Captain, SC Member), Jessie Oh (SC Member) From Left to Right (Standing): Hamzah (Golf Executive), Dennis Ee (Golf Manager), Wong Toon Suan (SC Member), Mark Higgs (SC Member), Lo Swee Wen (SC Member), Albert Tan (SC Member), Sebastian Song (SC Member), Christine Chungbhivat (Golf Course Superintendent/ Horticulturist), Michelle Honor (Admin Executive), Fandy (Golf Executive)
Quarterly Fishing: 7 March 2016 Come, fishy fishy! The well-received quarterly fishing event witnessed an impressive turnout of 73 eager participants on the overcast Monday. Despite the NEA advisory that freshwater fish are banned from ready-to-eat raw fish dishes, all anglers were hyped up about snatching up the biggest catch of the day. Budding anglers also dropped by to learn and lend their support to friends and family, in the process energizing the otherwise tense atmosphere. What a great bonding experience it was!
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Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
CLUB NEWS
Colour-Coding System of Buggies Flags ahoy! The Club has introduced the colouredflag system on buggies to differentiate members from guests and visitors. With the implementation, starters & marshals will be aware of non-members, thus, making their job more efficient by: a) Being able to focus on these players for pace-of-play & other golfing etiquette b) Providing relevant and essential information to these players, such as the golf course playing characteristics Colour Code a) Reciprocal Members & Guests - Yellow Flag b) Visitors & Pre-paid Golfers - Red Flag
IT Workshop: Let’s Stay Connected!
Jacob Tay
In an era where technology is prevalent in almost everything that the eyes can see, it is essential to learn the ABC’s of the trending communication platforms in order to stay connected to family, friends and business associates. On 12 March 2016, Mr Jacob Tay, member of Communications & Marketing Sub-Committee, spearheaded the pilot IT Workshop with the support of the Marketing Team to equip members with a basic knowledge of Email, Facebook and the RCC Website. With a turnout of 14 inquisitive members who are all ready to dominate the social media with their torrent of questions, we can be sure that this success has awakened CMSC’s desire to hold another workshop in the near future! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next IT Workshop to STAY CONNECTED!
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RAFFLES CHARITY 2016:
Welcoming Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs
R
eaching a new milestone for Raffles Charity in 2016, we are delighted to share with all members that Raffles Country Club, Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs are co-organising this year’s Raffles Charity 2016 event.
Mr Henry Ho
The editorial team had the pleasure of interviewing one of the key personnel driving this initiative, Mr Henry Ho Kok Wai, BBM, about his thoughts on this partnership.
We understand that Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations have always been very active in helping its residents and the needy. Can you share with us a little more on how you think grassroots organisations value-add to the community, and what is the reason behind this joint charity initiative? In Singapore, we promote the Many Helping Hands approach where families, community as well as the state work together to support the less fortunate. This not only encourages residents to help themselves before receiving help from others, but also encourages those who have much more in life to assist those in need. Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok Grassroots Organisations, being one of the helping hands in the community, spared no effort in helping anyone who truly needs help, and we strive to provide the young a more levelled playing ground from the start of their lives.
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Besides looking into the healthcare and basic essentials needs of residents through programmes such as Project Hand in Hand, and Meals and Groceries Scheme, the grassroots organisations also devote much effort in developing initiatives (e.g. Education Bursary Awards, Free Soccer Clinics, and Gift of Reading just to name a few) to help financially challenged families realise their potential. We support the residents by empowering them to discover their value which can be used for meeting their basic requirements and helping them overcome the adversities of life. These programmes do not come cheap and require continuous support from kind donors and esteemed organisations to keep these programmes going and growing. We are grateful for all the support and contributions from the various donors and organisations, and glad that Raffles Country Club has invited us onboard for this initiative.
Do you foresee that this arrangement will become a long-term partnership? We hope that this will turn into a long term partnership and certainly look forward to the support from all sectors. Thank you so much for your time, Mr Ho. We look forward to a successful charity event that will help to improve lives and fulfill dreams.
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
CLUB NEWS
Summary of
Sponsorship Packages Diamond
Platinum
Gold
Silver/Corporate Flight
$50,000
$30,000
$10,000
$5,000
N/A
$60,000 (value)
$30,000 (value)
N/A
1 Flight (AM or PM) on 2 July 2016 (Sat)
1 Flight (AM or PM) on 2 July 2016 (Sat)
1 Flight (AM or PM) on 2 July 2016 (Sat)
1 Flight (AM or PM) on 2 July 2016 (Sat)
Dinner Invitation
Dinner invitations for 4 on 2 July 2016 with 1 seat at the VIP table
Dinner invitations for 4 on 2 July 2016
Dinner invitations for 4 on 2 July 2016
Dinner invitations for 4 on 2 July 2016
Complimentary Flights
15 Weekday Flights
8 Weekday Flights
4 Weekday Flights
2 Weekday Flights
Cash Donation Or In-Kind
Golf Invitation
♦ Acknowledgement
as 'Diamond Sponsor' on Raffles Charity website. ♦ Publicity
around the Club to include: ♥
Publicity & Acknowledgement
♥
♥
♥
Two (2) buntings at RCC Driveway Event Photo Board Logo placement in slideshow Four (4) A-sign boards on 1st & 10th Tee-Boxes
♦ One
♦ Acknowledgement
as 'Platinum Sponsor' on Raffles Charity website. ♦ Publicity
around the Club to include: ♥
♥
♥
♦ Acknowledgement
as 'Gold Sponsor' on Raffles Charity website. ♦ Publicity
around the Club to include:
Event Photo Board
♥
Logo placement in slideshow
♥
Two (2) A-sign boards on Tee-Boxes
♥
Event Photo Board Logo placement in slideshow Two (2) A-sign boards on TeeBoxes
(1) full ♦ One (1) full ♦ One (1) full page ad in 2016 page ad in 2016 page ad in 2016 Souvenir Magazine Souvenir Magazine Souvenir Magazine ♦ One (1) standard booth space at the Club Lobby
Plaque of Appreciation
Yes
Yes
Yes
♦ Acknowledgement
as 'Silver/ Corporate Sponsor' on Raffles Charity website. ♦ Publicity
around the Club to include: ♥
♥
Hole-in-One
Sponsorhip entitlements shall commensurate with the value of sponsorship, based on the existing Silver, Gold, Platinum or Diamond package. Hole-in-One Raffles Charity Sponsorship value shall be based on the actual insurance premium paid.
Event Photo Board Logo placement in slideshow
♦ One
(1) full page ad in 2016 Souvenir Magazine
N/A
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e g a r e v e B & d o o F
Passion Group. 3 Restaurants.
What’s Next?
Ms Keziah Tam and Mr Fator Wong
C
hinese, Japanese and, soon, Western cuisine. Since September 2015, Passion Group (PG) has been steadily gaining a foothold in the F&B scene at Raffles Country Club. With Lakefront, set to open in May 2016 at RCC, you will be asking, “What more can I expect from the Passion Group?” Known for their friendliness and warm family-style interactions with members, we have had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the owners, Mr Fator Wong and wife, Ms Keziah Tam, and find out more about what’s in the pipeline from PG. As a family-owned establishment, how would you describe your company culture? Is there a motto that you live by? Our company is built on the belief that everyone should be happy. As you can see from our logo, there is a Chinese character, ‘喜’within the ‘O’ in PASSION.
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This character means ‘Happiness’ and, to us, we wish for both our staff and customers to be happy. In the context of our staff, since they spend most of their time with us, we hope that they can treat the restaurant as their second home and to serve and cook with passion. We always emphasise ‘Team Spirit’, to ensure that all staff feel and know that they are part of the team; a part of the big family. In turn, we hope this attitude translates to happy customers, who can experience the warm hospitality from our staff. I guess you can say that our motto is, “Happy Staff equals Happy Customers”. Now that the last PG restaurant at RCC is slated to open, is there anything in particular that RCC members may be able to look forward to? There are so many things we are excited about, we don’t know where to start! One thing that we are aiming for is to be able to invite members to our workshops and classes. We used to
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Can you tell us more about the food that PG offers? Quality food. That’s how I would describe the dishes offered at all our three restaurants here. We place a strong emphasis on the ingredients we buy and order only high quality ones. We believe that the best dishes are not created through heavy seasonings, but from the original flavour of the fresh ingredients. We also try to cater our menus to different diners, hence introducing Lakefront Western Restaurant as the most pocket-friendly option, Fu Lin Men Chinese Restaurant as the mid-range option for those looking for highquality Chinese food and Fukuya Japanese Restaurant for customers looking for top-quality Japanese cuisine.
conduct cooking classes for our members and their families, during our stint at Jurong Country Club (JCC). It can be cooking or making anything from festive goodies to popular dishes, depending on the theme. With this, we are also hoping to bring some of our old patrons over, to join us as RCC members! Another ambitious dream that we have is to create the night life here at RCC. We see so much potential here; the perfect view, space and proximity to MNCs around Tuas. Of course, we will work out and go over the nitty gritty details with the Management to assess the viability of this plan, but please keep your eyes peeled for further updates!
Although Fukuya is led by award-winning Chef Santaro San, it also offers a lunch set menu catered for the lunch crowd. May we also share that the ingredients for Fukuya are also specially air-flown fresh from Japan, twice a week? Are both of you golfers? When can members find you swinging at our golf courses? Definitely! Fator has been playing twice to thrice a week at JCC and now, slowly at RCC. As for myself, I try to avoid the sun as much as possible and play once a week at JCC with Fator. You will definitely start seeing us more frequently at Lake Course! Thank you so much for your time Mr and Mrs. Wong! We certainly look forward to more visits to your eateries in the future!
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Events
Hainan Golf trip 22 – 26 March 2016 By Allan Boey, RCC Member
The ladies on co
D
espite being a member of RCC for more than 20 years, I have never participated in any of the overseas golf trips organised by the Club. So you can imagine the excitement of a first-timer like me. I did not know what to expect but at the end of the trip, I was looking forward to the next one! While I am just an average player of the game, I do admit that I have grown to love this sport so much, despite the pain and humiliation it has bestowed upon me. I look forward to playing with other golfers with the hope that I can make new friends whom I can golf with for many years to come. The original tour plan was to play at three courses with a choice of three or four games. However, due to the last-minute change of the Chinese government’s annual BOAO Forum being brought forward earlier and clashing with our date of play at the BFA Golf Club, White Stone was selected instead for the fourth round. For those who did not choose to play the fourth game, time was spent doing some sightseeing. We started to get to know one another while travelling in the bus from Hainan airport to the Meishi Golf Club and over lunch, before the shotgun start of the first game. The weather was great with a nice strong cool breeze,
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urse.
which added to the challenge of the game. We had the opportunity to meet and greet the rest over dinner after checking into the Oscar hotel in downtown Haikou. We had our second and third games at the Dunes over the next two days playing at the East and then the West courses. The balmy weather did not last too long though and soon the rain started to pelt down in the morning of the third game, which got everyone wet; thankfully it stopped just before we finished the outward nine. The fourth game over at White Stone was played in heavy rain, which also affected those who had plans for a stint of sightseeing, resulting in their early return to the Oscar hotel. Over the course of five days, the golf courses that we visited were good; food was equally good especially when either the tour agent or the Club paid for the meals! The efforts and hard work on the part of the tour guide, Eliza, who helped put this trip together, was commendable especially for a group of this size. I am sure all of us had a wonderful time golfing and making new friends. As for me, I am already eagerly looking forward to the next overseas golf trip organised by the Club. Many thanks go to the Club staff and Lifestyle and Social Sub-Committee for this well organised trip.
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
EVENTS
The beautiful RCC ladies on The Dunes course.
Delicious food in Hainan!
Gathering for a cake and birthday!
Tasting Hainan coconut juice.
Farewell Dinner before going home.
A restaurant famous for its bone soup!
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May everyone be blessed with abundance of health and wealth!
Ang Pow Golf
etiti6on ComFp ebruary 201 20
Prac tising lion danc e
T
for the next Chine
se New Year!
he Club welcomed the year of the Monkey with the much anticipated Ang Pow Golf Competition on Saturday, 20 February 2016.
As usual, we had a good response for this annual affair, which saw more than 200 golfers taking to the morning shotgun start at Palm and Lake courses. Members experienced good golfing, bright sunny weather and well-manicured courses. A special novelty – Nearest the Lion – went well with the theme of the event and rewarded those with the highest level of accuracy. The event culminated with the lion dance and Ang Pow lunch. Not only were we entertained by baby lions, the Monkey mascots and God of Fortune gave everyone a good show with their quick and enthralling dance steps.
Smiley faces all around, ushering in the new year!
The lion preparing The Club wishes to thank all to grab members who participated in this the 'cai year’s Ang Pow event, making it a tou'
great success. Here’s wishing one and all a Prosperous and Healthy year of the Monkey. HUAT AH!
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Help! I'm floating away!
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
EVENTS
A sumptuous spread brings smiles to everyone's face!
RCC wishes everyone a year of prosperity!
Think you can be th
e lucky winner?
Results
SATURDAY, 20 Feb 2016
(Lake) Winners Loh Kum Chu with President.
en & Lee Yuke Lan
4 Ball Better Ball (Stableford) Lake Course
WINNER : LOH KUM CHUEN & LEE YUKE LAN
53 PTS
2nd : TAN JOO EE & CHRIS CHIA
(Palm) Winners Thom as Chu & Brian Seah with Vice-President .
Palm Course
WINNER : BRIAN SEAH & THOMAS CHU
50 PTS
50 PTS
2nd : KENNETH ONG & TOM WU
49 PTS
3rd : MICHAEL HO & ALAN YAP
49 PTS
3rd : FREDDIE NG & RONNIE SIM
48 PTS
4th : JUDY QUEK & DENISE SEOW
48 PTS OCB
4th : MARCUS HENG & PATRICK YEO
46 PTS
5th : TONY JIANG & TONY KOH
48 PTS
Novelty
Novelty Nearest the Lion – Hole 11 JAMES TAN 0.02 metres Nearest the Pin – Hole 16 NICHOLAS CHEW 0.03 metres
Nearest the Lion – Hole 6 YOSHIMURA 1.6 metres Nearest the Pin – Hole 12 SAMIR BEDI 0.4 metres
17
‘Nourishing A Smart Brain’ Seminar
4 March 2016
D
o you know what it takes to cultivate an astute brain? Is it popping more vitamins or consuming more fruit? On 4 March, Dr Ang Poon Liat conducted a seminar for 30 participants at RCC, and shared how each individual’s genes and body respond to different types of food and lifestyles. A renowned pediatrician, nutritionist, anti-aging practitioner, autism therapist as well as author, Dr Ang strongly believes that, “The brain is what you feed; you get what you give. It’s the master of the house; an organ survivor.”
Dr Ang sharing the tips for a smart and healthy brain.
Some brain food which has been identified: 1. Fish such as salmon and cod, which are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are essential for brain growth and function; 2. Colourful vegetables also give high level of antioxidants to keep brain cells strong and healthy; 3. Other brain food includes eggs, nuts, wholegrains, berries, beans and yoghurt.
Eat right and experience the difference it can make to your body!
Chairman of LSSC educating the participants on the importance of eating right.
From the oohs and aahs we heard from the audience, we are pretty sure that many have benefitted from the seminar! Now, it’s time to stock up on those brain boosters!
The participants absorbing all the health tips from Dr Ang!
18
Golf
Monthly
Medals
T
he March Monthly Medal in Conjunction with Mercedes Trophy Qualifying Round 2016 was cancelled due to inclement weather and unplayable conditions of the course.
April 2016
‘C’ DIV. MEN’S APR 2016 Saturday, 2 April 2016 Format : Stableford Lake Course Winner: Tan Wei Ming HI: 18.2, 43 Pts. Runner-Up: Ng Song Cheng HI: 20.8, 42 Pts.
RESULTS
‘A’ DIV. MEN’S APR 2016 Saturday, 2 April 2016 Format : Stableford Lake Course
Ju Kai Meng
Winner: Ju Kai Meng HI: 10.1, 42 Pts. 1st Runner-Up: Tan Lee Hong HI: 9.8, 40 Pts. 2nd Runner-Up: Chen Liang How HI: 10.3, 38 Pts.
Tan Wei Ming
‘A’ DIV. LADIES APR 2016 Saturday, 2 April 2016 Format: Stableford Lake Course Winner: Boo Geok Ching HI: 11.5, 40 Pts. Runner-Up: Judy Quek HI: 14.1, 37 Pts.
‘B’ DIV. MEN’S APR 2016 Saturday, 2 April 2016 Format: Stableford Lake Course
Mark Oh
Winner: Mark Oh HI: 11.1, 44 Pts. OCB 1st Runner-Up: Nakamura Kunio HI: 13.7, 44 Pts 2nd Runner-Up: Yam Jong Fuat HI: 11.8, 42 Pts
Boo Geok Ching
‘B’ DIV. LADIES APR 2016 Saturday, 2 April 2016 Format: Stableford Lake Course Winner: Ibolya Stark HI: 19.6, 42 Pts. Runner-Up: Chen-Horng Hwa Shu HI: 22.7, 41 Pts. Ibolya Stark
19
Mercedes
Trophy Qualifying Round 2 April 2016
T
he Mercedes Trophy Qualifying Round was held on Saturday, 2 April 2016, which coincided with the April Monthly Medal & Quarterly Prize Presentation.
Many of our players battled fearlessly in the windy and hot conditions at the Lake Course. Despite the heat, the
n Winn ‘A’ Div. Me
e c k B e ng er, Chua T
winners from the respective divisions were pleased to be rewarded with prizes sponsored by Mercedes and also a chance to compete in the country finals against the winners from other country clubs in Singapore, which will take place at Jurong Country Club in June 2016.
‘B’ Div. Men 1st Ru
Hole In One
Achievers
nner-Up, John Yam
Albert Lim Chor Gian (15801) Palm Hole 12, 105m, 26 February 2016
Chua Kang Leong (13193) Palm Hole 17, 160m, 26 February 2016
20
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
GOLF
RESULTS
‘C’ DIV. MEN
Saturday, 2 April 2016 Format: Stableford
‘A’ DIV. MEN Winner: Chua Teck Beng HI: 8.6, 37 Pts. Runner-Up: Derrick Tay HI: 8.2, 36 Pts.
‘B’ DIV. MEN
Nakamura Kunio
LADIES DIV
Chua Teck Beng
Winner: Mark Oh HI: 11.1, 44 Pts. Runner-Up: John Yam HI: 11.8, 42 Pts. OCB
Winner: Nakamura Kunio HI: 13.7, 44 Pts. Runner-Up: Ko Yeo HI: 14.8, 41 Pts.
Winner: Chen-Horng Hwa Shu HI: 22.7, 41 Pts.
Chen-Horng Hwa Shu
Mark Oh
, Ko Yeo ‘C’ Div. Men 1st Runner-Up
Tan Wei Ming, Winn
Nilesh Navlakha (15596) Palm Hole 3, 138m, 27 February 2016
Lau Kok Chuan (14256) Lake Hole 2, 110m, 11 March 2016
Sng Yeow Chai Roderic (14905-0) Lake Hole 16, 129m, 01 March 2016
Lew Kit Foo (14438) Lake Hole 16, 129m, 16 March 2016
er of lucky draw
Tan Choon Seng (14793-01) Lake Hole 8, 191m, 24 March 2016
21
Upcoming
Club
Competitions MAY 2016 7 May 2016 May Monthly Medal (Palm PM, Strokeplay) 14 May 2016 Captain’s Day (Lake PM, Shotgun) 28 May 2016 Inter-Club Friendly: RCC vs JCC (Lake PM, Shotgun)
June 2016 4 June 2016 June Monthly Medal (Lake PM, Stableford) 18 June 2016 Senior & Evergreen Medal (Lake PM, Timesheet) 26 June 2016 SGA ICL (6th Leg) – JCC vs SeletarCC (Palm PM)
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
Your G lf SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
Calendar
GOLF
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
26
27
28
Labour Day (PH)
Private Tournament / Palm AM 64pax
Replacement Public Holiday
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
29
30
31
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Private Competition / Lake & Palm PM Double Shotgun
Lake Course Closed AM Only
Lake Course Closed AM Only
Lake Course Closed AM Only Private Tournament / Palm PM 24pax
Private Touranment / Lake & Palm PM Double Shotgun
Private Tournament / Lake PM Shotgun
Private Tournament / Lake PM Shotgun
Lake Course Closed AM Only
May Monthly Medals / Palm PM Strokeplay
Captain's Day / Lake PM Shotgun
Vesak Day (PH)
Interclub Friendly RCC vs JCC / Lake PM Shotgun
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
Lake Course Closed AM Only
June Monthly Medals / Lake PM Shotgun
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Palm Clourse Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Clourse Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed AM Only
19
20
21
22
23
26
27
28
29
30
Private Tournament / Palm PM 40 pax
SGA ICL 2016 (6th Leg), JCC vs Seletar / Palm PM Private Tournament / Palm PM 40pax
Palm Clourse Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Clourse Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed AM Only
Senior Ladies Evergreen & Junior Medal / Lake PM
24
Lake Course Closed AM Only
25
Lake Course Closed AM Only
*Calendar is accurate as of 15 April 2016, and is subject to changes. Kindly refer to RCC website for latest event calendar. Private Competition Course Closed Club Competition/Event Lifestyle Public Holiday
23
Inter-Club Golf Friendly:
RCC vs Kelab Golf Negara Subang 28 February 2016
The golfers all smiley while posing for the camera.
"Beware of crocodiles!"
R
CC played host to our Malaysian counterpart, Kelab Golf Negara Subang (KGNS), in a friendly inter-club golf game on 28 February 2016 at the Lake course.
We received our guests warmly on an equally warm and breezy Sunday morning. The green speed of 9.5 made Lake a joy to play on. Our guests only had compliments for the well-manicured course. From mere acquaintances at the start, all players quickly became fast friends with the scenic course as the backdrop. Fast-forwarding to the results, having home-ground advantage certainly helped and RCC emerged the winner. The day eventually came to a close, but not before we witnessed the robust camaraderie that was evident with our new-found friends from KGNS. We look forward to seeing them again in the near future!
24
John Yam with Vice-Captain Paul Singh setting off!
Red colour for an au
spicious game!
RESULTS (Top 15 pairs score) Team RCC: 701 points Team KGNS: 643 points Winners Champion: Nelson Yeo & Loh Kum Chuen 1st Runner up: Allan Tan & Eddie Sua 2nd Runner up: Chris Chia & Tan Joo Ee
54 points 51 points 49 points (OCB)
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
GOLF
Selamat Datang, KGNS!
Golf, a game that brings like-minded friends together!
Becoming fast friends after dinner.
Vice-Captain Paul Singh making a speech. Champion Nelson Yeo & Loh Kum Chuen.
1st Runner up Allan Tan & Eddie Sua.
2nd Runner up Chris Chia & Tan Joo Ee.
25
HSBC Youth Golf Challenge 14 – 16 March 2016
Erika Layson - 'A' Di vision Girls 1s t Runner-Up.
Norazman Aidil Nor Amani Bin Runner-up. t 1s , ys Bo 'B' Division
A BIG thumbs up for the winners!
T
he Palm Course added another feather in its cap this year with the hosting of another major tournament – the 3rd leg of the HSBC Youth Golf Challenge that took place from 14 to 16 March 2016. The contestants were made up of the top junior players in Singapore, all vying for the top spot. As we are experiencing the El Nino effect right now, the sweltering heat and challenging course conditions
proved a little too much for some of our young players. Nonetheless the hardy ones emerged at the top! It is noteworthy that RCC’s junior golfer, Erika Layson, came in firstrunner up in the 3rd leg. The top-ranked players in this leg will participate in the regional national amateur open. You can refer to the SGA website for more details and full results - www.sga.org.sg.
Captain receiving a token of appreciation from the organiser.
Prize Presentation Division 'A' - 15 to 17 years old
Boys
Girls
Name
Homeclub
HI
Div
3 Days Gross
Winner
Ryan WONG Wey Ren
SGA-NSRCC
+1.9
A Boys
227(76,74,77)
1st Runner-Up
Desmond KIM
SGA-KepC
2.5
A Boys
229(78,78,73)
2nd Runner-Up
BAEK In Su
OCC
+0.4
A Boys
233(80,75,78)OCB
3rd Runner-Up
Warren LEE
SICC
3.9
A Boys
233(77,76,80)
Winner
Jacqueline YOUNG
SGA/SSS-WGCC
1.5
A Girls
222(75,72,75) 237(79,79,79)OCB
1st Runner-Up
Erika LAYSON
SGA-RCC
1.9
A Girls
2nd Runner-Up
OU Yang Hua
GBN
+0.3
A Girls
237(77,77,83)
3rd Runner-Up
Nicole MOK
SSS-KepC
4.2
A Girls
238(80,82,76)
Division 'B' - 12 to 14 years old
Name
Homeclub
HI
Div
3 Days Gross
Winner
Emerson BOON
NSRCC
4.0
B Boys
239(82,81,76)
1st Runner-Up
Aidil Nor Amani Bin Norazman
SSS-Par72
5.8
B Boys
248(78,88,82)
2nd Runner-Up
Maximus TOH Jun Fai
TMCC
5.2
B Boys
252(86,82,84)
3rd Runner-Up
John HO Weng Shing
SICC
4.5
B Boys
257(90,84,83)
Winner
JIN Jiarui
SICC
7.3
B Girls
242(79,80,83)
1st Runner-Up
Inez NG Xin Yi
JCC
7.8
B Girls
248(84,80,84)
2nd Runner-Up
KHOO Qi Lin Vanessa
SGA-SelCC
3.6
B Girls
258(89,87,82)OCB
3rd Runner-Up
Rachel Annabelle MASWI
OCC
6.7
B Girls
258(88,87,83)
Boys
Girls
26
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
GOLF
27
RCC vs KLGCC Inter-Club Game / Trip 17 – 20 March 2016 (4D3N)
E
ager participants of the RCC-KLGCC Inter-Club Friendly Game / Trip (17-20 March 2016) gathered at RCC early at 5am on 17 March for their breakfast and departure to Kuala Lumpur (KL). There was some apprehension of the Equinox hot weather and the El Nino effects, which was expected. Everyone arrived on time and the party left in two coaches without a hitch. Crossing the check-points on both sides of the causeway was a breeze.. The first social game arranged at Glenmarie’s Valley Course in the afternoon upon arrival in KL caused a flurry of excitement when members from Bus A suggested a Team Competition between the two buses to inject some fun into the social game. A consensus was reached to play the Team Competition in Stableford Format and the top 15 combined scores of each team would go towards the Team Competition scores. The hilly, undulating fairways of the Glenmarie Valley Course were beautiful and very friendly. Everyone enjoyed the game and the beautiful scenery. There were pauses throughout the game as everyone took every opportunity to capture the moment and the beauty of the course with their camera phones. The enthusiastic golfers also posed in every way imaginable, making the game doubly fun and enjoyable! The weather was fine with a bit of drizzle to cool the warm temperatures. After the game, we were treated to a sumptuous seafood dinner hosted by RCC. The highlight of the dinner included a birthday celebration of the ‘birthday trio’: Lady Captain, Ms Cheong Yoke Keng, Mr Michael Tan and Ms Christine Hwang. It was also announced at dinner that Bus B was the winner of the Team Competition by 19 points! The next social game was held in the early morning of the second day at the Tropicana East Course, which was a bit more challenging than Glenmarie. It was another well-maintained course. This time around, Bus A was given the advantage of 9.5 points to balance up the Team Competition. Bus A seemed to have woken up from their defeat of the previous day and they gave their best to redeem themselves. At the end, their efforts paid off and they beat Bus B by 20 points even without utilising the 9.5 points given to them! After the game, lunch took place at Tropicana Golfers’ Terrace instead of travelling to a restaurant as originally planned. This helped save time
28
A group photo at the grand porch!
and allowed us to have a free and easy programme in the afternoon. Many took advantage to visit the Mid-Valley shopping mall where they were staying. On the third day, RCC arranged a practice game at the KLGCC East Course so as to give our team the experience of playing on both of our hosts’ beautiful and challenging golf courses. After an early lunch hosted by KLGCC, we teed off in the humid and hot weather but all enjoyed the thrill of the challenges. Some were happier than others when they won some money for their better performance. The Welcome Dinner hosted by KLGCC was much appreciated by the guests. There was good food and great entertainment by members from both clubs. The evening overflowed with laughter and everyone was game to join in the fun. Many showed hidden talents:
Albert Tan, Dato' Mustafa, Patrick Low and Datuk Syed Tamin Mohamed
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
GOLF
Mr Lo Swee Wen gyrated like a professional dancer to the music, Mr Derrick Tay and staff Ms Michelle Honor belted out songs in English and Mandarin, which was matched by active participation from the hosts. Free flow alcohol during the evening left some tipsy. Letting their hair down, they danced without reservations. New friendships were forged and old ones rekindled. The night was indeed memorable. The final day started early with breakfast at KLGCC, followed by the must-have group photo-shoot before the shotgun start on the misty morning. As the day drew on, the temperatures soared and the pressure to perform also shot up. Many struggled to conquer the challenging fairways and greens. Some claimed to have played their worst game in their life, but all agreed that the KLGCC West Course was beautiful and yet challenging. At the Farewell and Prize Presentation Lunch, we shared our sorrows and joy (of our passion for golf) and congratulated those who had won.
Longest Drive - 228m Soo Thean Ling
Nearest The Line, Hole 9 11in -Patrick Low
In this instance being an away game, RCC lost the challenge trophy to KLGCC where many of their members had the advantage of home course knowledge. Our Captain vowed to return the hospitality next year at RCC and win it back! After thanking and bidding farewell to our generous hosts, we headed home with happy and beaming faces. It was indeed one of the most enjoyable trips that was well planned and equally well executed. With that, we thank the RCC Staff and Management for their time and effort in ensuring that members had a good time.
Nearest The Pin, Hole 15 - 9ft 10in -Tony Jiang
What a spread!
Prize Presentation Novelties – Azlan Md Isa (KLGCC-Committee) Novelty
Hole
Name
Distance
Longest Drive Nearest To Line Nearest To Pin
# 18 (MEN) #9 # 15
Soo TL (RCC) Patrick Low (RCC) Tony Jiang (RCC)
228 Meter 11 Inches 9 Feet 10 Inches
RCC Best Pair – Anthony Tong (KLGCC- Committee) Placing
Name
Hcp
Point
2nd Runner Up
Ng Kay Meng Janet Tan
24 34
1st Runner Up
Jason Chua Thong Tuck Seng
20 18
Winner
Tan Teck Seng James Tan
16 16
40 24 64 OCB 32 33 65 33 35 68
TOTAL
TOTAL
TOTAL Overall Best Pair – Dato’ Mustafa Mohd Ali (Captain KLGCC) Placing
Name
Hcp
Point
Winner
Samir Bedi (RCC) Soo Thean Ling
1 11
36 39 75
TOTAL Inter Club Team Winner – Dato Mustafa & Patrick Low (Captain) Team
Score
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club Raffles Country Club
13 1/2 6 1/2
29
SGA Inter-Club League 2016
T
he season started as early as the month of November 2015, when the best players were selected to be Team RCC.
Selection trials, which were held from December 2015 to January 2016, managed to crystalize the formation of the team. New players have also been injected into the team to ensure a good mix of experience and new talent.
the ante and target at the number 1 spot for the 2016 season. Much emphasis has been put into such attributes like team spirit, commitment, cohesiveness and good etiquette for the team members to abide by. During the span of six months, Team RCC will be practising hard and play as scheduled :
Having achieved the historic 2nd overall in the SGA ICL 2015 season, the team has the daunting challenge to up Date
Leg
Venue
Match Session
10/4/2016 24/4/2016 29/5/2016 12/6/2016 26/6/2016 10/7/2016 24/7/2016 7/8/2016 21/8/2016 4/9/2016 18/9/2016 2/10/2016
1st 2nd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th
Sembawang Country Club (SCC) S’pore Island Country Club (SICC) Changi Golf Club (CGC) Laguna National Golf & CC (LNGCC) Jurong Country Club (JCC) Seletar Country Club (SelCC) Sentosa Golf Club (SGC) Keppel Club (KC) NSRCC (Kranji) Ochird Country Club (OCC) Keppel Club (KC) Warren Golf & Country Club (WGCC)
RCC Vs Keppel RCC vs Laguna RCC vs OCC RCC vs SICC RCC vs TMCC RCC vs SCC RCC vs NSRCC RCC vs CGC RCC vs SelCC RCC vs WGCC RCC vs SGC RCC vs JCC
30
PM PM AM PM AM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
GOLF
Men's Division
Ladies Division
S/no Name
Roving
HI
League Management
S/no Name 1
Division
Jessie Oh Leng Gek - Ladies Div Captain
Roving
Evergreen
HI 9
1
Patrick Low Kai Yen - Club Captain
11.3
2
Paul Singh - Club Vice-Captain
8.1
3
Cheong Yoke Keng - Lady Captain
16.3
1
Erika Layson
A
1.7
4
John Yam Jong Fuat - Team Captain
8.6
2
Maisarah Binte Sa'adon
A
4.9
5
Ben Chua Teck Beng - Team ViceCaptain/ Men Premier Div Capt
7.5
6
Alan Koh Siew Sing - Sponsorship/ Men B Div Capt
B/Senior
10.4
Premier Division (HI up to 4.9)
A Division (HI up to 11.0)
B Division (HI between 11.1 to 18.0) 1
Judy Quek Lee Tiam
B
11.7
2
Elvina Wong Hee Hua
B
12.2
3
Wu Xiang
A/B
11
1
Abdul Hadi Bin Uda Thith
+2.0
4
Maria Teo Ching Ching
A/B
13.8
2
Samir Bedi
+0.4
5
Denise Seow Shy Tyng
A/B
14.5
3
Tan Yong Jia
3.8
6
Judy Cho Yong Kum
A/B
17.1
4
Dane Ang Tuan Juin
4.3
Evergreen Division (50years or older as at 1 Jan 2016)
5
Calvin Raymond Lee
7.9
1
Theresa Ng Lian Moi
Evergreen
15.8
2
Esther Oh Mui Kim
Evergreen
15.9
1
Zabrina Tan Show Tin
A/ B / 12.8 Evergreen
2
Jennifer Tan Yim Hong
A/ B / 14.1 Evergreen
3
Jennifer Teo Cheng Tho
A/ B / 15.5 Evergreen
4
Candy Teh Guek Hong
A/ B / 19.4 Evergreen
Premier/A
A Division (HI between 5.0 to 9.9) 1
Lau Wing Cheok - Men A Div Capt
7.9
2
Sebastian Song Lye Hock
6.2
3
Eric Tan Kim Vey
6.6
4
Robert Stark
7.2
5
Bryan Chen Liang How
7.8
6
Sam Peck San Hai
8.7
7
Raymond Lim Han Sin
8.8
8
Albert Ng Chai Choy
9
Henry Lim Eng Lee
A/Senior
9.3
A/B
10.1
B Division (HI between 10.0 to 15.0)
Development Squad S/no Name
HI
1
Yeo Bee Kheng
10.3
2
Patrick Lye Kwang Pheng
10.5
1
Nakamura Kunio
3
Victor Lem Kean Su
10.7
2
Bobby Bong Chong Choi
4
Mark Oh Kian Kiau
11
3
Dave Wang Tee Hau
14.5
5
Brian Seah Chin Leong
11.6
4
Tan Wei Ming
17.1
6
James Tan Kheng Hoe
12.9
5
Gan Shou Ying
15.8
7
Ko Yeo
12.7
8
Bobby Ang Poh Hock
12.9
9
Michals Kwan Mei Kam
10
Tan Teck Seng
11.8 12
13 13.5
Senior Division (55years or older as at 1 Jan 2016) 1
Frankie Yeap Chee Leong - Men Senior Div Captain
6.4
2
Wong Yee Seong
4.1
3
Wang Hwee San
6.6
4
Kalaimani S/o Mariappan
8.1
5
Chandarasekaran S/o Gopal
7.7
6
Derrick Tay
7.8
7
Teo Keow Seng
8.9
8
Ju Kai Ming
9.4
9
Willie Ong Hoo Eng
10.1
31
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
GOLF
Teeing Off On Time By Dennis Ee, RCC Golf Manager
W
hen you make a tee time with a golf club, you are making an appointment to begin your round of golf at the allotted time. Once a tee time is assigned, the starter will assume that the golfer will arrive before, or on time. In golf etiquette, it is always emphasised that golfers must arrive at the tee off point and report to the starter five minutes before the tee off time, be it a social or competition round. When you make a golf booking, it means: 1. The club has made a promise to hold that 7.30am tee time for you and ensures you can start your round at that time. 2. You have made a promise to the club that you will be there earlier or on time to begin your round at 7.30 am. When golfers are late for their tee time, the course does not suddenly stop the whole golfing process. Nobody in the Golf Office is going to say ‘Stop the game!’ because you are late and the starter will not tell everyone that we are going to have to wait until you show up. The game continues with or without you, and on time for everyone. In golf, if you are late or you miss the tee off time, the following will happen to you. Under Social Round If you are the only one that is late, and there are sufficient golfers in the flight to tee off on time to be consistent with the weekend control of play, the starter will allow the flight to tee off without you.
e s i v d a e s plea e s u o t o t o ph If the whole flight is late for the tee off, the starters are authorised to allow the flight behind you to take over your position. Your flight will then be allotted the last tee time if this happens. The starter has the discretion to fit you in if there is a gap between tee times, but because you fail to show up on time you have lost your right to tee off and you are just another flight waiting for a spot to open up. Under Competition Round The Committee may provide, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), that if the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Otherwise, the penalty for breach of Rule 6-3 is disqualification. So, if you do not wish to be subjected to the above, don't miss your tee time! If you have been assigned a tee time, please get to the course five minutes before your tee time. Similar to catching a plane, if you miss it, you miss your flight out. So remember to check in early to board your plane on time!
33
e l y t s e f i L The Key to Aging: the “Force” By Dr Ng Shyh-Chang Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School), A.B. summa cum laude (Princeton University) Principal Investigator, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR
T
he highly-acclaimed movie director George Lucas’ “Star Wars” series, has inspired an entire generation of science fiction fans. But if there was one part that was not just pure fantasy, it would be the source of the “Force”, which Lucas called “midi-chlorians”. The midi-chlorians are a loose representation of mitochondria in our cells, and in fact they were named after the Midichloria, a type of bacteria that resemble our cellular mitochondria. Scientists have been repeatedly confirming that mitochondria are actually the key to cellular longevity. Just what are mitochondria? Mitochondria are subcellular organelles, much like tiny cells within each cell. They function as power generators within each cell. More than 2 billion years ago, the bacterial ancestors of mitochondria began a symbiotic relationship with our ancestor cells, in response to an increase in the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere on Earth. As these symbiotic bacteria co-evolved with us over time, most of the bacterial or mitochondrial DNA was transferred to and consolidated within the DNA of our eukaryotic nucleus. A remainder of 37 genes in the mitochondrial DNA of humans resisted this transfer during evolution. Of these 37 genes, almost half encode metabolic enzymes involved in oxygen consumption and energy production efficiency.
34
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
LIFESTYLE
Mitochondria represent a central hub within the complex metabolic networks of our cells. They are responsible for: (i) the citric acid cycle which fuels ATP synthesis and thus energy production. The citric acid cycle also generates intermediates for amino acid and lipid synthesis, which are critical for our cellular protein and membrane integrity, (ii) the β-oxidation chain which oxidizes fatty acids to fuel the citric acid cycle. These mitochondrial metabolism pathways have the potential to generate reactive oxygen species, or what we call free radicals. Leakage of high-energy electrons from the mitochondrial membrane, during energy production, is the major source of toxic free radicals in cells. These free radicals can damage mitochondria, leading to more leakage of electrons, and thus further damage, in a vicious cycle. Over time, increasing damage induced by free radicals can compromise the maintenance of stem cells in our body, which are the cells most sensitive to free radicals, and cause tissue aging. Indeed, mitochondrial damage has consistently been implicated in aging in organisms ranging from yeast, worms, flies, frogs, fish, mice, and monkeys [1]. Several lines of evidence, in turn, support the notion that a decline in adult stem cell numbers and function drives aging-related syndromes, whereas enhanced tissue regeneration by adult stem cells can delay aging [1]. In order to prevent aging, it is therefore necessary to understand the genes which directly regulate mitochondrial activities during stem cell aging, and the signaling pathways that coordinate mitochondrial maintenance during stem cell aging [2]. At the genomic level, it has been demonstrated that heritable mutations and variants in mitochondrial DNA can affect our stem cells and greatly increase the chances of degenerative diseases during aging [2-3]. Because such a multitude of genetic factors and pathways ultimately converge on the mitochondria as the primary mechanism
to modulate cellular and tissue aging [2-3], it would be most efficacious to find and develop ways to direct mitochondrial repair in stem cells, as a unified strategy to combat aging-related degenerative diseases in the future. So who wants to live as long and as healthily as Yoda, with the life “Force” of a Jedi Master? The answer lies in your mitochondria. References 1. Min-Wen JC, Jun-Hao ET, Shyh-Chang, N. (2016). Stem cell mitochondria during aging. Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology doi:10.1016/j. semcdb.2016.02.005. 2. Jun-Hao ET, Gupta RR, Shyh-Chang, N. (2016). Lin28 and let-7 in the metabolic physiology of aging. Trends Endocrinology Metabolism doi: 10.1016/j. tem.2015.12.006. 3. Khaw, S. L., Min-Wen, C., Koh, C. G., Lim, B., and Shyh-Chang, N. (2015). Oocyte factors suppress mitochondrial polynucleotide phosphorylase to remodel the metabolome and enhance reprogramming. Cell Reports 12(7), 1080-8. Highlighted in Straits Times, Asian Scientist, Bioinsights, A*STAR Research Highlights
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MOTHER'S & FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL
Celebrating
Mums and Dads! By Justine Moss
W
ith Mother’s Day happening on Sunday 8th May and Father's Day being celebrated on Sunday 19th June, Justine Moss checked out a few places around Singapore in which to celebrate these important days.
Cook & Brew - Broccoli & Bacon Cheese Burger
Cook & Brew Located on level 33 of the Westin Singapore, this is the perfect place to sit in a comfortable chair, gaze at the amazing view and indulge in a fabulous food and beverage menu. The restaurant is helmed by Canadian Executive Chef Aaron Foster who has brought his modern interpretation of comfort food and classical bar favourites, paired with a number of craft beers. One can either sit at a table or on a bar stool at the bar you can either order at the bar or at one of the tables in the restaurant. Available in both the lunch and dinner menus, I would definitely recommend one of the juicy gourmet burgers that have been made with top-grade US beef. If there are a few of you, then try all the burgers! The Montreal Burger packs a punch with its house-smoked Montreal meat which has been crafted by curing beef brisket with cracked peppercorns, coriander, garlic and mustard seed over 21 days. The beef patty and red onions is served with fries with Rosemary and shaved Parmesan, and Canadian mustard. Do also try the Hawker Burger – a well-marinated char siew-style pork jowl with crispy pork belly, served on top of the beef patty together with sambal mayonnaise, sliced green pickled chilies, and fries tossed in chili. Another is the superb Broccoli & Bacon Cheese Burger which I could quite happily eat again and again – a beef patty topped with creamed broccoli, double thick house-smoked mapleglazed bacon and American cheddar. Other delicious offerings include the Polenta & Dutch Veal Brisket, with its milk-braised veal with kale and glazed turnips, and the Butternut Squash Gnocchi, a hearty potato gnocchi and goat cheese dish with smoked tomatoes and basil.
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The drinks menu is very extensive and includes a selection of more than 100 craft beers from 22 different countries. Ph: 6922 6948 www.thewestinsingapore.com
Dallas Suntec Main Dining Area
Dallas Restaurant & Bar Dallas Restaurant & Bar in Boat Quay celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion recently opened its new outlet at Suntec City Sky Garden, which has an al fresco space in addition to the inside restaurant and bar. Bring an appetite as the portions are generous and you’ll be wanting to try a number of the delicious dishes which include a selection of bar snacks, salads, burgers, sandwiches and main courses. There is a wide selection of beers on tap or by the bottle, over 40 wines from Australia and New Zealand and a number of cocktails on the menu (check out their happy hour too). I would recommend the Snapper Fish Tacos ($22 / $8 for additional piece) which consists of battered deep-fried snapper spread on tortillas with homemade pineapple chutney, onions and cabbage. Another must try is the three-piece Crispy Pork Belly Tacos ($14 / $5 for additional piece) which comes with crunchy crackling, guacamole and aioli. Both are simply divine. There are also Jalapeno Croquettes which go perfectly with beer. If there are a few of you then indulge in the Dallas Meat Platter ($70 for two / $130 for four) which comes with lamb cutlets, pork ribs, rotisserie chicken, prime rib steak, roasted potatoes and a selection of sauces. It is absolutely superb and the top grade meat is cooked to perfection. If you just want to try one meat then go for the Prime Rib Steak ($40) – Dallas serves up 100-day grain fed Australian beef for this dish. A slab of prime rib is lightly seasoned and slow roasted for 15 hours before 250g is sliced and finished on the grill for perfect medium-rare doneness. Ph: 6333 4068 www.dallas.sg
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
LIFESTYLE
Mandarin Oriental Singapore This newly launched Breakfast in Bed for Mum room package is available exclusively over the Mother’s Day weekend, and features accommodation in one of the hotel’s City Suites for the family. Children are part of the package too as they will be taught how to create their own heart-shaped pancakes at the live gourmet station of the newly refreshed Melt Café with some assistance. They will then help to put together the breakfast trolley and deliver this treat in-suite, so that Mum can relax and enjoy breakfast in bed. Priced at SGD 1,500 per night, the Breakfast in Bed for Mum package includes a one night’s stay in City Suite with high speed internet access and complimentary late check-out till 4pm; welcome floral bouquet; up to four sets of delectable Mandarin Oriental breakfasts (including pancakes) served in room Ph: 6885 3030 www.mandarinoriental.com Marina Mandarin Singapore PeachBlossoms
Goodwood Park Hotel Coffee Lounge
complimentary longevity buns, pan-fried US Kurobuta pork with malted onion and wood-fired Beijing duck served with homemade crepes. If you want an extra treat for mum, pamper her with a special room package in either a junior or poolside suite which includes buffet breakfast, late checkout and discounted spa and hair services. And of course don’t forget the hotel’s signature D24 Durian Mousse Cake and Durian Kueh Lapis available from the hotel’s Deli. Ph: 6737 7411 www.goodwoodparkhotel.com Trenchard Arms Scotch Egg
Marina Mandarin Singapore There’s nothing quite like an authentic Cantonese cuisine feast so tuck into this Father’s Day Set Menus at their award-winning Peach Blossoms. Traditional Cantonese fare and dim sum spiced up with a modern twist will be served. Other highlights include Poached Live Prawns served with Homemade Soya Sauce, Deep-fried Marble Goby served with Superior Light Soya Sauce, Stir-fried Pork Collar in X.O Chili Sauce as well as Braised 8-headed Whole Abalone with Crispy Charcoal Bean Curd in Superior Oyster Sauce. Promotion is from 11th June to 19th June. Ph: 6845 1118 www.marinamandarin.com.sg/dining Goodwood Park Hotel Celebrate Mother’s Day by indulging in sumptuous buffet spreads, fine continental cuisine, English afternoon tea as well as Sichuan and Cantonese fare at Coffee Lounge, Gordon Grill, L’Espresso, Min Jiang and Min Jiang at OneNorth (No. 5, Rochester Park) respectively on 7 and 8 May 2016. There are so many items to choose from and each establishment features some highlights. These include dim sum, laksa, Nonya chicken curry, baked salmon en croute carvery station, slow-roasted U.S. prime beef rib eye, Farm duck leg confit with foie gras, camphor tea smoked duck, double boiled bird’s nest with lotus seeds and red dates,
Trenchard Arms If you’re an Anglophile then pop off to Katong and enjoy a refreshing pint of craft beer or cider, and a plate of delicious British fare at Trenchard Arms. Located in East Coast Road, Katong, the sister establishment of Rabbit, Carrot, Gun has fabulous craft beers and ciders on tap which you can enjoy either propped up at the bar or in a comfortable armchair. The menu consists of sharing platters, mains, sandwiches and desserts. Check out the ploughman’s lunch and gourmet beef burger with fries which are two of their signature dishes. Other quintessential English dishes include Fish & Chips, Cumberland Sausages and Mash and Pies. Wash it down with draft and bottled beers and cider as well as white and red wine – house pour drinks range from $10 to $14. It’s a cool place to hang out and enjoy a few drinks post-round and watch the world go by in historical Katong. Ph: 6348 8568 http:www.rabbit-carrot-gun.com
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Travelogue:
Vietnam Golf Trophy 22 - 24 February 2016 By Dennis Ee & Alan Tan
T
he Vietnam Golf Trophy, held in Hanoi, Vietnam, took place from 22 to 24 February 2016. It was an event organised by a local tour agent in Vietnam, An Phong Tourist & Trade, which attracted a diversity of 115 participants of 14 different nationalities. Among the participants, there were six RCC members and 1 RCC Management staff, who signed up for the competition. The event also saw many familiar faces from other Singapore golf clubs. The competition was a three-day golf event played at three different courses in Hanoi – Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club, Tam Dao Golf Resort and Phoenix Golf Resort. The players arrived in Hanoi on 21 February 2016 and were greeted with cool wintry weather. Temperatures ranged between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius and it was reported to be much cooler this year as compared to the same month in previous years due to the cold snap, which made golfing a lot more pleasant. On Day one of the competition, the participants teed off at the Sky Lake Resort and Golf Club. This is a new addition to our ever-growing list of reciprocal clubs. This golf club boasts two beautiful PGA-standard 18-hole golf courses, namely the Sky Course and Lake Course. The players had the privilege to play at the Sky Course on this occasion. The course is relatively young but with excellent layout and tricky terrain to test the skills of each player. The game was played based on System 36 format and the handicap arising from this round was to be used for the remaining two rounds. The organiser also injected a fun element into the game by introducing the “Power Play Novelty” to two holes. If a Player exercises this option – a Net Par or Better, results in double the points. So a Net Par on that Hole, will mean four points,
ue!
oks dashing in bl
The gentlemen lo
a Net Birdie will mean six points and a Net Eagle will mean eight points. However a Net Bogey on that Hole will result in - 3 and Net Double Bogey or Worse will result in - 4 points. This got many players working harder for the hole. Some reaped the rewards but some paid a hefty price for incurring minus points for the hole.
A picture of peace and serenity.
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On Day two, the competition was held at Tam Dao Golf Resort. This is a more matured course as compared to Sky Lake Resort and Golf Club. Designed and built by IMG, the course beautifully winds itself through the natural terrain of the National Park lowlands. It is another challenging course with bunkers and water hazards strategically placed to await every errant
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
LIFESTYLE
Breathtaking view of the course.
A big 'Hi' from Vietnam!
shot. The caddies were well-trained and many agreed that you would be better off trusting the caddies’ line than your own. Day three saw the golfers venturing further than usual. Everyone got a little impatient with the longer than usual traveling time to the competition destination, but we were well rewarded with stunning scenery of the courses surrounded by Guilin-like Mountains. Phoenix Golf Resort is located 40 kilometers north of Hanoi in an area referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’. The view from the course and clubhouse is spectacular as the limestone brings out the character of the course. For those who were playing here for the first time, the heavenly scene of the course was so breathtaking that you would remember it for the rest of your life. The highlight of the event was when the players were treated to a boat trip at Ha Long Bay on Day four. The scenery was remarkable and the perfect spot to wind
down and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Gala Dinner and Prize Presentation were held in the Exotic Cave of Ha Long Bay, offering a whole new experience to the Ceremony where golfers were turned into ‘cave men’ on this night. RCC member, Mr. Tom Yeo, did well in the competition, winning both Overall RunnerUp, for his age group of 65 years and above, and the Winner of the Sky Lake Course Competition. Both writers, Dennis and Allan, had the honour of being interviewed by Vietnam VITV for its golfing programme. Some of us also took the opportunity to golf at Long Bien Golf Course, a public course nearest to Hanoi city centre, and they also paid homage to another reciprocal club, Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club, which was in pristine condition. Indeed it was a memorable trip and everyone vowed to return to the beautiful golf courses of Hanoi.
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Sydney Swing
One Air Ticket, Four Reciprocal Clubs
By Justine Moss
I
n a country where there are over 1500 golf courses – the oldest two clubs being the Australian Golf Club in Sydney formed in 1882, and the Royal Melbourne Club (1891) – Sydney and the state of NSW have a fine selection of nine and 18 hole layouts. Raffles Country Club is proud to have four of them as reciprocal clubs. Avondale Golf Club This has been rated in the Top 10 Courses in Sydney, the top 15 Courses in NSW and the Top 60 in Australia. The original course, which opened in 1927, was designed by architect and golfer Eric Apperly but has had a number of enhancements made in recent years by designer Ross Watson and Australian professional Craig Parry. The Par 71 course measures 6,059 metres from the black tees. It is shorter than most championship courses and trees play a big part here so accuracy is essential. It is also home to one of the most challenging finishing holes in Sydney. The par-4 requires a strong tee shot up the left-hand side that will need to go 230 metres for you to see the green, otherwise play along the right-hand side and leave a long iron or possible fairway wood to the twotiered green guarded by deep bunkers. Par here and you will enjoy the 19th even more. Facilities include a superb clubhouse which was built in 1927, a pro-shop, restaurant and function rooms. Avon Road Pymble NSW 2073 Ph: (+612) 9449 6455 administration@avondalegolfclub.com.au www.avondalegolfclub.com.au
The Lakes Golf Club Host of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Australian Open, in addition to Australian PGA and Johnnie Walker Classic
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events, this club is located 15 minutes from Sydney’s central business district. The four Par 5's including the famous water carry on the 14th hole provide a challenging test for every golfer, and with the entire course built on the Sydney Sandbelt, the golf course is regarded as one of the best wet weather courses in the region. The final nine holes border the Botany Aquifer and wetlands area, and there is an abundance of wild life and spectacular views to enjoy while playing a round. There are many good holes to mention, however according to their website, their par-5 11th (528 metres from the blacks) is one of the best long holes in the country. The fairway bunkering has been repositioned a little but the basics of placing the ball properly with the long second shot are still critical to playing the hole well. The green is located closer to the water – and when the pin is on the right it will be better to approach from close to the water. The surest way to make more than six is to find the water. To make an easy six, tack the ball around the left middle of the fairway and do not fool around with the edges of the green with the pitch shots. Facilities include driving range, short game facility, clubhouse, restaurant and spa/sauna. Cnr King St & Vernon Ave Eastlakes NSW 2018 Ph: (+612) 9669 1311 info@thelakesgolfclub.com.au www.thelakesgolfclub.com.au
Macquarie International Golf Club Located 35 minutes from the airport and around 45 minutes from the central business district, this Robin Nelson-designed course is a combination of links style golf with a heathland character. Therefore, while it does
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
LIFESTYLE
have that traditional links feel, there are gorgeous native grasslands, flora and fauna dotted all over the course. Nelson has made use of existing (and created manmade) creeks and the natural contours of the land to create some lovely natural holes, which are all individually named. The par-3 11th ‘Billabong’ is the signature hole and can be quite intimidating - a mid to long iron needs to be struck solidly over the ravine to a narrow green. Any mishit shots will be lost to the 'billabong.' A truly spectacular hole that will have your nerves racing. The toughest hole on the course is hole 15 ‘Sheep Dip’ which requires length and accuracy. Either a long iron or wood needed for water carry which runs the length of the hole and around the back of the green. If you score a four here you should be happy. Facilities include driving range, practice chipping and putting greens, practice bunker, clubhouse, pro shop, restaurant and function rooms. Macquarie Links Drive Macquarie Links NSW 2565 Ph: (+612) 8796 5888 www.macquarielinksgolfclub.com.au
ST. Michael’s Golf Club Having been ranked as one of NSW’s top 10 golf courses, and currently one of the top 50 in the country, St Michael’s par-72 layout, which has hosted the Australian PGA and the NSW Open, is tough yet beautiful. Located within the Botany Bay National Parkland, adjoining the Pacific Ocean, the course designers Glancey and Moran(1938) had a vision of designing a tough championship links course, without disturbing the natural terrain and beauty of the Little Bay peninsula. The result is simply stunning and if you have time do make sure a round here is included on your itinerary. There are many wonderful holes - the par3 fifth requires a chute like tee shot, over a sandy 140m carry, and challenging up and downs from both sides of a sloping green. A par on this hole is most rewarding. The pro’s tip on this one is to hit to the front edge of the green and check the wind conditions. The par-4 finishing hole offers a last opportunity to test yourself, and requires an impressive intimidating tee shot through a narrow treelined fairway. There follows a narrow long approach to a big green, with bunkering set away from the green on the left and right. Facilities include a clubhouse, bistro and pro-shop. Jennifer Street Little Bay NSW 2036 Ph: (+612) 9311 3321 admin@stmichaelsgolf.com.au www.stmichaelsgolf.com.au
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s e i t i l i c a F
Lake and Palm Course Greens Core Aerification
Removing coring tines from the green surface.
L
ake and Palm course greens underwent aerification works in March to relieve ground compaction, promote root growth and overall plant development. This process is necessary for the long-term well-being of the green turf. The green aerator machines were fitted with many small quarter-inch hollow tines, which aid in the removal of more organic materials from the green profile, while preventing severe injuries from being inflicted onto the turf. After coring, organic materials were removed and soil amendment applied to gradually alter the soil structure in favour of plant growth. This was followed by sand top-dressing, to fill up the coring holes and provide new material for plant roots to set in.
Green surface after blowing off organic materials, old sand and debris.
Application of soil amendment to improve sand structure. Core aerator fitted with Ÿ� tine working on the green.
Organic materials being cored out from green profile.
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Sand topdressing to fill up the coring holes.
Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
FACILITIES
Deep Tine Aerification on Fairways Work is completed on the following holes: Lake: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 Palm: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 18 This cultural practice is ongoing and targeted to be carried out on all fairways.
Brushing in of sand into the coring holes.
Tractor-towed deep tine aerifier working on fairway.
Green surface after sand brush and watered in. Vent holes created 9� below surface.
Pond Works Deepening of shallow ends palm hole #14 canal to improve water circulation and minimise algae bloom.
Rolling to smoothen out putting surface.
Deepening of shallow base canal.
Green surface 4 days after core aerification. Set up of floating pump to remove algae.
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Improvements
around the Club
Changing to LED lights at the Golfers’ Terrace
Machine at Buggy Area
The lights at Golfers' Terrace have been changed to LED light bulbs. These LED lights help to save energy and do not attract as many insects as conventional lights.
The Club has added an ice machine at the Buggy Area to speed up the process of ice box replenishment by staff and golfers. Golfers no longer need to go all the way to Golfers’ Terrace just to top up their ice boxes. What a relief!
Please feel free to give us your suggestions on our green initiatives or improvements for the Club!
Painting Markings
of
Road
For the safety of all members, the Club has painted road markings on buggy tracks leading to both golf courses. The markings facilitate buggy traffic, which aid in preventing dangerous situations such as accidents caused by golfers cutting in and out of the road. With road markings to guide golfers, the Club hopes to create a safer environment for all.
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Raffles Connection • May - Jun 2016
FACILITIES
Replacement of Cushion Tiles on 4th floor of Multi-Storey Car Park Re-painting of Buggy Parking Lines beside Golfers’ Terrace
Due to regular wear and tear, coupled with Singapore's erratic weather conditions, the old rubber cushion tiles at the multi-storey car park have become warped.
To facilitate the parking of buggies next to Golfers’ Terrace, the buggy parking lines have been re-painted to provide clearer buggy parking lot demarcations and a more orderly parking system.
To circumvent this potential tripping hazard, the old tiles have been replaced. These new tiles are more resilient against our hot and humid weather, which means a longer lifespan and thus cost savings for the Club.
Installation of Insect Repellent at Rain Shelters CREEPY CRAWLIES BE GONE! With the erratic weather conditions, it has been observed that there is an increase in the number of flying insects around the rain shelters when members stop by to keep away from downpours. In addition to the routine pest control measures, the installation of insect repellent at Palm course Hole 10 rain shelter and Lake Course Hole 15 rain shelter will help members keep the creepy crawlies at bay!
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s
b u l C d e t a i cal / Affil
Recipro 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 Sanctuary Lakes Club Victoria, Australia St. Michael’s Golf Club New South Wales, Australia Sun City Country Club Western Australia, Australia The Cut Golf Course 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) Western Australia, Australia Wanneroo Golf Club Western Australia, Australia
BRUNEI
Pantai Mentiri Golf Club Brunei Darussalam
CHINA
BFA International Convention Center Golf Club Hainan Province, China Guangzhou Foison Golf Club Guangzhou, China Meishi Mayflower International Golf Club Hainan Province, China Shanghai Sun Island International Club Shanghai, China Kunshan Sun Resort & Club Jiangsu Province, China
Tianjin Fortune Lake Golf Club Tianjin, China
Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club Hanoi, Vietnam
Tianjin Warner International Golf Club Tianjin, China
The Montgomerie Links Vietnam Quang Name Province, Vietnam
INDIA
AFFILIATED CLUBS
Oxford Golf & Country Club Pune, India
INDONESIA
Finna Golf & Country Club East Java, Indonesia Gunung Geulis Country Club West Java, Indonesia
BRUNEI
The Empire Hotel & Country Club Negara Brunei Darussalam
CAMBODIA
MACAU
CHINA
*Weekday only
The Dunes Hainan Province Island, China
Ashinoko Country Club Shizuoka, Japan
Macau Golf & Country Club Macau
MALAYSIA
Glenmarie Golf & Country Club Selangor, Malaysia Kelab Golf Negara Subang Selangor, Malaysia Kelab Golf Sarawak Sarawak, Malaysia Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club Selangor, Malaysia Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia Selangor, Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Meru Valley Golf & Country Club Perak, Malaysia Tropicana Golf & Country Resort Selangor, Malaysia
PHILIPPINES
Alta Vista Golf & Country Club Cebu City, Philippines Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club General TriasCavite, Philippines
Mission Hills Golf Club Shenzhen, China Nanjing SunIsland Leisure &
VIETNAM
Yangzhou Prime International Vacation Club Co. Ltd Shanghai, China
Araluen Country Club Western Australia. Australia
JAPAN
Suzhou SunIsland International Club Jiangsu Province, China
Resort Club Co. Ltd Jiangsu Province, China
AUSTRALIA
Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club Hai Duong, Vietnam
Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club Phnom Penh Capital, Cambodia
Orient Pearl Golf Club Beijing, China
INDONESIA
Rancamaya Golf & Country Club Ciawi Bogor, Indonesia
JAPAN
Robert Trent Jones II Clubs
MACAU
Macau Golf & Country Club Macau *Weekend only
THAILAND
Blue Canyon Country Club Muang Kaew Golf Club Samutprakarn, Thailand
Chiangmai Highland Spa and Golf Club Chiangmai, Thailand RESTRICTED LOCAL RECIPROCAL CLUBS**
SINGAPORE
Jurong Country Club* (Expires on 31 May 2016) Keppel Club
Orchid Country Club
Danang Golf Club Da Nang City, Vietnam
Sembawang Country Club
Long Thanh Golf Club Dong Nai Province, Vietnam
Seletar Country Club
Warren Country Club
**Booking via club balloting
For more information and assistance, please feel free to call the Golf Reception Counter at 6861 7655 or e-mail: golfrecep@rcc.org.sg
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Club
ry o t c e r i D / Facilities DIRECTORY Golfing Reception Ms. Maszni Bt. Mamat Golf Administration Officer maszni.mamat@rcc.org.sg 6861 7655 Tournament & Corporate Booking Mr. Yen Yee Kiat Executive (Sales & Marketing) yeekiat.yen@rcc.org.sg 6864 0880
GOLFING
Golfing Operations Mr. Hamzah B. Ahmad Executive (Golf Operations) hamzah.ahmad@rcc.org.sg 6864 0826
Golf Reception Tel:6861 7655 / Fax: 6861 5563 Open Daily: 7:00am - 6:30pm
F&B / Banquet Mr. Mervyn Chia Asst. Restaurant Manager mervyn.chia@rcc.org.sg 6864 0833
Golf Courses – Palm & Lake Open Daily: First tee-off: 7:14am Last tee-off: 6:15pm (9 holes) LAKE COURSE Green Fee (Guest) Mon to Fri, am: $117.70 Mon to Fri, pm: $171.20 Weekends & PH: $235.40 Green Fee (Visitor) Mon to Fri, am: $171.20 Mon to Fri, pm: $235.40 Weekends & PH: $374.50 PALM COURSE Green Fee (Guest) Mon to Fri, am: $96.30 Mon to Fri, pm: $139.10 Weekends & PH: $235.40 Green Fee (Visitor) Mon to Fri, am: $149.80 Mon to Fri, pm: $203.30 Weekends & PH: $374.50 Buggy Fee / Golfer $24.61 / 18 holes $13.91 / 9 holes Driving Range Tel: 6861 6563 Opening Hours: Mon: 1:00pm - 9:00pm Tue to Fri: 8:00am - 9:00pm Sat: 7:00am - 9:00pm Sun: 7:00am - 7:00pm PH: 7:00am - 8:00pm Last issue of ball: 45 minutes before closing time Ball Fees $1.46 / 30 balls $2.15 / 50 balls $4.30 /100 balls Pro Shop Tel: 6863 3551 Open Daily: 7:00am - 6:30pm Rental of golf sets is available Palm Halfway House Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm Weekends & PH: 8:15am 5:00pm Changing Room Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00am - 8:00pm
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Lifestyle Mr. Joeness Lamban Executive (Operations) joeness.lamban@rcc.org.sg 6864 0823 Membership Ms. Sau Man Ling Executive (Membership) manling.sau@rcc.org.sg 6864 0812
SPORTS & RECREATION Recreation / Reception Tel: 6861 7649 / Fax: 6862 3965 Open Daily: 8:00am - 9:00pm
Housekeeping Ms Lim Shu Peng Executive (Housekeeping/M&E) shupeng.lim@rcc.org.sg 6864 0800
Jackpot Room Mon - Sun: 11:30am - 8:45pm (Inclusive of public holidays) Card / Mahjong Room Open Daily: 8:00am - 9:00pm Table Fee: $5.35/5 hour/session Guests: $10.70 per entry Fitness Centre Open Daily: 8:00am - 9:00pm Members: FOC Guests: $5.35/guest/day Sauna Open Daily: 8:00am - 9:00pm Members: FOC Guests: $2.14/guest/day Tennis / Squash Courts Open Daily: 8:00am - 9:00pm Court Fee*: $3.21/hour Badminton Court Open Daily: 8:00am - 9:00pm Court Fee*:$10.70/hour Swimming Pool Open Daily: 8:00am - 9:00pm Members: FOC Guests (Mon to Fri): $1.07/guest/day Karaoke Closed on Monday Open Sun, Tue, Wed & Thur: 4:00 - 9:00pm Open Fri & Sat: 4:00 - 11:00pm *No guest rates
FOOD & BEVERAGE Golfers' Terrace Tel: 6861 7649 Open Mon to Fri: 7:00am 8:00pm Weekends & PH: 7:00am - 9:00pm Open to members and golfers only The Albatross Lounge Opening Hours: Tue to Sun & PH: 4:00 - 9:00pm Fri & Sat: 4:00 - 11:00pm Mon Closed Open to members and guests only Available for private function booking Fu Lin Men Chinese Restaurant Tel: 6862 1838/9 Open Daily: 11:30am - 3:00pm 6:00 - 10:00pm Open to public Fukuya Japanese Restaurant Tel: 6897 1990 Open Daily: 12:00 - 3:00pm 6:00 - 10:00pm
Accounts Ms. Magdaline Chin Assistant Manager (Finance) 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 website: www.rcc.org.sg email: feedback@rcc.org.sg