RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB NEWSLETTER | July - August 2016 by Raffles Country Club

RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB NEWSLETTER | July - August 2016

Happy Birthday

Singapore

Raffles Country Club Singapore www.rcc.org.sg

Vol

s t n e t n o C

GENERAL COMMITTEE President Dr Daniel Goh Vice President Tony Jiang

New Members' Introduction Night

Raffles Charity 2016 - with a difference

Snapshots

Uniquely Singapore F&B!

Treasurer Henry Kwok

Stop Your Pain!

Secretary John Goh

Celebrate Our Nation's Birthday at Home!

Central Coast Swing in Vietnam 44

EVENTS Perth Golfing Holiday

Captain Patrick Low

LIFESTYLE

CLUB NEWS

Chairman, Golfing & Greens Patrick Low Chairman, Communications & Marketing Alex Eow Chairman, Lifestyle & Social Yong Kah Teck

Chairman, Discipline & Lady Captain Cheong Yoke Keng

TRAVELOGUE Sydney Golf Trip

Chairman, Food & Beverage Tony Jiang

Chairman, Facilities & Estate Hoe Boon Leong

GOLF Monthly Medal

Inter-Club Friendly: RCC vs Gunung Geulis

Captain's Day 2016

Inter-Club Friendly: RCC vs JCC

Caring for Your Courses

Tips to the Top

SGA Centralised Handicapping System (CHS)

Finance Manager Anthony Low anthony.low@rcc.org.sg 6864 0828

Greens Improvements

Course Superintendent Christine Chung christine.chungbhivat@rcc.org.sg 6861 2725 Golfing Operations Manager Dennis Ee dennis.ee@rcc.org.sg 6864 0836 F&B/Lifestyle Manager Cristo Fong cristo.fong@rcc.org.sg 6864 0863

FACILITIES 35

MANAGEMENT General Manager Richard Foo richard.foo@rcc.org.sg 6864 0889

A Little Dirt Harms Your Ball Flight 34

Improvements around the Club

Deputy Chairman, Finance & Establishment Ronald Pereira

Sales & Marketing/ Communications Manager Joanne Ng joanne.ng@rcc.org.sg 6864 0838 Facilities Manager 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) 170/04/2016 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

AGM

Annual General Meeting

2016

16th Annual General Meeting 23 September 2016, Friday Time: 7:30pm Venue: Stamford Suite All members are cordially invited to attend the AGM. Please note that registration commences at 6:30pm.

s ' t n e d i s Pre ge

Raffles Connection â&#x20AC;˘ Jul - Aug 2016

Messa

I have been pondering about how RCC can attain a true premier club status and have concluded that we need a good combination of heartware and hardware. Heart-ware means excellent service in every aspect of the Club's operations. Members who have visited Japan should agree that services in Japan are second to none. So what has made Japanese attuned to provide service with pride and professionalism? I believe it is part of their culture. A good example is shown by the way they greet each other. Japanese greet each other by bowing to one another. This signifies an exchange of mutual respect. I believe excellent service can only thrive when there is mutual respect between the servers and the receivers. Our golfing reception staff provide excellent services to members as revealed by the survey we did on the Club's operations. I believe one major contributing factor is because they are well treated by Members. Since the staff handle golf bookings, members do make special efforts to be nice to them.

Club to improve its operations for our members' enjoyment. When you find a member of staff doing something well, please give him/ her an acknowledgement. This will encourage staff to excel for our members' enjoyment. Please treat our staff well so that they can serve us better. Another heart-ware is how should Members greet each other? Do we want a Club where members just walk past each other without a greeting or a Club where a member smiles and acknowledges each other whenever we meet? To be a premier club, we should practise the latter and treat each other as fellow members. Hardware encompasses the physical infrastructure of the Club such as golf courses, social and recreational facilities. How premium can the infrastructure be will depend, to a large extent, on how much we can spend on them. Basically, there are two ways to steer the decision on the Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hardware.

What about other service staff, especially those at the GT? GT staff are at the receiving end of complaints whenever there are problems with food, slow service etc. And most of the time, these problems were not even caused by them.

The first is to spend what we can afford and acquire the best possible hardware for our members' enjoyment over the remaining period of the current land lease, assuming the cost and possible extension are not known. If and when the land lease becomes extendable, members who opt for the extension will just do a top up for the extension.

My hope is when you find something wrong with the Club's operations; please provide feedback with the aim to help Management to rectify the problem and to prevent future occurrences. This will help the

The second way requires the Club to save as much as it can to pay for the lease extension when it becomes available. However, the land lease may not be extendable like that of Keppel and when the Club ceases its

Dr Daniel Goh President

I believe excellent service can only THRIVE

WHEN THERE IS MUTUAL RESPECT between the servers and the receivers.

operations, all remaining assets shall be donated to approved charities as stipulated in the Constitution. This is also not fair to members who may not want or require a lease extension. Although I am inclined towards the first approach, this is a decision that members should make so that Management can take the correct approach when undertaking hardware upgrading. Let us collaborate together to build a Premier Club at RCC. Thank you.

l a n o i Nat Day n o i t i t e Comp Tuesday, 9 August 2016 Course: Lake Course

Session: 0730 hrs Shotgun start Format: Four-Ball-Better-Ball (Stableford) Fees: $48 (Includes Entry, Buggy Fees, Dinner & Prizes) Closing Date: Tuesday, 9 August 2016 For more information, call 6861 7655 or email golfrecep@rcc.org.sg.

age r e v e B & od o F f o e n g a a s s e Chairm eM e t t i m m o Sub-C

My first message in February 2015 was how I saw the Club and what I wished for it to become. After learning the ropes, I wrote of the need to make major changes on how we operate so that the Club is financially sustainable. I put forth a proposal to the GC on what we at the FBSC wanted done. A month later, as Chairman FBSC, I revealed plans to bring back the good old days to our F&B outlets. We revealed in June 2015, FBSCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to run GT on our own. Plans to bring in new operators to upgrade the Chinese Restaurant, provide more dining choices and bring in some revenue from unused capacities were shared. Some of my friends thought I was a little mad for these initiatives, but the GC has always been supportive. In February 2016, I gave an update on the operations of GT and reported two of the three restaurants have opened. In late May, the Lakefront Restaurant became operational, serving Western and Halal meals. With that, we have completed the F&B outlets as planned, leaving us with the task to oversee the qualitative aspects of these operations. In this final message and before the end of my term as VP and Chairman of FBSC, I would like to give you an insight on our journey with GT and some reflections on my experience as VP. Since we took over GT on 9 July 2015, we had a new kitchen crew. As we finetuned the operations, there was staff turnover, which is a natural attrition in our drive to improve service. Changes to the new kitchen team cost us an extended learning curve and increased operation costs. As a result, we suffered a higher loss in the first six months than expected. However, I am pleased to report that with decisive action taken, we are much better off today. We now have a strong

and hardworking kitchen team; minor adjustments still need to be made, but these are ongoing processes. We now have a team trained to not just serve at GT but also take on selected functions, thereby keeping such requirements in-house from now. Over the last few months, our financial position has also greatly improved. You will hear more about this in the coming AGM. The light at the end of the tunnel is now much brighter compared to five months ago. We expect to do much better financially in the next FY. GT is likely to start breaking even about a year from now. This is good news considering we set up GT from scratch and our selling price is the lowest among local golf clubs. We thank our members for returning to support our outlets instead of eating out after their games, as many did two years ago. Let me share a few words as VP. I volunteered my time to serve our Club and make concrete changes, which in my judgment is for the betterment of the Club. I believe all the objectives I set for myself have been achieved. It has not been smooth sailing. As with any change, there is bound to be resistance. Resistance I faced, and quite unpleasant ones, but fortunately these were isolated and few as compared to the support I get from members at large. Today, while I experience a very pleasant time at the Club, I also face long faces from some members. I want to assure these few members that I honestly put all your collective needs ahead of anything else in serving you. I address issues and processes, not individuals. If any of my actions offended you personally, it was never my intention. It is just that your needs do not match with my perception of what our members' collective needs are. I can assure you, from the bottom of my heart, I have no personal agenda

Raffles Connection â&#x20AC;˘ Jul - Aug 2016

Tony Jiang Vice President, Chairman of Food & Beverage Sub-Committee

The light at the end of the tunnel IS NOW

MUCH BRIGHTER COMPARED TO FIVE MONTHS AGO.

nor do I need to establish any legacy as I am fully retired and will be very happy to return to my retirement and resume the pursuit of my hobbies, which I have shelved for the past two years. As I approach the final months of my two-year commitment, I thank you for your support and understanding and above all, the fantastic work done by the Club Management to make this all possible. For me, there is still work to be done until September.

s ’ r e g a n a eneral M

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

e g a s s e M

Warm greetings from Sunny Raffles! In a wink of an eye, we have passed the sixth month mark of 2016. I hope all is well with everyone and the first half of the year has been more than good for you! It has been an exciting time for us at Raffles. From the Golf Course Maintenance department, I am pleased to share that in May the new irrigation pump station was successfully installed at the Palm Course. The old pump station was 28 years old and has finally retired. The new Variable Frequency Drive pump is of the latest technology, energy efficient and does not produce a ‘hammering’ effect on the existing aged irrigation pipe lines. In early June, we also welcomed the arrival of 80 brand new units of Procar golf buggies. Those who played in the Monthly Medals in June, had the privilege to get a first-hand experience of the new buggies. I would like to take this opportunity to thank members for their feedback on the new buggies. We also seek your patience as there are teething problems to be rectified. Equipped with an enviable range of accessories to enhance our members’ golfing experience, we are sure you will be doubling your visits to the Club in the months to come! Recently we had our last Inter-Club Friendly against Jurong Country Club. Although Raffles won having home-ground advantage, we were more than pleased to have had the opportunity to interact with our sister club one last time before they close their doors at the end of the year. This is when the Singapore Land Authority reclaims the land where JCC now sits on for the High Speed Rail project. Read all about it on Pg 26.

We held the Kopi Chat 2016 on Saturday, 11 June, at Albatross, to share with members the results of the RCC Survey 2016. For those who attended, a big thank you for your presence. This year’s survey witnessed a total of 487 members submitting the survey forms either using the online portal or the hard copies. We saw an increase of about 140 respondents from last year’s survey. The Committees and management are indeed heartened and inspired by the response and would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey forms. With your invaluable feedback and suggestions that we have received, we are now able to better assess our areas of weaknesses. With the feedback that we have, together with the survey results, the management will work out an action plan together with the respective Sub-committees on the way forward and how we can continue to make improvements. This will be shared with all members in the next issue of the Raffles Connection. So please stay tuned! July is the month for our annual Raffles Charity event. Raffles Charity 2016 will take place over the weekend on 2 (Saturday) and 3 (Sunday) July. Turn to Pg 10 for a Raffles Charity Special and find out what makes this year’s charity event so different as compared to those in the past. With the Club President Dr Daniel Goh at the helm, this year’s joint-charity which is organised together with Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs to cast a wider net, is our way of reaching out and giving back to the community. The combined efforts in this jointcharity will strengthen the support for this event and open doors for the sick, the old and the less privileged in our neighbourhood.

Richard Foo General Manager

The combined efforts in this joint-charity

WILL STRENGTHEN THE SUPPORT FOR THIS EVENT AND OPEN DOORS FOR THE SICK, the old and the less privileged in our neighbourhood.

August sees Singapore celebrating its 51st birthday. As we bid SG50 goodbye and hail the arrival of SG51, here’s wishing Singapore many happy returns, peace, racial harmony and good health in terms of good economic growth and vibrant trade relations to improve the quality of life island-wide. See you at the Club soon!

Saturday, 16 July 2016 Lake Course

Session : 1300 hrs Shotgun start Format : Four-Ball-Better-Ball (Stableford) Fees : $40* (Includes Entry, Buggy Fees, Dinner & Prizes)

Closing Date : Saturday, 9 July 2016 For more information, call 6861 7655 or email golfrecep@rcc.org.sg.

Official Hole-In-One Car Sponsor:

Anniversary Cup 2016 in Conjunction with Quarterly Prize Presentation

*Subject to prevailing GST.

Staff of the Month Take a peek behind-the-scenes How long have working for RCC?

you

been

I can remember the day I joined Raffles Country Club as clear as day. It was on 15 November 1990, which means I have been with the Club for twenty-five years and six months now. What is the most memorable experience throughout your stay here? The most memorable experience I had was in the year 1995. It was at around 2am in the morning when I received a phone call from the night guards, informing me that there was no electricity at the Clubhouse.

Worried about how operations would be affected, my poor wife had to tag along as I returned to the Club to reset the main incoming 1,600 amperes breaker, after isolating the faulty feeder to the Maintenance Complex. Working at the back office, what is one motto that you live by? One motto that I live by is, “Safety at Workplace – Fire & Cleanliness is everyone’s business”. What are some of your favourite pastimes? Some of my favourite pastimes include watching TV, listening to music and brisk walking.

Staff

o f the Mo nth

Mr Chua Kiat Beng

Mechanical & Electrical Superintendent

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

CLUB NEWS

New Members’

Introduction Night

20 May 2016

lmost nine months have passed since the last New Members’ Introduction Night (NMI) was held. The socialising event returned with a bang on 20 May 2016.

Members' Name

Membership Number

Mr Low Chee Keong Patrick

16095

As a result of the membership launch earlier this year, we managed to garner a larger gathering for this event. The new additions to the RCC family were warmly greeted by the amiable members of the General Committee and Club Management, as well as the irresistible aroma of delicious food.

Mr Lim Chee Keun

16112

Mr Lam Kwong Seng

16113

Mdm Mill Tan Tee Poon

16122

Mr Wilfred Rachan

16142

On behalf of the Club, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to all new members, and we look forward to seeing them around the Club soon!

Mr Joe Goh Heng Kiat

GG 001

Mr Song Bin

GS 001

Mr Seow Yit Yuee

GS 002

Mr David Wong Keng Yin

GW 001

Mr Derrick Yu

16138

Mr Ong Lai Keong Eric

GO 001

Mr Wu Wei Min

16105

Mr Chang Lian Cheong

WGC 001

Mr Daniel Cheng Kok Hua

WGC 003

Mr James Goh Seng Buay

WGG 001

Mr Miyazawa Kiyohiko

WGM 001

Mr Louis Ong Swee Boon

WGO 002

Mr Bernard Peh Chin Ann

WGP 001

Mr Wilfred Peh Chin Guan

WGP 002

Mr Seet Seng Pun

WGS 001

Mr Tong Chong Heong

WGT 002

Mr Edwin Tay Ngiap Joo

WGT 005

Mr Wu Shen Kong

WGW 001

Mr Haurum Jesper

80049

Mr Nishida Toru

31424

Mr Yumiba Ryohei

31434

Mr Nakano Koki

316221

Mr Galvin Tan Chong Guan

316222

Mr Pepen Handianto Danuatmadja

34391B

Mr Sando Koichi

347112

Mr Jobson Brian

34721

Mr Ebihara Hiroshi

34771

Raffles Charity 2016 - with a difference

ompared to the rest of Raffles Charity events that we have organised since 1990, this year’s charity occasion is a first in many ways. Setting a milestone in the history of Raffles Country Club, Raffles Charity 2016 is co-organised with the grassroots organisations, namely, Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs. For the first time, not only are we reaching out to schools in the Jurong and Tuas vicinities, we are also reaching out to the community through grassroots support via Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs.

BENEFICIARIES CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS 1. Kidney Dialysis Foundation 2. Tan Ah Tah-SAWL Fund 3. Assumption Pathway School 4. Metta Welfare Association 5. Society for the Aged Sick

Taking place over the weekend on 2 and 3 July 2016, more than 1000 golfers are expected to turn up for the two-day event. For the first time, we are honoured to have two guests-of-honour to grace this memorable event: RCC’s Patron, ESM Mr Goh Chok Tong, for the first day (2 July); and DPM and Minister for Economic and Social Policies, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, on the second day (3 July).

6. Handicaps Welfare Association

What makes this year’s event stand out from the rest is that RCC is hosting only the first day of the charity event, on 2 July, and the second day is hosted by Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok CCCs.

2. Jurong West Primary School

This year’s target to raise $750,000 in funds goes to 20 beneficiaries, which are the same as last year’s.

7. Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped 8. St Andrew’s Autism Centre SCHOOLS 1. Boon Lay Garden Primary School 3. Lakeside Primary School 4. Pioneer Primary School 5. Rulang Primary School 6. Boon Lay Secondary School 7. Hong Kah Secondary School 8. Hua Yi Secondary School 9. Jurong Secondary School 10. Jurong West Secondary School 11. Pioneer Secondary School 12. Yuan Ching Secondary School This year’s organising committee has also taken the initiative to call for a face-to-face interview with the schools to discuss how the donated funds have been utilised and to have a better understanding of the students’ needs. Also for the first time, a set of criteria is proposed for the schools on the dissemination of funds to the students. The criteria sets a guideline based on the child’s financial background and academic performance. There is also a requirement that improvements must be seen in the academic results. Indeed this year’s joint-charity is extra special, as it is the combined efforts that help to strengthen support and create opportunities for those who are vulnerable and with less in life.

Raffles Connection â&#x20AC;¢ Jul - Aug 2016

CLUB NEWS

Joint Charity Drive Organising Committee Members A joint effort between Raffles Country Club, Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs

First Row (Left to Right)

Second Row (Left to Right)

Absent

Mr Richard Ong Chuan Huat, BBM, Bukit Batok East CCC Chairman

Mr Kelvin Tan, BBM, Jurong Spring CCC Chairman

Mr Lim Boon Lye, PBM, Bukit Batok CCMC Chairman

Mr Alex Eow Yoke Kee, RCC GC Member, Chairman of CMSC

Mr Henry Kwok Wye Kock, RCC GC Member, Treasurer

Mr Henry Ho Kok Wai, BBM, Jurong Central CCC Chairman

Mr Justin Foo, BBM, Clementi CCC Chairman

Dr Daniel Goh, RCC GC Member, Club President

Mr Francis Loh Kim Choon, RCC Member

Mr Goh Peng Tong, BBM, Taman Jurong CCC Chairman

Mr Roger Tan, Bukit Batok East CCC Treasurer

Mr John Goh Yang Hoe, RCC GC Member, Secretary

Dr Tan Kok Kheng, RCC FBSC Member Mr Ong Kian Chew, BBM, Taman Jurong CCMC Chairman

Snapsh ts Lake Front Restaurant & Pub is OPEN! Following the grand opening of Fu Lin Men Chinese Restaurant in September 2015 and Fukuya Japanese Restaurant in January 2016, the last of the Passion Group restaurants at the Club has finally opened its doors to the members! Lake Front Restaurant & Pub is a Halal-certified F&B outlet specialising in Western and Asian cuisine. Serving up piping hot plates of piquant Nasi Bryani, tender grilled Australian Wagyu Steak, comforting Century Egg & Pork Congee and even Chocolate Lava with Vanilla Ice-cream for those with a sweet tooth, there is something for everyone in its extensive menu! Also, remember to drop by for its F&B promotions! See you there!

Jurong Secondary School (JSS) Cycling Event at Lake Course Cart Path: 30 May 2016 The Club opened its doors to welcome 11 young cyclists from Jurong Secondary School on 30 May 2016, for the very first cycling event to take place at the premises since opening in 1988. The cycling event seeks to build a more inclusive community, by giving them the green light to cycle on the Lake Course cart path. This initiative also seeks to foster their interest in golf, believing that the once in a lifetime experience will aid in encouraging more youths to pick up the gentlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game. The exciting session was followed by lunch, then an introduction to golf at Albatross. We definitely look forward to seeing some young blood on the course after this session!

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

CLUB NEWS

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic – 30 April 2016 Winner of Claude Bernard Watch (Worth $1,027) Yap Chuan Ping (14264)

A solemn-looking guy, you would never have guessed that Jacob Tay, an RCC LSSC member, is a spontaneous and situational comedian. Like a box of firecrackers, Jacob’s sharp wit and humour often knocks the socks off his audience and have them doubling over in laughter. And it was no different on 30 April! Attended by 48 members who were looking for a good laugh, eight of them, who were emboldened by the exuberant response of the crowd, even went up to the stage to share their jokes. With light snacks and beer to oil the wheels of the stand-up comedy, members went home clutching their stomachs from all the laughter that erupted throughout the evening.

Zooming Their Way To RCC . . . VROOM! 40 spanking beasts dotted the Club carpark on 28 May and boy was it a sight to behold! Ferrari Owners’ Club members converged at RCC to hold a Breakfast meeting and the sleek cars certainly got many members swooning in excitement!

Events

Perth Golfing Holiday by RCC Lifestyle 20 May - 24 May 2016

At the Cut Golf Club.

By Leong Yue Wing

total of 28 RCC members and spouses went on this golfing trip. Getting to know one another and expectations for great days ahead started at Changi Airport and on board the SQ flight. Everyone looked forward to five days of enjoyable and challenging golf in some of the best reciprocal courses in Perth: The Cut, Western Australian and The Vines country clubs. We had very good accommodation at the Seashells Mandurah apartment and Crown Promenade Perth Hotel. The apartment was spacious and complete with cooking and laundry facilities. Cooking and washing were certainly not top-of-mind activities, but a simple home-style breakfast in the morning and a warm drink before retiring for the night are good pleasures. Their proximity to the golf courses minimized travel time and thus afforded more time for shopping, downtown visits, meeting lady luck at the casino, and indulging in sumptuous seafood. Chemist Warehouse’s health supplement products bargains, and winning at roulette and jackpot machines were pleasurable talking points on our bus rides.

Golfing was peppered with the usual sixes bets, “saddams”, “birds” and double pars. Friendships were formed and rekindled in the midst of great and erratic swings. The sky opened on us the first day and Perth welcomed us with the biggest storm in two years. We took a side trip to the Fremantle Market for sightseeing and retail therapy. Thereafter, we had three golfing days under fine weather. The numerous post-trip WhatsApp messages spoke volumes of the appreciation from the members. From Sara: “Thank you Yuke Lan for the well-organised trip. Also thanks to Kah Teck and many other assistants who chipped in to help.” And from Peter: “Most importantly thank you each and every fellow golfer for making this trip very memorable. Your fullest support and cooperation enabled the organisers to overcome whatever obstacles along the way smoothly.” These words echoed the feelings of the group. All in all, this was a great trip by the RCC Life Style group. So when’s the next trip?

Raffles Connection â&#x20AC;˘ Jul - Aug 2016

EVENTS

At Seashells Mandurah Service Apartment.

Welcome dinner at Paparazzi Restaurant in Mandurah. Getting ready to tee off. Taking a train from hotel to town for shopping.

Watching sunrise and sunset in Mandurah.

Shopping in Fremantle.

e u g o l e v Tra

Down Under I In Memory Lane By John Goh, RCC Member

n April, a party of four General Committee and four Sub-Committee members spent a hectic, fun and adventurous golfing trip down under visiting reciprocal clubs in Sydney, playing six games at six clubs in just five days! Catching a night British Airways flight to Sydney, we arrived in Sydney in the early hours of the morning. After clearing customs and immigration, we had a quick breakfast at McDonald’s before picking up two rented MPVs and heading to our first stop, the Avondale Golf Club. Everyone arrived at Avondale in high spirits despite the fact that no one slept a wink during the flight, and as though the lethargy was enough to slow us down, we had to lug along a trolley. Before we knew it, we were teeing off at the tee box and raring to go!

At Cypress Golf Club, Hunter Valley, Australia - 17 April 2016

The cool Aussie weather was a much welcome change, even though the good weather was temporarily punctuated by sudden downpours. Dragging the trolley with one hand and an umbrella with the other, we forged on. Fortunately after a few holes, the sun came out and shone on us for the remaining holes. After the game we were warmly greeted at the club restaurant by the CEO, Mr Paul Paterson, and golf manager, Mr Tegan Purcell, who hosted us to lunch and toasted us with the great Australian Avondale beer.

With Avondale's CEO, Mr Paul Paterson.

The second game was at the historical and scenic coastline of 78-year-old St Michael's. In the words of the President Richard Buckley, “St Michael’s is a place on the map but is first and foremost a community of golfers. We came together for friendship, a laugh, the agony and ecstasy of this wonderfully awful game and moreover to share those experiences in a place of great natural beauty!”

Group photo at The Coast Golf Course, Sydney Australia - 18 April 2016.

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

TRAVELOGUE

Lunch hosted by the Captain and General Manager of The Lakes Golf Club - 15 April 2016.

Scenic View of The Coast Golf Club, Sydney Australia.

And indeed it was one of the best natural terrain golf courses I have ever played on, especially the tee-togreen back 9 that was unforgettable, as it sat along the breath-taking Pacific Ocean coastline. In the afternoon, we arrived at The Lake, another championship course that has hosted the PGA and the Australian Open and produced great golfers like Greg Norman.

President, Dr Daniel Goh taking his tee shot at St Michael's Golf Club - 14 April 2016.

fairways are elevated so before you tee off you should make sure the light is green and on some holes you have to ring a bell to signal to the golfers behind that you are out of range. Both Cypress Lake and Vintage are not reciprocal clubs but green fees are not expensive. The weekend rate is about A$90 and weekday about A$60, inclusive of buggy fee.

Although tired, we were not lacking in enthusiasm to play the next 18 holes at The Lake. It was another competition, and this time the General Committee team played against the Sub-Committee team.

A word of caution: if you prefer a buggy to pulling a trolley you have to call in advance to book the buggy. Most golf clubs in Australia do not have many buggies because many golfers prefer to walk and use a trolley.

On our arrival, we were received by the CEO, Mr Andrew Kirkman and the Captain, and we were hosted to a great lunch before tee-off. Indeed, we have experienced the great Australian hospitality!

After two games at Hunter Valley, we made our way back to Bondi to check in to the Meriton apartment, but not before stopping for dinner at a Chinese restaurant, as we missed Chinese food!

Our next two games were at Vintage and Cypress Lake, which are located at Hunter Valley, a two-and-a-halfhour drive from Bondi where we stayed in two service apartments with amazing sunrise views.

On the last day, as our flight back was scheduled at 1530 hrs, we got up early to play our last game at The Coast Golf Course. This too, is a very scenic ocean-side course close to St Michael’s. The green fee for weekday is A$35 from sunrise to 1pm, and buggy rental is A$32 for guests.

The Vintage Golf Club was designed by Greg Norman and located in the Hunter Valley wine region. Unlike St Michael's and The Lake, Vintage is a hilly course and can be quite challenging. It requires some level of fitness to go the entire 18 holes. Hot air balloons are a common sight in this area. The Cypress Lake Golf Club is also situated in the Hunter Valley against the Brokeback mountain range. Some

The course was built in 1965 with some layout redesign being carried out in 2006 due to the construction of a neighbourhood residence, including the building of a new air-conditioned

pro-shop and a storage for buggies. This was a fun-filled and memorable trip down under for the party of eight. Much appreciation goes to the person who made this possible, the organiser Mr David Chew, who is a Sub-Committee member of the Communications & Marketing Sub-Committee. He spent many hours and days planning this trip and also thanks to our Tournament Director, Mr Alex Eow, who came up with so many competition formats, Tour Director, Mr Allan Tan, who was the perfect guide, our money man, Mr Tom Yeo, and last but not least, the most well-equipped was Mr Hoe Boon Leong, Chairman of Facilities & Estate Sub-Committee. He was so well-equipped that he had a set of walkie-talkies for communication for the entire party. Overall champion was Club President, Dr Daniel Goh, and Mr Chris Chua as the longest hitter and as for myself, I am the reporter who helped write about this trip. For one short week, all of us lived like a family in apartments, shopping for groceries, taking turns to prepare breakfast and looking out for one another. Most importantly, we brought home with us memories of the fellowship we shared, the laughter and time spent together playing the game we all love.

We invite members to share with us their golf travel stories by sending their stories to Marcom Department - joanne.ng@rcc.org.sg. All submitted articles will be subject to the Editorial Board’s assessment and approval before publication. The writer of a published article will receive a RCC golf towel!

Golf

Monthly

May 2016

Medals

June 2016

RESULTS

Saturday, 7 May 2016 Format: Strokeplay Palm Course

Saturday, 4 June 2016 Format: Stableford Lake Course

‘A’ DIV. MEN’S MAY 2016

Bryan Chen

Best Nett: Bryan Chen HI: 9.9, 66 Nett Runner-Up Nett: Chandran HI: 8.5, 69 Nett Best Gross: Samir Bedi HI: +0.5, 72 Gross

‘B’ DIV. MEN’S MAY 2016

Victor Lem

Best Nett: Victor Lem HI: 12.9, 70 Nett OCB Runner-Up Nett: Nelson Yeo HI: 17.6, 70 Nett Best Gross: Alan Koh HI: 13.2, 86 Gross

‘C’ DIV. MEN’S MAY 2016

‘A’ DIV. MEN’S JUNE 2016

Sebastian Song

Winner: Sebastian Song HI: 6.9, 45 Pts 1st Runner-Up: Frankie Yeap HI: 8.6, 44 Pts 2nd Runner-Up: Lau Wing Cheok HI: 9.2, 40 Pts

‘B’ DIV. MEN’S JUNE 2016

Yeo Bee Kheng

Winner: Yeo Bee Kheng HI: 11.5, 43 Pts 1st Runner-Up: Koh Yau Chai HI: 17.9, 40 Pts 2nd Runner-Up: Bobby Ang HI: 13.5, 39 Pts

‘C’ DIV. MEN’S JUNE 2016

Best Nett: Loh Kum Chuen HI: 21.9, 69 Nett Best Gross: Kwoh Kok Kiong HI: 24.0, 98 Gross

Winner: Michael Ho HI: 18.5, 43 Pts OCB Runner-Up: Eddie Sua HI: 21.2, 43 Pts

Loh Kum Chuen

Michael Ho

‘A’ DIV. LADIES’ MAY 2016

‘A’ DIV. LADIES’ JUNE 2016

Best Nett: Maria Teo HI: 16.4, 73 Nett Best Gross: Jessie Oh HI: 11.9, 88 Gross Maria Teo

Denise Seow

‘B’ DIV. LADIES’ MAY 2016 Best Nett: Lee Ngak Koon HI: 20.7, 73 Nett Best Gross: Judy Cho HI: 18.4, 97 Gross Lee Ngak Koon

Winner: Denise Seow HI: 13.9, 40 Pts Runner-Up: Maria Teo HI: 15.7, 35 Pts Runner-Up: Cheong Yoke Keng A/C 16 Pts, 0.5 Ball

‘B’ DIV. LADIES’ JUNE 2016 Winner: Irene Lye HI: 25.7, 40 Pts Runner-Up: Regina Wong HI: 18.8, 39 Pts Irene Lye

Raffles Connection â&#x20AC;¢ Jul - Aug 2016

GOLF

Hole In One

Achievers Patrick Lye Kwang Pheng (15986) Lake Hole 08, 191m, 05 April 2016

Cheong Poh Yan (13255) Lake Hole 14, 140m, 06 April 2016

Low Kai Yen Patrick (15191) Palm Hole 03, 138m, 07 May 2016

Chan Bak Chua (15822) Palm Hole 17, 160m, 20 May 2016

Mdm Teo Suan Khim (16113-02) Palm Hole 03, 98m, 28 May 2016

Tan Keng Huat (14230) Lake Hole 14, 140m, 28 May 2016

Upcoming

Club

Competitions July 2016

2 & 3 July 2016 Raffles Charity 2016 9 July 2016 July Monthly Medal (Palm PM) 10 July 2016 SGA ICL 2016 7th Leg - SICC vs WGCC (Palm PM) 16 July 2016 RCC Anniversary Cup in Conjunction with Prize Presentation (Lake PM, Shotgun)

August 2016 6 August 2016 August Monthly Medals (Lake PM) 7 August 2016 SGA ICL 2016 9th Leg - Sentosa vs TMCC (Palm PM) 9 August 2016 National Day Golf Competition (Lake AM, Shotgun) 14 August 2016 RCC Invitational (Lake PM, Shotgun)

Raffles Connection â&#x20AC;¢ Jul - Aug 2016

Your G lf SUNDAY

MONDAY

Calendar TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

GOLF

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Lake and Palm Course Closed PM Session

Raffles Charity Day

SGA ICL 2016 7th Leg - SICC vs WGCC / Palm PM

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Palm Course Closed Whole Day Private Tournament / Lake PM Shotgun

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Public Holiday Hari Raya Puasa

Lake Course Closed AM Only

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Lake Course Closed AM Only

Lake Course Closed AM Only Private Tournament / Lake PM Shotgun

Private Tournament / Lake AM Regular Tee Off

Private Tournament / Lake & Palm PM Double Shotgun

Private Tournament / Lake AM Regular Tee Off Private Tournament / Lake PM Shotgun

July Monthly Medals / Palm PM

RCC Anniversary Cup in Conjunction with Prize Presentation / Lake PM Shotgun

Johnnie Walker Night

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

SGA ICL 2016 9th Leg - Sentosa vs TMCC / Palm PM

RCC Invitational / Lake PM Shotgun

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Public Holiday National Day National Day Golf Competition / Lake AM Shotgun

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Private Tournament / Lake PM Shotgun

Lake Course Closed AM Only

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed AM Only

Private Tournament / Lake PM Shotgun

Private Tournament / Lake & Palm PM Double Shotgun

Lake Course Closed AM Only Private Tournament / Lake PM Shotgun

August Monthly Medals / Lake PM

Private Tournament / Lake PM Shotgun

*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

Inter-Club Golf Friendly:

RCC vs Gunung Geulis 9 - 12 May 2016

n 10 May 2016, the Club organised an Inter-club golf friendly with our Indonesian Reciprocal Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gunung Geulis. Located at an elevation estimated between 400 and 500 metres above sea level, and with lush greenery, Gunung Geulis is a stunning course to play on. The par-4 first is the courseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature hole and has an elevation of about 10-storeys high from tee-box to fairway. Members from both clubs enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships forged on the greens and there was continuous chatter and laughter throughout the game. Besides the Inter-club game, members also enjoyed a game of golf at Rancamaya Golf & Country Club as well as Royale Jakarta Golf Club which was the venue of the Indonesian Masters 2015.

Golfers all ready to jet off!

Are those pine cones or durians?

Golf is in the air!

Sit-ups on the golf course is the new trend!

Raffles Connection â&#x20AC;˘ Jul - Aug 2016

GOLF

A much anticipated game at Royale Jakarta!

Posing with the beautiful deer.

Golf is best when playing with good company.

Hello from the othe

r side.

Let's do a thumb's up! No, let's pinky promise!

Captain’s Day 2016 14 May 2016

his year’s Captain’s Day 2016 marked another year of spirited golfing and fellowship amongst RCC members, in the name of Captains.

The golf event played under sunny blue skies, which was a blessing as it had been raining everyday throughout the week. The initial plan was to have the shotgun game in the afternoon but it was moved to the morning which was a wise move. Who would have thought that the skies would open up followed by torrential rain just an hour past noon?

A high-five betwee

n Captain and Lady

Captain.

This year’s edition had the Club Captain and Lady Captain forming a team, playing against the rest of the teams with an added motivation - a friendly golf “Saddam-betting” initiative. Teams with higher Stableford points based on a 4-ball-better ball format won in this friendly wager. With novelty prizes and merit prizes at stake, members played their utmost to get rewarded. A delicious sit-down Chinese lunch was served at Fu Lin Men Chinese Restaurant for the Captain’s Day luncheon. Club Captain, Patrick Low, addressed the audience with a run-down on the golfing activities and happenings in the Club. This was followed by a presentation by Golfing Manager, Dennis Ee, on the latest golfing initiatives and works which have been carried out by Golf Operations, the Course Superintendent/ Horticulturist, Christine Chungbhivat, and the Golf Course Maintenance team. It was indeed a well spent afternoon for all participants, keeping abreast of what the Golfing & Greens Sub-Committee had been up to and immersing in the friendly interaction with fellow members. After the lunch and prize-presentation, everyone went home satiated with good golf, good company and good food. Captain appreciates all who took the the time to participate in this annual event and we look forward to seeing everyone again at the next Captain’s Day!

Some major badass golfers on the course!

The Bond Girls unleashed!

Hip hip hooray to RCC Captain's Day!

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

GOLF

Results

Saturday, 14th May 2016 Novelty

Nearest the pin @ Hole 2 Teresa Lim (15107-02) 0.18m

Patrick Lye Winner Alan Koh & . with Lady Captain

4-ball-better-ball (Stableford) Lake Course Winning : Alan Koh (15829) Team Patrick Lye (15986)

53 PTS

2nd Team : Henry Yu (10681) Heng Thye Yong (14746)

51 PTS

3rd Team : John Yam (15620) 50 PTS Jeffrey Yeo (14525) 4th Team : James Tan (14727) Koh Jit Chua (15521)

49 PTS OCB

5th Team : Francis Ho (15790) Mok Twang Kiow (15792)

49 PTS OCB

Nearest the Pin – Hole 16 Mok Twang Kiow (15792) 1.0m

Lucky Draw 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th

2nd Team Henry Yu & Heng Thye Yong with Lady Captain.

Nearest the Pin at Hole 2 - Teresa Lim

9th

: Ruth Wee (14698)

: Kong Kean Wah (11426) : Sidney Lim (15937)

: Terence Ho (15107)

: Ling Ting Soo (12165) : Lo Swee Wen (15278) : William Toh (13436)

: Gan Chir Seng (15175) : Lin Yan (15891)

10th : Huang Ching Lien (15587)

3rd Team John Yam & Jeffrey Yeo with Lady Captain.

4th Team Koh Jit Chua & James Tan with Lady Captain.

5th Team Francis Ho & Mok Twang Kiow with Lady Captain.

Nearest the Line at Hole 16 Mok Twang Kiow mon love for golf & Friendships forged by a com good food are the best!

The mandatory group shot.

Inter-Club Golf Friendly:

RCC vs JCC 28 May 2016

he annual game between RCC and JCC took place at the ever charming Lake Course, with a cooling breeze and blue skies that complemented the mood of the participants. However, over the laughter and light-hearted banter, hung an air of melancholy for this was the last game to be played between the two closeknitted groups. JCC will close its doors at the end of the year as the Singapore Land Authority will reclaim the club’s land for the High Speed Rail project.

Look how well we can balance!

Despite the poignancy of the event, all players remained upbeat and excited about the game, giving their best to create an unforgettable experience. Decked in their vibrant team uniforms, the two teams were neck and neck throughout the game. At the very last minute, RCC managed to gain an edge over JCC, leading by a mere 10 points to end the game victorious. Following the intense game, the friendships were further sealed with a divine dinner spread, with players mingling freely while exchanging golf tips and discussing in earnest about the game’s close misses and commendable shots. Towards the end of the dinner, both Captains from the two clubs took to the stage with heavy hearts to express sadness over this memorable game, which would be the last between the two clubs. Nevertheless, with promises of regular meet-ups for golfing games and coffee, the crowd visibly perked up as RCC President, Dr Daniel Goh, proudly raised the winning trophy.

Tension is high... Even bef ore the game start!

The pain of parting

IS NOTHING TO THE

joy of meeting again. – Charles Dickens

Captains and Vice-Captains of JCC & RCC!

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

GOLF

A closely-knit group giving thumbs up to their friendship!

KC Loh, Yuke Lan and their JCC friends.

GC & SC members laughing and chatting away.

RCC Captain Patrick Low with his JCC friends.

The winning trophy!

A toast to lasting friendship!

Results

Saturday, 26th May 2016 4 Ball Better Ball (Stableford) Lake Course WINNER: Ng Kay Meng & Tony Koh

51 points

2nd:

Lin Yan & Edmond Ang

48 points (OCB)

3rd:

Michael Ho & Andrew Sim

48 points (OCB)

4th:

Yeo Bee Kheng & Raymond Lim

48 points (OCB)

5th:

Bobby Bong & Huang Chin Lien

48 points

(Top 20 pairs score) TEAM RCC – 917 pts TEAM JCC – 907 pts

Caring E

for Your

Courses

veryone knows that keeping the golf courses to a certain standard which everyone is happy about is a tall order. We cannot all depend on the Golf Maintenance Team. If we expect to play in a golf course that is of a high level of presentation, all of us must come together and support the universal motto of all golfers, and that is: Love Your Courses. The golf course etiquette is very relevant to all golfers as soon as they step on a golf course. All golfers have a basic knowledge of the do’s and don’ts on a golf course. The question remains as to why are there still so many unraked bunkers, unfilled divots and unrepaired ball marks on all golf courses? Imagine if all golfers do their part and repair all their ball marks, rake their footprints and replace all their divots, our golf courses would certainly be in a much higher level of presentation and it would be a course that all members can be proud of. Most golfers enjoy the game of golf and have a real passion for it. Playing at RCC and at their favourite course with their friends is a treat for them. Don’t forget to love your game and love your courses too at your next golf game. It is never too late to start caring for your course. Every small gesture such as replacing a divot, raking the bunker and repairing a ball mark goes a long way! We can understand that we may tend to forget replacing the odd divot or repairing the odd ball mark. Most of the time we play in a group and it helps to remind your partners their duties as a golfer. Or you could assist one another to save time. Little gestures like filling up their divots for them or if you are close to the rake, pass it to them! On the putting greens, repair the extra ball marks if you can. It does not hurt anyone to spend an extra few seconds caring for our courses. Every small effort makes a big difference. So let’s all do our part and start loving our courses today! Happy golfing!

Raffles Connection â&#x20AC;˘ Jul - Aug 2016

GOLF

Tips to the

Top

Nelson Yeo (16075) Aruan Cup Winner Monthly Medal Winner Since I travel so frequently, I try to catch up on my practice every Sunday afternoon when I send my boy for his golf lesson. I will only practice chipping and putting during the short 45 minutes of waiting. I also get to read and keep myself informed about the latest equipment and technologies to help to improve my game further. Recently, I purchased the new Callaway Driver that gives me another 15-20 metres of extra distance. Technology does help to better enhance my game. Whenever my schedule permits, I will also play every Monday morning with two senior amateurs who train me in my iron shots. Nelson Yeo

Loh Kum Chuen (14937) Multiple Monthly Medal Winner Golf is a game which depends very much on skill, mental and physical strength and some luck. To achieve good golfing skills, one has to put in some hours of practice at the driving range and to play on the course at least twice a week. For mental strength, confidence plays a very important part, especially in driving and putting. To build up physical strength, we need to have some weight training to strengthen our core muscles so as to maintain greater flexibility and to hit the ball straighter and further.

Loh Kum Chuen

We need to have sufficient sleep so as to be able to focus on the game and remain positive in spite of some mistakes made.

SGA Centralised Handicapping System (CHS)

n 4 August 2016, SGA will launch the Centralised Handicapping System (CHS) for its Ordinary and Associate Members. The CHS will provide a modern and unified platform for golf handicapping, changing the way golfers perform their handicapping activities, and introducing consistency in calculation of golfersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Handicap Index. Members of SGA Ordinary and Associate Members must register at the SGA CHS website at chs.sga.org.sg before they can use CHS. Registration will open on 20 Jun 16 and close on 25 Jul 2016. During registration, golfers are required to fill in the data requested and indicate that they give consent to their data being collected, used and/or disclosed. This may include their name, gender, golf club(s) of which they are a member, membership number, Handicap Index, scoring records, dates and places of play.

Figure 1: My Handicap Index

Figure 2: Score Details

Figure 3: Adjusted Gross Score Entry

Figure 4: Hole-by-Hole Score Entry

Golfers who have successfully registered and have had their membership details authenticated by their home club will be sent an email on 4 August 16 to activate their account. They will also be requested to set their password before they can start using CHS. In addition, golfers will be required to give their consent again before activation is successful. Once this is done, golfers are free to post their scores immediately anywhere and anytime. Access Your Handicap Index and Post Scores Anytime, Anywhere Golfers will now be able to perform all their handicapping activities via multiple channels, including web, their iOS or Android devices and their clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terminals. With such user friendly options to choose from, posting scores and checking handicaps will be a breeze.

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

GOLF

Figure 5: Web Login Page

Figure 6: Web Dashboard

SGA Centralised Handicapping System (CHS)

What is the SGA Centralised Handicapping System (CHS)?

Figure 7: Web Hole-by-Hole Score Entry

Real Time Peer Review Golfers will be able to see their fellow golfer’s posted scores as soon as they have been posted to the system. This allows you to check on one another’s scores almost instantaneously. Frequently Asked Questions Please refer to attached FAQ for more details of the SGA CHS.

Ans: The SGA Centralised Handicapping System (CHS), as its name implies, is a system that computes all handicapping scoring data centrally and distributes the processed handicap data to all SGA Members for their Handicap Committees to review before release to CHS. Scores can be posted anywhere and anytime either by the clubs or individually by golfers through club terminals, via the Internet or through the phone app. CHS also tracks golfers who play at any golf courses in Singapore and requires that a score be posted in order for golfers to avoid being awarded a penalty score.

How different is it from the current SGA National Handicap Book (NHB)?

Ans: As far as display of golfers’ Handicap Index is concerned, CHS is no different from the National Handicap Book (NHB). However, NHB only displays the handicap data of golfers and does not process them. All scores posted either by players or clubs go directly to their respective club’s system where they are computed separately. Thereafter, the Handicap Index that have been generated are submitted by all SGA Members to NHB for display.

How do I register for the SGA CHS?

Ans: Golfers who are members of SGA Ordinary and Associate Members can register directly for CHS by logging in to the “Register for CHS” button on the CHS website (www.chs.sga.org.sg). Golfers are required to fill in the data requested and indicate that they give consent to their data being collected, used and/or disclosed for CHS purposes. These may include their name, gender, home club, membership number, Handicap Index, scoring records, dates of play and places of play.

Can I register for the SGA CHS but not give consent for CHS to use my personal handicap data?

Ans: No. Golfers who do not give consent will not be able to complete their registration for CHS. As such, they will not be able to use CHS.

Why must I activate my CHS account after registration?

Ans: Golfers who have successfully registered and have had their membership details authenticated by their home club will receive an email to activate their account. They will also be requested to set their password before they can start using CHS. In addition, golfers will be required to give their consent again before activation is successful. Once this is done, golfers are free to post their scores immediately anywhere and anytime.

Will I be given a new CHS number?

Ans: No. Golfers need to only select their home club and key in their club membership number to log in to CHS once they have successfully activated their CHS account.

What happens if I missed the CHS initial registration cut-off date?

Ans: Once CHS is officially launched on 4 Aug 2016, golfers who have missed registering for CHS will still be able to do so. The process is similar and when their CHS account is activated golfers may start posting their scores immediately. Golfers’ handicap history from NHB will be retained as at the 1st Aug 2016 revision. However, their newly calculated handicap data will only be displayed at the next revision date.

How do I register for CHS if I do not have an email and do not have the means to obtain one?

Ans: Golfers who do not have an email but wish to use CHS will have to register through their home club. Their home club will register and activate their account on their behalf. However, such golfers will not be able to post their scores online. Their clubs will manually post their scores to CHS for them. As such, all golfers are encouraged to go online to make full use of CHS!

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

GOLF

9 10

Do I have an option not to participate in CHS? Ans: Yes. However, that means that you will not have a valid USGA Handicap Index. Do I need to give my details when registering to play at other club’s golf courses?

Ans: Yes, you will be asked to provide your home club and membership number to the club where you are playing. This will allow CHS to capture your details and require you to post a score after completing your game.

Can I play in other clubs without a CHS issued USGA Handicap Index?

Ans: This will depend on the clubs that you wish to play at. Currently, not all SGA Ordinary Members’ require that golfers possess a valid USGA Handicap Index to play at their courses. However, this may change and golfers may need a USGA Handicap Index before they can play.

Can I play in golf events like charity opens or corporate golf games without a CHS issued USGA Handicap Index?

Ans: Again this depends on the organisers of such events. However, golfers without a valid USGA Handicap Index may face complications if there is a claim, for example, for a hole-in-one prize. Most insurance companies would require proof of USGA Handicap Index when processing such prizes.

Can my home club issue me with a handicap?

Ans: All SGA Members are sub-licenced by SGA to issue USGA Handicap Index to their members using SGA CHS. Any handicaps that are issued outside SGA CHS are not recognised.

Can I still post my scores using my club’s scorecard?

Ans: Yes, you may still post scores using a scorecard. However, this means your club will have to post your score to CHS. We encourage golfers to take full advantage of CHS and post scores themselves.

What happens if I do not post my score after a game?

Ans: If you do not post an acceptable score within 13 days of playing, CHS will post a penalty score equal to the lowest Handicap Differential in your scoring record on the 14th day.

How do I change an incorrectly posted score?

Ans: An incorrect score that has been posted can only be changed by your club. Please approach your club staff to make any corrections to scores that you have posted before the next revision date.

I am a member of several clubs. Do I have to designate a home club?

Ans: Yes, you must designate a home club for handicapping purposes. Your home club should be the club where you play the most golf.

Will CHS replace the role of my club Handicap Committee?

Ans: No, CHS does not replace the responsibilities of your club Handicap Committee. Club Handicap Committees will, at their monthly meetings, review all handicapping data before they are released for display on CHS.

When is the CHS revision date?

Ans: The CHS revision date is the 1st of each month. However, the cut-off date is the 26th day of the preceding month. Any scores posted after that date will be processed in the following month. How do I post my scores?

Ans: Golfers can post their scores anywhere and anytime using their club’s terminal, the Internet or through their iOS or Android phone app.

Is my club Handicap Committee responsible for my Handicap Index?

still

Ans: Yes. Your club Handicap Committee is the only authority that can issue or adjust your Handicap Index. Do club Handicap Committees still have the responsibility to conduct their monthly meetings to review the Handicap Index of its members? Ans: Yes. CHS does not absolve the responsibilities of club Handicap Committees to ensure the integrity of the Handicap Index that are issued to their members.

Mark Higgs

s e i t i l i c a F

Improvements

around the Club

New Car Park Access System

New CCTV Cameras

We have a new car park system!

Members will be pleased to know that the Club has improved the CCTV coverage of the Club by increasing the number of CCTV units from 36 to 48. Installed at strategic locations around the Club, these 48 brand new CCTV cameras can provide high resolution pictures and have low light scanning capabilities.

As the system is new, some of the members may initailly experience some inconvenience accessing the MultiStorey Car Park. If you have recently changed your car, please contact Membership at 6864 0812 / 6864 0878 to update your IU numbers in order to access the MultiStorey Car Park. Alternatively, you may send an email to: membership@rcc.org.sg.

Members can now be assured of enhanced security at the Club.

Spot and Identify the Plants at the Koi Pond! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got new signage to help you identify the plants around RCC Koi pond! As members stroll by the pond, take time to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Tengeh Reservoir and immerse yourself in the therapeutic experience of feeding the kaleidoscopic kois for just $2. Surrounding the pond is an abundance of greenery, which members can easily identify with the help of the new signage. Aside from the names, members can also find out other unique characteristics of the plants from the signage!

Greens Improvements M

uch work has been done on the greens to improve the play conditions and ensure their sustainability of turf health and playability.

The greens turf health and performance was regularly monitored on important parameters such as turf coverage and density, root system, vegetative growth and resistance to disease and foot traffic. The greens have shown improvement in most aspects. Works were intensified in all areas which include Cultural practices, Turf nutrition, Soil amendment programme and Pest & disease control. Soil and plant tissue testing with a reputable agronomic laboratory is carried out on regular basis to evaluate nutrient levels and disease pressure. The indication helps the turf maintenance team to determine the appropriate maintenance programmes for the greens. With a lot of effort and resources being ploughed in, we are seeing good results on turf response and performance. We urge members to practise good golf etiquette by repairing ball marks, raking bunkers, filling divots, not littering and driving their buggy considerately.

Lake Green

26.08.2015

02.11.2015

29.10.2015

02.11.2015

02.05.2016

Raffles Connection â&#x20AC;¢ Jul - Aug 2016

FACILITIES

26.08.2015

02.11.2015

02.05.2016

#12

#18

#14

26.08.2015

02.11.2015

02.05.2016

e l y t s e f i L

Mee Siam

Uniquely Singapore F&B!

By Justine Moss

ith its melting pot of different cultures, Singaporeans are spoilt for choice when it comes to food. It is one of the most exciting countries in the world when it comes to food – whether consumed in mid to high-end restaurants or in the local hawker centre or food court - and has developed over the years into a central food hub in this region. Its multi-ethnic culture and heritage has served up a multitude of colourful cuisines, each with its own unique flavour and aroma, and these include chilli crab, fish head curry, Hainanese chicken rice, nasi lemak, laksa, roti prata, Hokkien prawn mee and rojak. We feature some other uniquely Singaporean dishes.

Stuffed You Tiao

Stuffed You Tiao You tiao (fried dough stick) may be common in Asia, but in Singapore, you

have a choice of savoury, sweet and spicy. These fried dough sticks that are crispy on the outside and soft like bread inside are stuffed with fish or sotong (squid) paste and deep-fried until crispy, then served with tangy mayonnaise. Different eateries have their own versions and if you want the sweet then you can have it topped with sweet and spicy chicken floss. Soup Tulang Soup tulang (or ‘Sup Tulang’) is associated with the Indian Muslim community but is considered a Singapore invention. It is believed to have begun in the 1950s at an Indian Muslim stall in Singapore. Soup tulang or bone soup is a dish consisting of mutton or beef bones stewed in a sweet and spicy red soup of mutton stock, tomatoes, ginger, chillies and spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom. You

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

LIFESTYLE

Soup Tulang

Satay Bee Hoon

can also add onions, carrots and potatoes if you so wish. it is the perfect comfort food at anytime of the day. Satay Beehoon This dish is a hybrid between Malay Cuisine and Chinese Cuisine. The Satay Bee Hoon sauce is a chilli-based peanut sauce very similar to the sauce served with satay. It is usually served with a few stalks of Kang Kong, slices of cuttlefish and fried fish cake, pork slices and cockles. The satay sauce is poured over on top to mix with the Kang Kong which is really delcious and while this Singapore dish might originate from Teochew cuisine the satay sauce used is definitely a Singaporean adaptation, as well as the beehoon and kang-kong; all these ingredients makes this dish uniquely Singaporean. Lor Mee This is a Chinese-inspired noodle dish served in thick starchy gravy made of corn starch, spices and eggs with thick flat yellow noodles. Ingredients added into the noodles are usually ngo hiang, fish cake, fish, round and flat meat dumplings, half boiled egg and other items. Optional ingredients are vinegar, garlic and chili which you can add yourself. Traditional versions also include bits of fried fish as toppings. Tau Huay A Chinese dessert made with beancurd tofu that is sweetened with sugar syrup. It can be eaten hot or cold and sometimes eaten together with a piece of You Tiao. Made with very soft tofu, It is also referred to as tofu pudding and soybean pudding and can be served either with a clear sweet syrup alone, with ginkgo seeds suspended in the syrup, or in a sugar syrup infused with pandan.

Tau Huay

Lor Mee

Fried Carrot Cake The core ingredients of this cake are rice flour and white radish which some call white carrot. The mixture is first of all steamed, then cut into cubes and fried with garlic, eggs and Fried Carrot Cake preserved radish called 'chai poh'. Commonly referred to as 'chai tow kway' in the Teochew dialect, these smooth and soft fried rice cakes can be found in almost every hawker centre. It is served black (fried with sweet dark soya sauce) or white (original). Chwee Kueh A good breakfast dish to start the day, this is literally translated as ‘water rice cake’. Rice flour and water are mixed together to form a mixture and they are then placed in small cup-shaped containers that look like saucers and steamed, forming a characteristic bowl-like shape when cooked. The rice cakes are topped with diced preserved radish and served with chilli sauce. Mee Siam In Singapore, this dish – translated as Siamese noodles - is served with spicy, sweet and sour light gravy. The gravy is made from a rempah spice paste, tamarind and taucheo (salted soy bean). Mee Siam is typically garnished with shredded omelette, scallions, prawns, chicken, fried firm tofu, bean sprouts, garlic chives, and lime wedges. Don’t forget a big spoonful of sambal on the side.

Chwee Kueh

Stop Your Pain! By KC Loh, Pharmacist, RCC Member

Factors contributing to joint and back pain are • Ageing • Wear and tear without repair • Overweight • Injuries • Wrong posture or wrong footwear. Early signs of osteoarthritis are stiff joints, stiff fingers or hips, creaky knees, frozen neck or shoulders or aching back which may result in excruciating pain when the bones press or rub against the nerves. Severe cases may require physiotherapy, knee surgery or hip replacement.

re your stiff, aching joints or back pain preventing you from enjoying great golf games? Most golfers do suffer, at one time or another, stiffness or pain in the knee, wrist, neck or back. This can be prevented or minimised. Golfing can be a physically demanding sport which needs good co-ordination of muscles and flexibility of the various joints. Joints allow smooth movement between the bones, the ends of which are protected by cartilages (made up mainly of collagen and other proteins). Synovial fluid between the joints helps to lubricate them to prevent wear and pain. Osteoarthritis (Joint Inflammation) is a result of wear and tear of tissue and cartilage in your joints. Back pain includes shoulder and neck pain which is often due to damage to or wear and tear of muscles, ligaments, nerves and tendons, poor posture and weak abdominal muscles which often disrupt spinal balance. Lower back pain can occur when lifting heavy objects in a wrong manner, overstretching the lower back muscles or from direct injury in hitting the hard ground or object in your golf swing. Analgesics (Pain-Killers) can only relieve pain temporarily. They do not repair or regenerate the damaged tissues and should not be used as long term treatment as they may cause gastric ulcers, damage to your kidneys or liver. By masking the pain, they may cause further damage as pain is a warning sign that something is not right.

• Ageing: When we age, we produce less of the joint nutrients required for repair and regeneration of new cartilage, resulting in wear and tear. Your brain can help stimulate the growth of new cartilage in your joints but if you are deficient in joint nutrients, your body is unable to regenerate new cartilage. • Over-weight or obesity may aggravate the condition of the knees and hips besides increasing the risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and depression. You need to increase your metabolism to burn off more calories (with exercise and supplements) and one has to watch one’s diet to cut down on sugars and carbohydrates which are the main culprits for weight gain, fat deposits, heart attack and cancer. • Injuries can occur when we bend wrongly to carry heavy weights, causing undue stress on our spine, resulting in back pain, slip disc and immobility. We should warm up our muscles before doing strenuous exercises or stretching to prevent injuries. • Wrong posture or wrong type of footwear can put a strain on our spine and result in back pain. Footwear with proper sole or cushion can help reduce the strain on our back. Health Tips: • Regular Exercise • Sufficient Sleep • Supplements • Acupuncture Regular exercise helps relieve stiffness, improve flexibility, strengthen our muscles, prevent muscle shrinkage, promote better balance, prevent joint and back pain, improve bone density and improve quality of sleep (which helps our body to repair cell damage and to improve our mental health). Those who exercise regularly produce more endorphin hormones (serotonin) which help improve mental health.

Raffles Connection â&#x20AC;˘ Jul - Aug 2016

LIFESTYLE

Acupuncture has been used for pain management and in surgeries for thousands of years in China and also in several other countries nowadays. Affordable Acupuncture devices are now available using micro-current stimulation (from batteries) on the Meridian points, without the use of needles. These devices are simple to use in hospitals, clinics and at home for immediate pain relief including Golferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or Tennis Elbow, finger, wrist, neck or knee pain besides other treatments. As with traditional acupuncture, based on the same principles, they are on the same Meridian points which are well illustrated in the Acuhealth Treatment Manual. Visit website www.acuhealth.com.au for more detail information. Sufficient Sleep is extremely important for our body to recover from wear and tear. Our body can regenerate new cells to replace old or damaged cells during restful sleep, provided we have the essential nutrients to support this function. Our normal diet lacks sufficient joint nutrients for our joints to repair and regenerate new cells. Supplements: Joint Nutrients such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM help our body repair and regenerate new cartilage cells, reduce inflammation, reduce pain and help promote joint flexibility, mobility and fluid movement. Collagen is one of the main building blocks for the regeneration of cartilage besides producing elasticity in skin and maintaining healthy hair and nails. Deficiency in collagen leads to skin wrinkles, brittle hair and nails and premature ageing. Omega 3 fatty acid is beneficial to our heart, lowers cholesterol, triglycerides and promotes joint health. Joint degeneration may lead to bones rubbing against nerves to cause excruciating pain, resulting in immobility and may require very expensive surgery. CoQ10 is essential for every cell function in our body. It is an anti-ageing antioxidant.

Main message: Supplement with proper nutrients to take good care of your joints. Exercise regularly to strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility and mental health Manage your weight so that your knees and hips are not stressed. Have sufficient sleep to allow your body to repair tissue and joint damage. Rest well for repair and recovery in case of injuries to your joints. Acupuncture for immediate pain relief, to reduce inflammation and to speed up repair and recovery. Healthy golfers will get to enjoy life better with lower risks of injuries, joint pain, back pain or any other health challenges. For enquiries, please contact KC Loh. Email: atimahealth@gmail.com or loh.kumchuen@gmail.com

We need it for energy production, for the heart to pump blood effectively, for muscles to contract and relax and for all other organs to function normally.

Gardens by the Bay

Celebrate Our

y a d h t r i B s ' Nation

hen I came to live in Singapore 17 years ago I had the good fortune of snapping up two tickets to the National Parade at the old stadium. It was a wonderful spectacle and I remember being caught up in all the activities in and around the Parade. Since then, I have rarely, if at all, gone on a short break during the National Day holiday, preferring instead to soak up the atmosphere and be a tourist in my own backyard. So if you’re not travelling this National Day and haven’t been able to score coveted Parade tickets, then check out a few activities to do with family or friends around Singapore. The Night Safari One of Singapore’s best places to visit after dark, the Night Safari opened in 1994 and was the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals. The award-winning park sees more than 1.1 million visitors a year who enjoy the unique experience of seeing over 2,500 animals in their naturalistic nighttime habitats. There is a guided tram ride that takes you across seven geographical zones of the world, which includes the Himalayan Foothills and Asian Riverine Forest. Gardens by the Bay It’s hard to believe that the Gardens have been open almost five years. The National Parks Board has really created a City in a Garden and there are a number of things to explore and learn about. These include the Conservatory Flower Dome, Conservatory Cloud Forest, OCBC Skyway, Supertree Grove, Far East Organisation Children’s Garden,

Night Safari

! e m o H t a By Justine Moss

Bay East Garden, Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes, Heritage Gardens, World of Plants, Sun Pavilion and Art Sculptures. Universal Studios Singapore A place to really let your hair down and let out your inner child! There are a whole host of rides, shows and attractions to enjoy which are linked to movies and television shows. Check out the Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey, Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon, Transformers The Ride, The ultimate 3D Battle and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. Then there are also the seven zones where you can immerse yourself further in movie-themed attractions including Far Far Away (Shrek) and Madagascar. Allow a full day for this to really make it worthwhile. National Gallery Singapore If you haven’t been, then you need to visit this new visual arts institution which oversees the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. It comprises over 8,000 works from the 19th and 20th centuries in all media, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography and video. It also reflects Singapore’s unique heritage and geographical location and also works with leading museums worldwide to co-present Southeast Asian art in a wider context. There are also a number of other highlights and exhibitions to enjoy. Pulau Ubin If you’re after some outdoor activities then make a beeline for Changi Village and get a bumboat to this island which is often considered the last 'kampung' in Singapore. A

Universal Studios Singapore

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

LIFESTYLE

National Gallery Singapore

Lower Peirce Reservoir Park Island Walks

Pulau Ubin

Marina Bay Sands

stroll through Ubin takes you back to Singapore in the 1960's, and here you can either walk or hire a bicycle and make your way through rustic roads under swaying coconut palms, explore shady trails in overgrown rubber plantations and check out secluded beaches and flourishing mangroves. Don’t forget to stop off and lunch at one of the lovely seafood places and also to explore Chek Jawa Wetlands, one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems, which was officially launched in July 2007. Island Walks Get to really know Singapore with some guided walks organised by The Original Singapore Walks company. Since 2003, they have been taking people to some of the city’s bestkept secret places in addition to graveyards, smoke houses, wet markets and so on. You can discover things about Singapore you never knew existed. Little India A buzzing enclave of vibrant culture, great shopping and amazing food. Walk down Serangoon Road and neighbouring streets and explore the mix of Hindu and Chinese temples, mosques and churches. Foodwise, there is fabulous South Indian vegetarian food, North Indian tandoori dishes and local fare like roti prata and teh tarik. The 24hour shopping mall Mustafa Centre offers everything from electronics to groceries, and there is also the Tekka Centre comprising a wet market, food centre and shops.

Sentosa Island

Little India

Marina Bay Sands You can easily spend a day down at Marina Bay Sands (MBS), either taking in a staycation and watching the fireworks, or spending time browsing the shops, having a drink and a bite to eat at one of the casual cafés on the waterfront or a celebrity chef restaurant inside the MBS Shoppes or at the Sands Skypark, and taking in a show at the MasterCard Theatres. Chinatown A bustling mix of old and new, vibrant and energetic Chinatown has great stalls and markets – check out Pagoda Street for great buys. There are also goldsmiths, medicinal halls and teahouses, hipster bars and lifestyle shops. Chinatown is also home to the Sri Mariamman Temple, Jamae Mosque and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Duxton Hill, Club Street and Ann Siang Hill have great restaurants and bars. Head to Smith Street or Maxwell Food Centre for some of the best street food in Singapore. For those who want to experience a guided tour of the area, visit the Chinatown Visitors’ Centre.

Sentosa Island Easy to get around on either by car or bus, Sentosa – billed as ‘the state of fun’ - has attractions, beaches, nature, dining, Spas, and of course golf, to suit everyone. Renew your history knowledge with a visit to Fort Siloso (you can also do the Fort Siloso Skywalk) and the Images of Singapore LIVE. There’s also Adventure Cove Waterpark, Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, Trick Eye Museum, SEA Aquarium, Sentosa 4D AdventureLand, Busking at Sentosa and Sentosa Nature Discovery. There are also over 50 bars and restaurants on the island. For those seeking highadrenaline, try out iFly Singapore (the world’s largest themed wind tunnel for indoor skydiving), Flying Trapeze and Wave House Sentosa (where you can experience flowboarding on the world famous Double FlowRider® and 10–foot FlowBarrel® wave rides).

Chinatown

Central Coast Swing in Vietnam By Justine Moss

ietnam’s picturesque central coast area boasts a small but superb selection of golf courses all designed by some very well-known current and former professionals. Away from the courses, there are a number of other lifestyle activities to enjoy in addition to the quaint UNESCO world heritage town of Hoi An. Add some fabulous food and cultural pursuits and it’s easy to see why this charming area of Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination. Ba Na Hills Golf Club This stunning property is set in the foothills and native forests of the famed Ba Na Hills, only 25 minutes from Danang City. It’s the first design from former world number one Luke Donald and offers good elevation change and existing natural features such as large trees, streams and mountain backdrops. The 175 metre par-3 8th is stunning. The forced carry over water is more of a challenge the farther left (or toward the green) you choose to play. If the player wants to choose a more safe route, the carry slightly to the right is far shorter, and allows the player to hit to a bail out collection area where par is still possible. Targeting the pin can be rewarding here, however, not only is there water to deal with, the front and left is also guarded by a massive bunker as well. The par-4 18th is a classic finishing hole as it approaches right in front of the clubhouse veranda restaurant. The fairway is quite wide with only minimal trouble from target bunkers short right and longer on the left. As the elevated and undulating green is protected on the right by bunkers, the left side of the fairway provides the best line of approach. However, miss the green left and you will be pitching to an elevated green with bunkers on the opposite side. Approach with caution. Facilities include clubhouse, pro-shop, driving range and restaurant. Ph: +84 511 3924 888 Email: info@banahillsgolf.com www.banahillsgolf.com

Danang Golf Course - Hole 16

Danang Golf Club This award-winning 6,660 metre (from the blues), 18-hole links-style Dunes Golf Course, was designed by Greg Norman in the true spirit of the game, meaning that he has made full use of the lay of the land with blown-out bunkers, firm and fast fairways, rugged waste areas, swales and hollows. Located near Hoi An and Hue, the course opened in 2010 and weaves through rugged sand dunes. It’s absolutely superb to have a round on

Danang Golf Course - Hole 16

and you’ll definitely want to return for its challenges as well as the views of the Cham Islands, Marble Mountains and the East Sea. One good thing is that the fairways are quite generous, however there are a large number of waste areas so club selection and accuracy is absolutely key here if you want to achieve a half decent score at the end of your round. Norman has built ‘strategy’ into each hole, and the course’s most difficult hole is the par-4 13th so make sure your tee shot is a strong, right-to-left drive over a mammoth fairway mound which will leave you a mid-iron shot to the slightly elevated green with a false front. If there is one memorable hole, then it has to be the signature par-3 16th with views of the sea and Cham Island. It is breathtakingly beautiful but allow for the wind and play a low-spin shot and you will be rewarded. Facilities include clubhouse, pro-shop, restaurant, bar and lounge and golf academy. Ph: +84 511 3958 111 Email: info@dananggolfclub.com www.dananggolfclub.com Laguna Lăng Cô Golf Club Situated halfway between Hue and Danang on a sandy strip of dune land is the award-winning 6,492 metre par-71 Sir Nick Faldo-designed course. It is part of the Laguna Lăng Cô resort which is situated near Lang Co Bay and framed by a three-kilometre beach. Each hole on the course is designed to reveal a character of its own, presenting golfers with a range of of opportunities for exceptional game play. The course weaves between trees, natural streams, over rice paddies and through impressive rock features to create a memorable and diverse and unique golf experience. Lag

una Lăng Cô Golf Club Hole 7 & 11

Raffles Connection • Jul - Aug 2016

LIFESTYLE

The course is the second in Vietnam for Faldo after he worked on the Ocean Dunes Golf Club located in Phan Thiet in the mid-1990s. “The site had what we’re always looking for. If you can create different environments for golfers throughout the round, that’s the in thing now – you want a different feel, requiring different shots”, he says, naming his favourites as the par-3 11th hole which features exposed rock on the side of the mountain and the par-5 15th hole. Facilities include Banyan Tree & Angsana hotels and residences, pro shop, Golf Academy, driving range, short game area, tennis courts, gymnasium, swimming pool, activities centre and SPA. Tel: +84 (0) 54 3695 880 Email: golf@lagunalangco.com www.lagunalangco.com

Laguna Lăng Cô Golf Club Hole 9

Montgomerie Links Located between Danang and Hoi An, and only 15 minutes from Danang airport, this was the first golf course in the area. Eight time European Order of Merit winner and 2010 Ryder Cup-winning captain Colin Montgomerie designed this challenging course. When playing the course you get to realise just how many bunkers feature on every hole of this layout and there are also seven lakes.

Montgomerie

Links - 1st Hole

The par-3 second is relatively long and surrounded by a native casuarina forest but you have to be careful with club selection because of the wind. The par-3 fifth, in comparison, is much shorter and you need to hit across the water to land on the green. Luckily the landing area is generous although be careful not to overshoot the green as there is thick vegetation guarding its back. The par-5 12th is a beauty and requires three strategically placed shots to get your way around the bunkers and once on the green you’re almost guaranteed an uphill putt. Playing slightly uphill to a bunker-riddled fairway, the hole is framed by the clubhouse in the background and has been described as the best par-5 in Vietnam. 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 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 villas, modern clubhouse, driving range, pro shop, sauna, Jacuzzi, restaurant & bar and member’s lounge. Tel: +84 (510) 3941 942 Email:info@montgomerielinks.com www.montgomerielinks.com

Montgomerie Links - 12th Hole Approach

b u l C d e t a i l cal / Affi

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. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Keppel Club

Orchid Country Club

Sembawang Country Club

Danang Golf Club Da Nang City, Vietnam

Warren Country Club

Long Thanh Golf Club Dong Nai Province, Vietnam

**Booking via club balloting

Seletar Country Club

For more information and assistance, please feel free to call the Golf Reception Counter at 6861 7655 or e-mail: golfrecep@rcc.org.sg

ry o t c e r i D / s e i t i l i c a F b Clu 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

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 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 Lake Front Tel: 6898 4964 Open Daily: 11:30 - 3:00pm 4:30 - 10:00pm

Housekeeping Ms Lim Shu Peng Executive (Housekeeping/M&E) shupeng.lim@rcc.org.sg 6864 0800 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