Raffles Connection Vol.38 September - October 2016

RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB NEWSLETTER | September - October 2016

Happy Mid-Autumn

Festival

Raffles Country Club Singapore www.rcc.org.sg

Vol

38

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.

Closing date for nomination: 15 September 2016, 6pm.

s t n e t n o C

GENERAL COMMITTEE President Dr Daniel Goh Vice President Tony Jiang

LIFESTYLE

CLUB NEWS GC Appreciation 6

Vitality For Senior Golfers

34

Photos of Sub-Committees

8

Let's go Moony over Mooncakes!

36

Members' Survey Summary

10

Kopi Chat 2016

13

Fascinating Things You May Not Know About the Mid-Autumn Festival

38

Raffles Charity 2016 14

Mid-Autumn Riddles 39

Snapshots

Golf Courses around Chiang Mai, Thailand 40

18

GOLF

Golf Jokes: On the Grinner Side 42 RCC2 Reading Corner 43

Captain Patrick Low Treasurer Henry Kwok Secretary John Goh Chairman, Food & Beverage Tony Jiang Chairman, Golfing & Greens Patrick Low Chairman, Communications & Marketing Alex Eow Chairman, Lifestyle & Social Yong Kah Teck Chairman, Discipline & Lady Captain Cheong Yoke Keng

Monthly Medal

20

Tips to the Top

24

Senior & Evergreen 2016

25

Anniversary Cup 2016

26

The Ultimate Masters Experience

28

General Manager 6864 0889

Centralised Handicapping System

30

National Day Competition

33

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

FACILITIES

Chairman, Facilities & Estate Hoe Boon Leong Deputy Chairman, Finance & Establishment Ronald Pereira

Passive Capillary Drainage System

44

36

MANAGEMENT

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

28

40

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 Joanne Ng Relle Lee

s ' t n e d i s Pre ge

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

Messa

In June, we witnessed the staggered delivery of 80 units of the brand new and well-equipped Procar buggy.

The initial recommendation by GGSC was to buy 80 units of the familiar EZGO buggy at a much higher cost and this was rejected by the GC. The Management was also tasked to negotiate for a better deal with added assurance on the more cost efficient Procar. We managed to secure a fouryear warrantee for the Procar, which means zero maintenance cost during the warranty period. The purchase resulted in handsome savings for the Club. The first real test of the Procar was during Raffles Charity held on 2nd and 3rd of July. There was no problem using the Procar for both morning and afternoon flights with just one charge.

While we can expect some minor issues with its accessories, we believe these can be resolved without any disruption to our operations.

The Raffles Charity is an important annual event where the Club allocated two days on both courses to raise funds for the less privileged in our community. Over the past years, RCC was the sole organiser and we managed to raise $350k in 2015. This year, we decided to cast the net wider.

With hopes of raising more funds, we were fortunate to have the CCCs of the Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC co-organise the event with us.

The Joint Charity Committee set an ambitious target to raise $750k.

However, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Members and helpers, we were able to raise $1.36 million for the two-day event. I would like to express my most sincere thanks to the Members, helpers and staff of RCC for the good work that delivered exceptional results. A big thank you too to all the generous sponsors, donors and participants who helped make the event a success and we look forward to your continued support.

We are saddened to see the departure of the Club General Manager, Mr. Richard Foo, who left us at the end of July. Although this is a setback, we are seeing some good candidates for his replacement. In the meantime, Mr. Anthony Low, our Finance & Administration Manager, has kindly agreed to act as GM. I hope Members and Staff will give Anthony your full support.

Time flies and the election AGM is scheduled on 23rd September 2016.

Please make an effort to attend so that you can help to vote in Members of the GC that can help to move the Club forward.

The Constitution is an agreement between Members and the Club and the Constitution gives the GC power to manage the Club. Therefore, if you want the Club to be well managed, you should ensure that you vote in competent Members who can spare the time to oversee the management of the Club.

The Palm course is long overdue for redevelopment. Today's ballpark figure to properly rebuild an 18-hole golf course ranges from $25 to $30 million. This excludes revenue lost, which is estimated at $200k per month with the course closure. Unfortunately, RCC does not have enough savings to fund such a redevelopment. There are two alternatives to make up for the shortfall. The easy way is to ask Members to top-up. The Club, on the other hand, has the capacity to expand the membership and this may be a better way to make up for the shortfall. I shall request the GC to raise a motion to seek Members' views on their preference at the coming AGM.

Dr Daniel Goh President

With the hope of raising more funds, WE WERE

FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE CCCS OF THE JURONG GRC AND BUKIT BATOK SMC

co-organise the event with us.

Please take note of the AGM on 23rd September, and I look forward to seeing you.

3

& s n o i t a c i un e m g a m s o s C f e o Chairman g Sub-Committee M Marketin

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

When we were elected as General Committee (GC) or appointed as Sub-Committee (SC), we were elated to be given the opportunity to serve and to improve the club service, facilities and golf courses. Though we are paying volunteers, we felt the need to give our time, effort, and connection to make this club a premium club. We did for the last two years. We are happy that our term will come to an end on 23 September 2016, when a new batch of General Committee will be elected and a new group will be appointed. The cycle is repeated every 2 years for GC and every 1 year for SC. We all love RCC and we are prepared to do our part to make sure that RCC is directed and managed to the highest standard.

For the coming years, we will face more challenges like golf course re-development, club facilities optimisation, golf course utilisation with more membership or more group participation and many issues to make RCC the premium club. This is ever more critical in view of the dwindling number of golf courses. I surely hope for the coming election all members will vote the “Able, Willing and Available” to be in the GC and they must be team players too.

For CMSC and Editorial Board, we have a good team with 6 committed sub-committee members and 3 capable staff. We tried our best to follow our mantra of being “On Time, On Target”, not forgetting a quality, varied and diverse production. We practise “One Team, One Target” approach for greater latitude of operation for committee and staff to work synergistically and harmoniously. We have made you connected in every way, everywhere and every time. We still have some room for improvements for the next few years, depending on the budget allocated. We are indeed happy that members have given us thumbs up during our Club survey. On behalf of CMSC and Editorial Board, I would like to thank each and every one of you for giving us the positive feedback and support.

Though all of us are paying volunteers, we are happy to be able to contribute towards a better RCC that we all so love and cherish. I thank you and wish you a Good MidAutumn Festival!

Alex Eow Chairman CMSC Chairman, Editorial Board

We all love RCC AND

WE ARE PREPARED TO DO OUR PART to make sure that RCC is directed and managed to the highest standard.

5

A big T

he General Committee (2014-2016) wishes to thank all members for their valuable support.

The two-year experience of serving the Club has been likened to a roller-coaster ride – exciting, worthwhile and memorable.

For those who are passionate about golf and equally passionate about the Club, please come forward to volunteer your time and talents at this coming AGM. Closing date for nominations is on 15 September 2016, 6pm. Together, we can drive the Club to become a better place; a club that we can be proud of.

1st Row (From Left to Right)

Captain, Mr Patrick Low Chairman, Golfing and Greens Sub-Committee Vice-President, Mr Tony Jiang Chairman, Food & Beverage Sub-Committee

6

President, Dr Daniel Goh Chairman, Joint Charity Drive Sub-Committee Treasurer, Mr Henry Kwok Chairman, Establishment & Finance Sub-Committee

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

CLUB NEWS

from all of us…

2nd Row (From Left to Right)

Member, Mr Alex Eow Chairman, Communications & Marketing Sub-Committee Co-opted Member, Mr Hoe Boon Leong Chairman, Facilities & Estate Sub-Committee

Member, Mr Yong Kah Teck Chairman, Lifestyle & Social Sub-Committee Lady Captain, Ms Cheong Yoke Keng Chairman, Disciplinary Sub-Committee Secretary, Mr John Goh Member, Mr Ronald Pereira

7

Thank you 谢谢

terima kasih

Sub-Committees Audit Sub-Committee Establishment &mmittee Finance Sub-Co

From Left to Right Mr Charles Lim, Mr Eddie Chua (Chairman), Mr Gan Chir Seng

t From Left to Righ y r Peter Tan, Mr Henr M ai, Mr Koh Yau Ch uty ep (D ira re r Ronald Pe Kwok (Chairman), M Mr Eric Ng Chairman) Absent:

Food & Beverage Sub-Committe

e

Disciplinary Sub-Committee

From Left to Right Dr Tan Kok Kheng, Mr Tony Jiang (Chairman), Mr Peter Mok, Mr Sean Pang, Ms Jennifer Teo

From Left to Right (Sitting) Mr Kay Kong Swan, Ms Cheong Yoke Keng (Chairman), Mr Chong Kah Wei From Left to Right (Standing) Mr Ravinderpal Singh, Absent: Mr Siva Shanmugam

Facilities & Estate Sub-Committee From Left to Right Mr Allan Tan, Mr Phee Thian Chye, Mr Hoe Boon Leong (Chairman), Mr Frederick Quek, Mr Tom Yeo

Lifestyle & Social Sub-Committee From Left to Right (Sitting) Ms Cassandra How, Mr Yong Kah Teck (Chairman), Ms Lee Yuke Lan From Left to Right (Standing) Mr Jacob Tay, Mr Kelvin Teo, Mr Chris Chia

8

ittee

Handicap Sub-Comm

From Left to Right an), Yeo Swee Tuan (Chairm Mr Kay Kong Swan, Ms rence Liow Ms Elvina Wong, Mr Cla

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

to all Sub-Committee for their time, commitment and hard work to make RCC a better club for all!

CLUB NEWS

From Left to Right (Sitting) Mr David Chew, Mr John Goh (Deputy Chairman), Mr Alex Eow (Chairman), Mr Ven Sreenivasan From Left to Right (Standing) Mr Patrick Teo, Ms Justine Moss, Mr Jacob Tay

Communications & Marketing Sub-Committee

From Left to Right (Sitting) Mr John Yam, Ms Cheong Yoke Keng (Lady Captain), Mr Patrick Low (Captain), Mr Paul Singh (Vice-Captain), Ms Jessie Oh From Left to Right (Standing) Mr Wong Toon Suan, Mr Mark Higgs, Mr Lo Swee Wen, Mr Albert Tan, Mr Sebastian Song

ttee

Golfing & Greens Sub-Commi

Joint Charity Drive Sub-Committee From Left to Right (Sitting) Mr Richard Ong, Mr Alex Eow, Mr Henry Ho, Dr Daniel Goh (Chairman), Mr Goh Peng Tong, Mr John Goh From Left to Right (Standing) Mr Kelvin Tan, Mr Henry Kwok, Mr Justin Foo, Mr Francis Loh, Mr Roger Tan, Dr Tan Kok Kheng, Mr Ong Kian Chew Absent: Mr Lim Boon Lye

9

Members’ Satisfaction Survey 2016 - Summary

A

year has passed since the last Club Members’ Satisfaction Survey and we would like to once again, thank all members for the valuable feedback that we have received from the survey that was concluded on 31 March 2016.

From last year’s results, it was highlighted to the Sub-Committees and management that there were quite a number of areas that could be further improved. This includes Golf, Golf Course Maintenance, Lifestyle and Food & Beverage.

Based on a sample size of 487, an increase from the 350 submissions that the Club received in 2015, CMSC is pleased to share the following results. Ratings are between 1 and 5, with 1 being ‘Poor’ and 5 being ‘Excellent’.

FREQUENCY OF VISIT

85.3% of the members visit the Club at least once a month, and out of this, 60.9% visit on a weekly basis. 60.6% of them bring along a guest to RCC at least once a month.

This information suggests that the Club enjoys strong support from a group of loyal and active members, who frequently invite friends to patronise RCC.

Golf Course Golfers' Terrace Driving Range Fu Lin Men chinese Restaurant Fukuya Japanese Restaurant Swimming Pool Relaxation Room

UTILISATION OF FACILITIES

Jackpot Room

The chart indicates that out of the 12 facilities listed, the Top 3 most utilised facilities are the Golf Courses (96.3%), Golfers’ Terrace (91.6%) and Driving Range (55.2%). On the other hand, the least utilised facilities are the Squash/Table Tennis Courts (0.8%), Tennis Courts (1.2%) and Mahjong Room (1.4%).

This serves as a guide for the management to allocate their limited resources, to ensure that priority are given to facilities most frequently used during the budgeting process.

Badminton Courts Mahjong Room Tennis Court Squash / Table Tennis Court 0. 0

0%

20

.0 0

%

40

.0 0

%

60

.0 0

%

80

.0 0

%

10 0

.0 0

%

12 0

.0 0

%

GOLFING Golf Courses 55.5% of the members indicated that they play on Palm Course, a percentage significantly lower than the 87.9% who plays on Lake Course.

Palm Course Comparing the average rating of respondents from 2015 to the overall satisfaction in 2016, it is observed that the percentage of respondents who rated ‘4 (Good)’ increased from 19% to 26.3%. However, the percentage for ‘Excellent’ dropped from 1.75% to 0%. Areas rated include: Greens, Fairways, Tee Boxes and Bunkers. The Golf Course Golf Maintenance team has been working hard the past year to improve the condition and playability of the course, as RCC awaits an update from the URA.

PALM OVERALL SATISFACTION 2016 1

3.30%

2

17.20%

3

53.10%

4 5

26.30% 0

Lake Course The scenic course also received higher overall satisfaction level; 64.1% of the members rated ‘4 (Good)’ and 4.9% ‘5 (Excellent)’ for the Greens, Fairways, Tee Boxes and Bunkers. This is an improvement from the 44% and 2.75% received in 2015 and is an indication that the quality of the golf course has improved since the last survey.

10

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

CLUB NEWS

LAKE OVERALL SATISFACTION 2016 1 2

0.20% 2.20%

3

28.60%

4 5

64.10% 4.90%

Action Plans: In view of the survey results on Lake and Palm, the Golf Maintenance team will continue to renovate tee boxes, improve bunker conditions focusing on water logged areas and achieving consistent sand particle size: Also to elevate sogginess and improve playability at wet and soggy areas, especially in Palm course fairways and landing zones.

Golfing Experience Taking into consideration golfers’ point-of-contact with RCC frontline staff, members were asked to rate their experience on: Service at Bag-Drop, Service by Marshals, Service by Golf Reception, Online Golf Booking System, as well as the Condition of Buggies.

This year’s result came back with an average of 42.14% members giving a rating of ‘4’ and 13.86%, a ‘5’. Compared to last year’s result of 35.8% for ‘4’ and 16.2% for ‘5’, this suggests that more members feels positively towards the service of golfing frontline staff. It indicates a satisfactory and consistent level of service provided by the staff.

Action Plans: With the introduction of Flagging System, this helps marshals to identify visitors and guests and special attention can be paid to this group in regard to pace of play and golf etiquette. Marshals have also been advised not to follow golfers too closely especially at tee boxes and greens. Staff in the frontline are consistently reminded to be polite and friendly and to maintain our good service standards.

FOOD & BEVERAGE Golfers’ Terrace One of the focal points of this survey is the Golfers’ Terrace (GT). The GT has been under much scrutiny since the Club took over its management in June 2015. Comparing the results in 2015 where 98% of the sample group dined at GT, to 94% in 2016, we can see a drop in the percentage of diners visiting the eatery.

However, an increase in satisfaction level was detected, from the improvement in the average rating of Menu Variety, Food Quality, Value-for-money, Staff Service Standards, Serving Time and Ambience. The percentage of members rating ‘4’ increased from 19% to 33.6%, and 2.8% to 4.13% for those who gave a rating of ‘5’.

Action Plans: In view of the survey results and the feedback received, the Management assures members that the quality of the food served at GT is from a reputable supplier and delivery is on every other day to ensure food freshness. Portion size, which has been deemed large by some members, has been reduced accordingly. The main objective is freshness and value for money. A menu revamp and weekly specials paying attention to quicker food preparation has helped to shorten serving time. GT has also widened its dessert selection. The opening of Lake Front Restaurant in May 2016 allows members more choices in terms of halal food and dining venues as did Fu Lin Men Chinese and Fukuya Japanese Restaurants which were opened last year.

CLUB EVENTS

In a bid to gauge the satisfaction level of members (217) who had participated in the events organised, we zeroed in on 3 types of events.

Club Golf Tournaments 41.1% of the members gave a rating of ‘4 (Good)’ for the Club Golf Tournaments organised, an increase from the 30% in 2015. However, there was a slight drop from 3% to 2.7% for the percentage of members who rated ‘5’.

Despite that, an overall increase in members’ satisfaction level was observed, indicating an improvement in the mix and quality of events organised.

CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENTS 2016

1

2

2015

2.10% 0% 5.80% 14% 48.30%

3

53% 41.10%

4

5

30% 2.70% 3%

Overseas Golf Trips This category of event also received a positive response from the members, with a 15% increase (from 20% to 35%) for members who gave it a rating of ‘4’ and a 3.3% increase (from 3% to 6.6%) for rating of ‘5’.

This suggests that the quality of event has improved, and that the offerings have been better tailored to members’ preference as compared to 2015.

Social Events Social events include events such as Karaoke Competition and New Year Countdown Party. Members who rated this segment a ‘4 (Good)’ increased to a commendable 35% in 2016, a marked improvement from last year’s 17%.

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Action Plans: The CMSC is heartened by the results of the survey and together with the Club staff, is motivated to continue improving all communications channels of the Club. We also encourage members to be more involved in social media and to visit the RCC Facebook page to ‘LIKE’ it, so that members can be updated on the Club’s happenings.

OVERSEAS GOLF TRIPS 2016

1

2015

2.70% 5% 6.60%

2

49.10%

3

61% 35.00%

4

5

OVERALL CLUB EXPERIENCE

11%

20%

Overall Level of Satisfaction The overall satisfaction level of the members have increased, with 58.1% of them giving a rating of ‘4 (Satisfied)’ or better, as compared to the 40% given in 2015.

6.60%

2016

3% 1

SOCIAL EVENTS 2016

1

2

3% 6.20% 14% 34.70%

3

3.70%

44%

7%

53.80%

4

5.10% 13% 53.00%

3

5

37% 4.30% 3%

59% 35.00%

4

5

1.00%

2

2015

17% 3.20%

Likelihood of Recommending RCC to Others The percentage of members who are ‘Likely’ or ‘Very Likely’ to recommend RCC to their friends has also increased from 45% in 2015 to 60.5% in 2016.

4%

2016

Action Plans: The Management will not rest on its laurels with the good results for Club events, and will continue to draw participation with more and better prizes such as HoleIn-One prizes. Overseas golf trips will be organised with exciting itineraries as one of the main focus, besides the golf game per se. The criteria for joining Club competitions will be more inclusive, thus allowing more members to participate.

CLUB PUBLICATION

95.5% of the members received the Club’s newsletter and Weekly E-blast, a slight increase from 2015’s 94%.

The average percentage of members who rated ‘4 (Good)’ and ‘5 (Excellent) for the ‘Frequency’ of the five channels currently adopted by the Club is 51.28%. The channels include: Bi-Monthly Newsletter, Weekly E-blast, Facebook, Information Board and SMS Blast.

In terms of ‘Content Coverage’, we received a good percentage of 49% for ratings ‘4 (Good)’ or better.

Facebook scored slightly lower as compared to other channels, most likely due to it reaching out to fewer members.

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2015

1

2

2.30% 6% 8.00% 15% 29.20% 34%

3

47.20%

4

5

2015

36% 13.30% 9%

The overall ‘Satisfaction Level’ and ‘Experience’ of members have both increased. This suggests that both the Club facilities and services have improved compared to 2015, a very encouraging trend that the Management look forward to perdure.

Action Plans: The Management will continue to improve all aspects of the Club in order to enhance the overall experience of every Member’s visit: from the dropping off of the golf bag to the changing room, from the golf courses to the Golfers’ Terrace. With every good experience comes a sense of pride for every member. And with that sense of pride, you would want to invite your friends to the club.

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

CLUB NEWS

Kopi Chat 2016 11 June 2016

W

ith the completion of this year’s Members’ Satisfaction Survey 2016 in March, it is timely for a Kopi Chat to give the members a run-down of the results.

An initiative introduced and implemented by the Communications & Marketing Sub-Committee last year, the Kopi Chat presents to members an opportunity to meet the Committee members and Management in person to give their comments and feedback on anything concerning the Club. Thus, if you love and care about your Club, attend the next Kopi Chat to give your views and suggestions on how the Management, together with the committees, can help improve the Club.

Amid the cosy ambience of Albatross, Club President Dr Daniel Goh kicked off the Kopi Chat programme with the objectives and aims of the General Committee, after which he touched on past achievements, some current work in progress and plans in the pipeline that members can look forward to.

Dr Goh also touched on the Transferable Weekday Golfing Membership that was launched in the beginning of this year, making us the first local golf club to offer this category of golfing membership. He also shared with us the networking sessions that the Club would be embarking on in collaboration with Passion Group, who is running three of our F&B outlets: Fu Lin Men Chinese Restaurant, Fukuya Japanese Restaurant and Lake Front Restaurant. The first session was targeted at our Japanese counterparts from the corporate membership and Japanese companies in the Jurong and Tuas area.

Dr Goh also highlighted that the Club’s public image has improved considerably with our upgraded and expanded publicity channels such as Facebook and SMS blast.

The President’s address was followed by a summary of the recent survey. In general, using last year’s results as a benchmark, it was clear to all that we have fared better compared to last year. The number of respondents have also increased by 39% and this could be due to more exciting lucky draw prizes and concerted efforts in approaching members over the weekends to complete the survey forms.

When we opened the floor for questions, members were forthcoming, with interesting topics ranging from golf etiquette, F&B, Club facilities to membership matters.

On the whole, the feedback and comments reflected the results of the survey. Members in general observed an improvement in all aspects of the Club.

Some Question Highlights Member, Mr Goy Soong Ngee (13325), felt attention should also be paid to areas outside the Club. The mirror facing the entrance of the Club was observed to be in poor condition and was not providing a good reflection, hence not serving its purpose well. There were also potholes along Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, leading to the Club and Mr. Goy suggested that the Management should highlight this to the relevant authorities to have the road repaired. The Club Management has taken note of this and has notified the relevant authorities. The main road has since been repaired by LTA and the mirror will be replaced if normal cleaning cannot improve its condition.

Although the general sentiments in regard to food served at the Golfers’ Terrace (GT) was that the quality has improved, Member, Mr. Dave Wang (10893), felt that the food at GT lacked variety. In response to this feedback the Club Management reported that a new menu would soon be implemented, hence giving members more variety in their food choices when dining at GT.

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Raffles Charity 2016 2 & 3 July 2016

C

losing the Club for the two-day charity event on a weekend to raise funds for the less fortunate and the underprivileged is an annual affair for RCC. However this year’s Raffles Charity event came with a twist.

This year, RCC joined hands with Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs to co-organise the Raffles Charity.

With 771 golfers participating in this year’s event, RCC together with the grassroots organisations raised about $220,000 for the first day and $1,141,000 for the second day. Everyone came together to do his part, selling flights and garnering donations and sponsorships. The proceeds from the first day (2 July 2016), which was organised by RCC, went to our list of beneficiaries. For the second day (3 July 2016), funds raised went to a common pool for Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs, where the funds would be disseminated to the needy and the underprivileged in the respective constituencies when the need arises.

On the first day, the morning game started on time-sheet at Lake and Palm, and a double shotgun in the afternoon at both courses completed the first day’s golf event. Guestof-Honour for golf was ESM, Mr Goh Chok Tong, and for dinner, we were honoured to have Minister for Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong grace the evening’s programme. Efforts to raise funds did not end when the sun disappeared into the horizon. It continued into the night with an auction that led to diners bidding for exciting items ranging from golf equipment and paintings to Rolex watches.

The second day of the charity event that was organised

by Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs, saw double shotguns taking place for both morning and afternoon golf games. The evening’s programme was graced by DPM and Minister for Economics and Social Policies, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

All in all, Raffles Charity 2016 was indeed memorable and it sets a milestone in the history of the charity event, which was initiated in 1990. It is heartening to see so many people coming together, united, for one common and worthy cause.

The moments captured in photos from the two-day event are testament to the participants’ spirited involvement towards this common goal and in doing their part for charity.

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Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

CLUB NEWS

Guests-of-Honour and Special Guests 2 July 2016 Emeritus Senior Minister, Member of Parliament Mr Goh Chok Tong Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong 3 July 2016 Grassroots Adviser to Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economics and Social Policies Grassroots Adviser to Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations Mr Desmond Lee Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Grassroots Adviser to Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations Mr Ang Wei Neng MP for Jurong GRC Grassroots Adviser to Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations Dr Tan Wu Meng MP for Jurong GRC Grassroots Adviser to Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations Mdm Rahayu Mahzam MP for Jurong GRC

15

16

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

CLUB NEWS

17

Snapsh ts New Water Aerator at Lake Course #2 High volume water aerator 3HP installed at Lake #2 Par 3 over the water with Pasir Labar hill as backdrop.

The newly installed high volume water aerator moves an impressive 3.3lbs or 1.5kg of oxygen per horsepower hour and pumping over 900GPM or 198 m3/hr.

The high volume water aerator is ideal for managing severe aquatic environments including effluents and high nutrient ponds. It also adds liveliness to the waters and enhances the aesthetic value of the surroundings.

A Beautiful Painting for a Worthy Cause!

RCC member, Chairman of FESC, Mr Hoe Boon Leong donated a piece of his lifelike painting to Raffles Charity 2016, eager to help raise some money for the meaningful event. To commemorate the Chinese zodiac year, the name of the painting was aptly named, “In Celebration: Year of The Monkey.”

Signed by ESM, Mr Goh Chok Tong, the beautiful piece of artwork eventually landed in the hands of the ecstatic Mr Ng Kee Hong on 2 July 2016, who won the bid at $3,000. Little did we know that an anonymous donor had already pledged to donate $1,000 to ‘topup’ the amount raised.

What a lovely surprise!

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Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

CLUB NEWS

USB Charging Terminal We know you can’t do without your phone, which is why our Facilities Team has installed a USB terminal outside the washroom at Golf Reception as an added service for members.

Coming with both iPhone and Android cables, members no longer have to worry about their batteries running low after a round of golf!

BEWARE! The Open Mouth Reptiles are BACK! TWO crocodiles were spotted on 27 June 2016, at Lake Course, Hole 17 and Hole 18! Crocodiles typically do not attack unless disturbed, but members are advised to remain vigilant and to stay away from them.

Please notify the Club at 6861 7655 if you spot the reptiles.

Please be assured PUB has been alerted of their presence.

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Golf

Monthly

Medals

July 2016

August 2016

RESULTS

RESULTS

‘A’ DIVISION MEN’S JULY 2016

‘A’ DIVISION MEN’S AUGUST 2016

Saturday, 9 July 2016 Format: Strokeplay, Palm Course

Tan Lee Hong

Best Nett: Tan Lee Hong HI: 10.8, 66 Nett OCB Runner-Up Nett: Henry Lim HI: 10.6, 68 Nett Best Gross: Chua Teck Bengi HI: 8.7, 77 Gross

‘B’ DIV. MEN’S JULY 2016

Victor Lem

Best Nett: Victor Lem HI: 12.4, 67 Nett OCB Runner-Up Nett: Tan Wei Ming HI: 16.8, 67 Nett Best Gross: Tan Teck Seng HI: 13.5, 84 Gross

‘C’ DIV. MEN’S JULY 2016

Saturday, 6 August 2016 Format: Stableford, Lake Course

Lau Wing Cheok

Winner: Lau Wing Cheok HI: 6.9, 45 Pts 1st Runner-Up: Bryan Chen HI: 10.7, 41 Pts 2nd Runner-Up: Sebastian Song HI: 6.1, 37 Pts

‘B’ DIV. MEN’S AUGUST 2016

Nelson Yeo

Winner: Nelson Yeo HI: 15.7, 43 Pts 1st Runner-Up: Tan Teck Seng HI: 13.3, 40 Pts OCB 2nd Runner-Up: Misari Ahmad HI: 13.7, 40 Pts OCB

‘C’ DIV. MEN’S AUGUST 2016 Winner: Tan Seow Leng HI: 20.2, 46 Pts Runner-Up: Loh Kum Chuen HI: 22.2, 42 Pts

Best Nett: Huang Ching Lien HI: 22.7, 72 Nett Best Gross: Chiang Woon Seng HI: 20, 96 Gross OCB Huang Ching Lien

Tan Seow Leng

‘A’ DIV. LADIES’ JULY 2016

‘A’ DIV. LADIES’ AUGUST 2016 Winner: Ooi Yean Yean HI: 14.6, 40 Pts Runner-Up: Jennifer Teo HI: 17.2, 37 Pts OCB

Best Nett: Judy Quek HI: 13.7, 71 Nett Best Gross: Wendy Soh HI: 13.5, 91 Gross Judy Quek

Ooi Yean Yean

‘B’ DIV. LADIES’ JULY 2016

‘B’ DIV. LADIES’ AUGUST 2016 Winner: Kim Hee Jin HI: 26.4, 38 Pts Runner-Up: Cindy Tan HI: 20.7, 37 Pts

Best Nett: Irene Lye HI: 25.3, 75 Nett Best Gross: Tan Joo Ee HI: 21.1, 101 Gross Irene Lye

20

Kim Hee Jin

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

GOLF

Hole In One

Achievers

Linda Yeo Ah Tai

(14359-02) Lake Hole 02, 95m 04 June 2016

Mok Twang Kiow (15792) Lake Hole 08, 148m 05 June 2016

Koh Tian Seng (12088-01) Lake Hole 02, 106m 11 June 2016

Irene Ng Kim Hong (14771-02) Lake Hole 02, 95m 12 June 2016

Yeo Chin Hee

(10258) Palm Hole 12, 125m 14 July 2016

Johnny Ang Teck Eng

(14369) Palm 17, 160m 21 July 2016

Koh Hoi Jam (14940) Lake Hole 02, 110m 25 June 2016

21

Upcoming

Club

Competitions September 2016 3 September 2016

• September Monthly Medal (Palm PM) • 1st Round Men’s & Ladies Club, Intermediate Championship & Aruan Cup (Palm PM)

4 September 2016

• SGA ICL 2016 – LGNCC vs NSRCC (Palm PM)

10 September 2016

• 2nd Round Men’s Club Championship (Palm, PM)

11 September 2016

Palm PM • 3rd Round Men’s Club Championship • 2nd Round Men’s Intermediate Championship & Aruan Cup • 2nd Round Ladies’ Club & Intermediate Championship

17 September 2016

Palm PM • Final Round Men’s Club Championship, Intermediate Championship & Aruan Cup • Final Round Ladies’ Club Championship & Intermediate Championship

October 2016 1 October 2016

• October Monthly Medals (Palm PM) • Qualifying Round for Men’s & Ladies’ Club Matchplay Championship (Palm PM)

2 October 2016

• SGA ICL (13th Leg) – OCC vs Changi GC (Palm PM)

8 October 2016

• 1st Round of Men’s & Ladies’ Club Matchplay Championship (Palm PM)

9 October 2016

• 2nd Round of Men’s & Ladies’ Club Matchplay Championship (Palm PM)

15 October 2016

• 3nd & Final Round of Men’s & Ladies’ Club Matchplay Championship (Palm AM/PM)

19 October 2016

• Ladies Greensome (Lake PM)

22

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

Your G lf SUNDAY

MONDAY

Calendar TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

GOLF

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

2

3

Lake Course Closed AM Only

Private Competition / Lake PM Shotgun

September Medals, 1st Round - Club Championship & Intermediate (Men & Ladies) / Palm PM

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10

11

12

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SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

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2

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SGA ICL 2016 11th Leg - Laguna vs NSRCC / Palm PM

3rd Rd - Club Championship (Men) 2nd Rd - Intermediate Championship & Aruan Cup (Men) 2nd Rd - Club Championship & Intermediate (Ladies) / Palm PM

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Public Holiday Hari Raya Haji

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Private Palm Course Competition / Palm Closed Whole Day PM 64 pax

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed AM Only

Lake Course Lake Course Closed AM Only Closed AM Only Private Competition / Lake PM Shotgun

Private Competition / Lake PM Shotgun

Lake Course 2nd Rd - Club Closed AM Only Championship Private Competition / Palm (Men) / Palm PM PM 40 pax

Annual General Meeting

Lake Course Closed AM Only

FRIDAY

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

SATURDAY 1

October Monthly Medals, Qualifying Rd - Men & Ladies Club Matchplay / Palm PM

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

SGA ICL 2016 13th Leg - OCC vs CGC

Final Rd - Club Championship, Intermediate & Aruan Cup (Men), Final Rd - Club Championship & Intermediate (Ladies) / Palm PM

Palm Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Private Competition Lake Course Private Competition / Lake PM Shotgun Closed AM Only / Lake PM Shotgun Private Competition / Lake PM Shotgun

Private Competition Palm Course / Lake PM Shotgun Closed Whole Day Ladies Greensome / Palm PM

Lake Course Closed Whole Day

Lake Course Private Competition Closed AM Only / Lake PM Shotgun Private Competition / Lake PM Shotgun

Lake Course Closed AM Only

Private Competition Lake Course / Lake PM Shotgun Closed AM Only Private Competition / Lake PM Shotgun

*Calendar is accurate as of 3rd August 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

1st Rd - Men & Ladies Club Matchplay / Palm PM

3rd & Final Rd - Men & Ladies Club Matchplay / Palm PM

Public Holiday Deepavali

23

Tips to the

Top Paul Singh

Champion of Men Senior 'B' Division 1: What contributed to your success? Any special tips to share?

I guess it is hard work, patience and to enjoy the game. My tip to golfers is to have a good and consistent short game.

2. How many times do you train a week?

I train as and when I have the time. How many times you practise a week is not really important. What is more important is the type of practice that you do. I balance my training with hitting balls at the driving range and also on my chipping and putting. Your short game is equally important as your long game.

Paul Singh

Huang Ching Lien

July Monthly Medal, Men Senior 'C' Division Winner 1: What contributed to your success? Any special tips to share?

I am not exactly a long hitter so I always aim to have the ball land on the fairway. With a good lie for the ball, it makes my next stroke easier.

I also concentrate on chipping the ball as close to the pin as possible, keeping to a maximum of two putts if I can. In my opinion, a par is a bonus, birdie is luck, and eagle and holein-one is ‘HENG HENG LA’!

2. How many times do you train a week?

I don’t really have time to train and simply play golf twice a week.

Huang Ching Li

en

24

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

GOLF

Senior & Evergreen Medal 2016 18 June 2016

By Lady Captain, Ms Cheong Yoke Keng

T

he Club has tried every three months through the years to organise the Senior & Evergreen competitions without traction. The Golfing and Greens Sub-Committee steered by Captain Patrick Low decided to try something new: why not turn it into an annual challenge?

With the support of the Management and staff, GGSC member Sebastian Song and I undertook the task, together with a couple of enthusiastic volunteer members: Cindy Tan and Shirley Tan, to get this event up and running. We met and brainstormed and decided that we should have a fun party after the golf game. We devised three games, included some nice wines and fusion food, emceed the party ourselves and also went out to get lucky draw items and door gifts, among other things. By word of mouth and much cajoling, hey we managed to garner 122 participants!

The Marketing team and our Golf reception assembled the door gifts and lucky draw items.

Fandy went out as the roaming photographer, capturing the action on course. The F&B team prepared the buffet and wines. In short, it was total teamwork! Our motto: make the day special and memorable. Our Seniors/Evergreen are indeed a deserving group.

Now the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

If you have participated, you be the judge. I hope all had a great time! I am sure new friendships were forged and old ties rekindled. We saved on the cost of engaging external singers and used the money for games and prizes for the members.

Well, I will leave it to the photos to do the honours of relating the Members' Happiness Index!

Winners:

Men Senior A Div Position

Score

Name

Membership

2nd runner-up 42 pts ocb Thong Tuck Seng 16006 1st runner-up

45 pts

Chris Chia

15931

Champion

48 pts

Tan Choon Seng 1479301

Men Senior B Div 2nd runner-up 41 pts

Francis Low

10316

1st runner-up

41 pts ocb William Toh

13436

Champion

42 pts

Paul Singh

14553

2nd runner-up 40 pts

Mary Yang

13199

1st runner-up

41 pts

Priscilla Chan

1593702

Champion

44 pts

Jessie Oh

1422802

Ladies Evergreen

Event Task Force: Cheong Yoke Keng Cindy Tan

Sebastian Song Shirley Tan

25

Anniversary Cup 2016 16 July 2016

Everybody say, Hole-in-one!

T

he Anniversary Cup started as far back as twentyseven years ago. This year's edition saw the presence of a Hole-In-One prize sponsor from Volkswagen, who selected Hole no. 8 at Lake Course.

Members gamely took to the fairways of Lake Course on a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon to play their best. The four-ball-better-ball format encouraged better partnership strategy in order to score and win the merit prizes.

At the conclusion of the game, five best scoring pairs from the Men's division and three best scoring pairs from the Ladies division took to the podium to receive their well-deserved prizes.

Through the night, participants drank, laughed hard and had plenty of fun with their golf mates. Indeed, it was an anniversary to remember.

Just sun-tanning on the greens.

26

Bringing sexy 'back '.

What a happy bunch!

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

GOLF

Results

Saturday, 16 July 2016 Four-Ball-Better-Ball (Stableford) Lake Course Men's Divison Winner : Michael Ho (12924) Andrew Sim (13966)

51 PTS

, Andrew Sim and Men's Winning Team ny Jiang.

Michael Ho with VP, To

1st Runner-Up : Calvin Raymond Lee (15799) 49 PTS OCB Robert Stark (80030) 2nd Runner-Up : Kelvin Tan (14651) Joseph Loh (13668)

48 PTS OCB

3rd Runner-Up : Steve Lai Mun Fook (12759) James Fu Sze Kay (13885)

48 PTS OCB

4th Runner-Up : Thong Tuck Seng (16006) 48 PTS Ricky Lim (15800)

Ladies' Winning Team, Susan Leo ng and Lee Yuke Lan with VP, Tony Jian g.

Ladies' Division Winner : Lee Yuke Lan (11834) Susan Leong (1491802)

47 PTS

1st Runner-Up : Priscilla Chan (1593702) Sharon Tay (14823)

46 PTS

2nd Runner-Up : Tan Joo Ee (15517) Lim Phoo Yong (1487102)

45 PTS

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

Men's 1st Runner-up Calvin Raymond Lee.

Volkswagen - Hole-in- On

: Heng Thye Yong (14746) : Yeo Khee Ching (15752)

: Lew Kin Choo (1074502) : Lee Thiam Seng (14192)

: Wee Chye Beng (16130) : Allan Tan (15329)

: Denise Seow (1528002)

Ladies' 1st Runner-up Sharon Tay and Priscilla Chan.

e Sponsor.

Men's 2nd Runner-up Joseph Loh and Kelvin Tan

Ladies' 2nd Runner-up Lim Phoo Yong and Tan Joo Ee.

27

The Ultimate Masters Experience

By Chris Marriott

A

trip to The US Masters and a round of golf at Pebble Beach would both likely find their place on the bucket-list of most golf enthusiasts. To recently experience both of these and much more, truly made my 2016 US Masters Tour the experience of a lifetime!

First stop The first stop on my Ultimate Masters Tour was the beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Florida. Having grown up in the 90’s watching Australian legends Steve Elkington and Greg Norman win The Players Championship, it was exciting to finally have the opportunity to play the iconic Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

Before stepping out onto the golf course, you cannot help but to be left in awe of the incredible 77,000 square foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse that sits as an amazing centerpiece for this impressive facility. Playing off the back markers and with the grandstands and hospitality pavilions all set up in preparation for The Players Championship, there was a unique atmosphere around this fantastic Pete Dye layout. It was a lot of fun recalling all the dramatic and extraordinary finishes that had taken place over the years with my playing partners as we made our way down the fairway of the par five 16th hole, with the famous island green of the 17th across to our right.

The tee shot on this iconic par 3 with a smooth wedge in hand was not anywhere near as intimidating as I had anticipated, however it was certainly a nice contented feeling to knock that wedge solidly onto the putting surface. I am certain we had it much easier than those contending on a Sunday afternoon at The Players.

Add in swirling winds, a tight front right pin position, tens of thousand’s of spectators, the throng of media, The Players Championship title and a USD$1.89million winners cheque, and without a shadow of doubt, that wedge shot would suddenly feel like attempting to land a 3-iron onto a

28

2016 US Masters

floating leaf in the middle of a packed football stadium!

Private and exclusive After an amazing day at Sawgrass, we stopped off to visit the World Golf Hall of Fame in St Augustine, which exhibits the game’s great history and heritage. The tour 18th hole TPC Sawgrass then continued south to Orlando where we were fortunate to play the very private and exclusive courses at The Golden Bear Club (Jack Nicklaus Signature design), Isleworth (Tiger’s previous home course) and Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

These courses are not accessible to the public so definitely a real treat and very fortunate for the opportunity.

Bay Hill was a fantastic layout and in superb condition having just Sawgrass Clubhouse recently hosted the Arnold Palmer Invitational. It was a really tough test of golf off the tournament tees, was beautifully manicured, however leaving us wondering how Jason Day strong winds made for a relentless had just managed to shoot 17-under day out on the links. par to win the 2016 Arnold Palmer Invitational!

With the Florida leg of this ultimate golf tour complete, we set off on a My tour then moved further south private jet bound for the beautiful to play PGA National Golf Club Monterey Peninsula in California. If at Palm Beach (venue for the PGA you have never played golf in this Tour’s Honda Classic) before closing part of the world then go ahead out our “Florida Swing” with a and put it on your golfing bucketmemorable round at one of the most list. Spyglass Hill and the famous brutal layouts on the PGA Tour, The Pebble Beach Golf Links are both Blue Monster Course at Trump absolutely spectacular. Both courses National Doral. At 7,590yds this are very unique in design, are built was by far the toughest golf course on some incredible real estate and I have ever played in the United offer the most breathtaking ocean States. Having just recently hosted views. Despite the anticipation and the WGC Cadillac Championship excitement of knowing that our won by Adam Scott, the golf course ultimate destination (The Masters)

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

GOLF

Spyglass Hill

Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club Pebble Beach

Trump National Doral

Private Jet

Berckmans Place Augusta National

Major Champions

was still ahead of us, I reluctantly checked out of the beautiful Pebble Beach Lodge and boarded the jet for Augusta, Georgia.

The ultimate destination Everything about The Masters Tournament leaves you speechless from the very moment you step foot inside the Augusta National property each and every day. From the genuine smiles and warm Southern greetings offered by the tournament attendants to the astonishingly wellmanicured lawns and azaleas, to the carefully planned production line that moves thousands of patrons efficiently through the concession stands, merchandise tents and restrooms. The attention to detail at The Masters is in a class of its own.

The Berckmans Place hospitality facility gets little if any publicity, is rarely photographed or talked about in the media. It is so exclusive and almost secretive to the point that Berckmans Place has its own private entrance and the location is not even marked out on the Augusta National site map. Former US Secretary of State and Augusta National’s very first female member Condoleeza Rice was there to greet guests at the entrance. The facility is a staggering 90,000 square feet, contains 4 fabulous restaurants, bars, a merchandise shop and 4 putting greens that include replicas of the 7th, 14th and 16th greens of Augusta National. The most amazing thing is that Berckmans Place only opens its doors for one week a year…..Masters week!

My experience during Masters week was very surreal….. from the drive up Magnolia Lane with a former US Open Champion, to dining with golfing celebrities, to mingling with Augusta National members and golf legends in the clubhouse to being offered the most expensive hospitality pass in golf and what many have said is possibly the most exclusive ticket in all of sport……a Berckmans Place badge!

I will never forget the incredible atmosphere and drama that unfolded as the leading groups played the back nine at Augusta National on Sunday afternoon at this years Masters…..it was simply electrifying! The US Masters is one event that every golfer should experience in their lifetime. I cannot wait to get back to Augusta and do it all over again in 2017!

29

Centralised

Handicapping System

By Dennis Ee, RCC Golf Manager

T

here has been much talk about the Centralised Handicapping System (CHS) since its launch on 4 August 2016. No one likes change; but with all things new, you just need a little time at the initial stage to get used to the system, and you will learn to appreciate it and you will actually find the CHS extremely useful and convenient to use.

As the name suggests, the CHS is a ‘centrally based Handicapping System’ designed by the local golf governing body, Singapore Golf Association (SGA).

It provides a modern and unified platform for golf handicapping, thereby changing the way golfers perform their handicapping activities, and introducing consistency in calculation of golfer’s Handicap Index. If you could just pause for a moment and look at the system objectively, you can see that the CHS is actually a bold move towards bringing handicapping to the next level by incorporating technology that is available today. It will enhance your total golfing experience by allowing you to manage your handicap with your fingertips and in the comfort of your own home.

Members who have registered with the CHS will have access to their Handicap Details via the CHS Mobile App or the SGA CHS Website. If you have not done so, you may download the app from your Play Store or iTunes Store using the keyword “SGA CHS” or alternatively, you can log in to the SGA CHS Website at https://chs.sga.org.sg

30

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

GOLF

With the access to your handicapping made available in your mobile app or personal computer, it also means that you are given the liberty to submit your scores through these channels and monitor your own or fellow golfing mates’ performances. There is also a good chance that some handicapping terms will also catch your attention while you are in the CHS, and they are Course Rating, Slope Rating and Handicap Differentials.

Course and Slope Rating Course rating is the number of strokes a certain set of tees are expected to be played in by the scratch golfers. A USGA Course Rating of 74.8 means that 74.8 is expected to be the average score of the best 50-percent of rounds played by scratch golfers.

Slope rating is a number representing the relative difficulty of a course for bogey golfers compared to course rating. Slope can range from 55 to 155, with 113 being considered a course of average difficulty.

A player's official USGA Handicap Index is derived from a complicated formula (which thankfully players themselves do not have to figure out) that takes into account adjusted gross score, course rating and slope rating.

The potential ability of a golfer is defined by the term Handicap Index and is measured through a calculation using the player's best scores. These best scores are determined by calculating the Handicap Differential for each score. The Handicap Index is calculated by taking 96 percent of the average of the best Handicap Differential(s), and applying Section 10-3 for players with two or more eligible tournament scores.

For the calculation of handicap index formula and handicap differentials , we encourage members to visit the USGA website at: http://www.usga.org/ Handicapping/handicap-manual.html#!rule-14389

The Course and Slope ratings are evaluated by a team of qualified raters usually appointed by SGA before a course is open for play. You can find the ratings on the scorecards.

31

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Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

GOLF

RCC National Day Golf Competition 2016 9 August 2016

Onwards Singapore!

O

nce again, the annual RCC National Day competition took place on the scenic Lake Course and club members gathered together to celebrate the nation’s 51st birthday over a fun game of golf.

This year, the game was moved to the morning due to overwhelming requests for the game to start early so that members could continue their National Day celebrations with their family. And because of this adjustment, we saw over 100 patriotic and enthusiastic golfers participating in this exciting event.

Majulah Singapura!

Everyone was dressed to the nines in our national colours – red and white - and the best dressed contest crowned the most outstanding male and female golfer, Mr Maurice Low and Ms Susan Wee. We look forward to seeing you next year to celebrate the nation’s 52nd birthday!

Winner of Men's 'A' Division, Tan Hong Phang

Results

Winner of Men's 'B' Division, Wu Wei Min

Tuesday, 9th Aug 2016 Individual Stableford Lake Course MEN A DIV (HI 0 – 18.0)

Winner : Tan Hong Phang (13157) 44 PTS OCB 2nd : Ng Thein Guan (15042) 44 PTS OCB 3rd : Michael Toh (15670) 44 PTS MEN B DIV (HI 18.1 – 24.0) Winner : Wu Wei Min (16105) 2nd : Stephen Loh (15196) 3rd : Vincent Seow (15133)

48 PTS 46 PTS 45 PTS

LADIES DIV (HI 0 – 36.0) Winner : Chrissy Tan (15047) 2nd : Priscilla Chan (1593702) 3rd : Theresa Ng (1462802)

42 PTS 40 PTS 37 PTS

Winner of Ladies' Division, Chrissy Tan

Best Dressed - Ladies, Susan Wee

Novelty

Best Dressed – Ladies : Susan Wee (1491802) Best Dressed – Men : Maurice Low (14247) Nearest The Pin @ Hole 2 : Tim Mercy (60092) 0.5M Nearest The Pin @ Hole 16 : Tom Yeo (15752) 2.5M Lucky Draw 1st : Henry Yu (10681) 2nd : Priscilla Chan (1593702) 3rd : Michael Ho (12924) 4th : Albert Tan (14416) 5th : Lin Yan (15891) 6th : Raymond Lim (16137) 7th : Stephen Tan (11511) 8th : Tewira Rusuanti (1335902) 9th : Steven Sim (15689) 10th : Eric Tan (13424)

, Best Dress - Men w Lo e ric Mau

33

e l y t s e f i L

Vitality For

Senior Golfers

By Loh Kum Chuen, Pharmacist

H

ave you ever wondered why some senior golfers look so much younger than their age or why some seniors in their 60s or 70s can still drive further than those in their 50s? We can maintain our youthful look, flexibility and good health if we take good care of our body, giving it sufficient nutrients, regular exercise and sufficient quality sleep.

As we grow older, there are many changes in our body composition and functions which may lead to health challenges that can be avoided or minimised if we adopt certain healthy lifestyles and consume appropriate nutrients for the body to perform its functions effectively.

Over the years, our body accumulates toxins from airpollution, chemicals and preservatives from food and free

radicals generated in our body. If these are not detoxified and removed from our body, they may cause bad breath, eczema or other skin problems, premature aging and organ dysfunction to the liver, brain, heart, kidneys and other organs and may even lead to cancer.

When we were young, we could digest food and absorb the essential nutrients needed by our body but, as we grew older, digestion and absorption became more and more difficult, resulting in deficiencies in certain nutrients vital to our organs. To make matters worse, many golfers just snatch a snack and rush off to tee-off, disregarding their body’s needs.

Our liver helps us to metabolise, detoxify and remove harmful chemicals and free radicals from our body via our bowels (faeces), the kidneys (urine) and our skin (through sweat). However, long term consumption of some medications such as statin drugs or antibiotics can damage the liver cells or kidneys and the lack of certain nutrients can prevent them from performing optimally.

Liver Support Nutrients contain Dandelion root, Milk Thistle, Ginger, Inositol and Choline can help support the liver in detoxification and regeneration of new liver cells.

Antioxidants (containing vitamins A, C, E and Selenium) help to combat the free radicals which may lead to tissue inflammation and cancer if not removed.

The fuel for our brains are highly specialized forms of nutrients such as Choline, Phosphorus, B-vitamins, glucose and certain brain healthy fatty acids (Omega 3). Deficiencies in these essential nutrients could starve our brains, resulting in “brain fog“, degeneration and shrinkage of the brain and memory loss. We start to forget where we placed our keys, spectacles, our appointments and names of friends and places. By 2030, more than 100,000 Singaporeans will be diagnosed with dementia which is the most common form of degenerative brain

34

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

LIFESTYLE

damage. Alzheimer’s Disease is a form of dementia with problems in memory, thinking and behaviour. Currently, there is no cure for dementia but actions can be taken to prevent the disease or to slow down the progression by feeding the brain with appropriate nutrients.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an enzyme produced by our body and is essential for every cell function to sustain our energy production and is a vital nutrient to our muscles, nerves, brain, heart and all human organs. When we age, the production of CoQ10 decreases (starting from age 30) and aggravated by certain medications, such as statins which can quickly deplete CoQ10 levels. Every heartbeat, every muscle movement and all brain activities need CoQ10. It is no wonder that CoQ10 has become the most popular supplement and many doctors, even the conservative ones, are now prescribing CoQ10 along with statins or some other drugs.

The health benefits of CoQ10 for senior golfers are extensive and include :• Energises and improves heart function, supporting normal blood pressure and reduces plaque formation • Boosts energy and stamina to combat fatigue • Supports brain health and clarity • Fights free radicals • Supports optimal skin health • Supports healthy vision and hearing • Improves oral health by keeping mouth and gums healthy For our Evergreen Lady golfers, the main concerns are skin complexion and wrinkles, hair loss, weight gain, menopausal syndromes (hot flushes, panic syndrome, heart palpitations), urinary tract infections (UTI), varicose veins and numerous other health issues, all of which can be prevented with proper supplementation of nutrients.

The list of nutrients to rectify the above concerns is exhaustive.

We need collagen (a form of protein) to maintain healthy, elastic skin which is less likely to form wrinkles. Skin aging and thinning in senior golfers are associated with lack of collagen and certain other nutrients. The skin becomes dry and itchy and when scratched becomes vulnerable to skin infections. Uncontrolled stress can also make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems, such as eczema. Moisturising your skin will keep it looking more radiant and youthful. Drink plenty of water to hydrate before and after your golf game. After showering, apply moisturisers to your skin. Collagen is essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. Probiotics help support gut health, promotes healthy skin and boosts immunity. UltraVite, with a combination of vitamins, minerals and Lutein, has been specially formulated to provide all the nutrients and trace minerals required by Senior and Evergreen Golfers. To your Good Health !

Article by Loh Kum Chuen, Pharmacist Email: loh.kumchuen@gmail.com or atimahealth@gmail.com (Special Pricelist for RCC Members is available upon request by email)

All golfers welcome sunshine rather than rain but overexposure to ultra-violet radiation can cause pre-mature aging, wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems.

It is very common for golfers to depend mainly on sunblock lotion or cream to protect them from over-exposure to the radiation.

However, many of these sunblocks contain chemicals which may result in skin irritation or sensitization over long term use. It is advisable to wear sun-protective sleeves and clothing, headgear (wide-brimmed hat for ladies to protect their face) and sunglasses to protect against developing cataract.

For healthy skin, we must eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, a diet rich in vitamin C and collagen.

35

Let's go Moony over

Intercontinental Singapore

Mooncakes!

By Justine Moss

T

he mid-Autumn festival is a time of year to enjoy lanterns, gather with family and celebrate and of course indulge in your favourite mooncakes. This year’s festival takes place on Thursday September 15th and Justine Moss went in search of some delectable new flavours and old favourites.

Goodwood Park Hotel

Goodwood Park Hotel This year, Goodwood Park hotel has launched three new snowskin flavours, and for the first time in the hotel’s history, it has also introduced alcoholic and chocolate versions for a jazzed-up Mid-Autumn Festival.

These include varieties such as the Yuzu Lychee, Dark Chocolate Crunchy Hazelnut, Gin Pineapple and Choc & Gin snowskin mooncakes. In addition, there are the other all-time favourite snowskin flavours which contain premium durian and tropical fruit and the traditional baked mooncakes which include Lotus Seed Paste, Melon Seeds and assorted nuts. A couple to single out are the Gin Pineapple that is reminiscent of a stylish tropical-inspired cocktail.

Packing a happy amount of gin and compressed fresh pineapple cubes, this is a perfect choice for celebratory gatherings with friends.

Another unique offering is the Dark Chocolate Crunchy Hazelnut that is ‘a cake within a mooncake’, whereby a cross-section of this light brown- coloured confection reveals a crunchy hazelnut chocolate centre enveloped by a rich mousse made with two types of dark chocolate. The snowskin itself is made with crushed vanilla beans and caramel.

Available until 15th September, 9.am to 9.pm, from the Deli. Or contact the Mooncake Call Centre on 6730 1867.

36

Intercontinental Singapore

Intercontinental Singapore This hotel’s mooncake packaging is always stunning, and this year is no exception with the mooncakes packaged in a beautiful latticed treasure chest reflecting the oldworld charm and contemporary elegance of the newly refurbished Lobby Lounge. The new series of snowskin varieties include yuzu citrus and sakura peach, along with creamy avocado and sea salt caramel, each filled with exquisite surprises such as pistachio, chocolate pearls and chocolate truffle. There is also the Snowskin Mao Shan Wang Durian Mooncake as well as an assortment of traditional baked mooncakes. These include the Baked Mooncake with Assorted Nuts, a wholesome blend of almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts and sesame seeds. The golden Shanghai mooncakes are perennial favourites, with their buttery mapleglazed crust perfumed with hints of osmanthus, further enhanced

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

LIFESTYLE

Old Seng Choong

Shangri-La Hotel

with the irresistible salted egg yolk.

Others include the Baked Mooncake with Double Yolks and White Lotus Paste, Baked Mooncake with Single Yolk and Lotus Paste as well as a lowsugar variation of the white lotus paste, with crunchy macadamia nuts, providing a guilt-free indulgence.

Peel with Yolk Blend and Pine Nuts and the White Lotus Paste with Four Yolks. Online sales from now until 15th September @ www. oldsengchoong.com. Also available at booths in Takashimaya, VivoCity and Raffles Xchange. Check out the early bird discounts.

Available until 15th September at Tea Hut in the hotel, and across nine other locations across Singapore including Takashimaya, VivoCity and Parkway Parade. For more information call 6820 8519 / 8520.

Shangri-La Hotel Shang Palace has launched a delectably luxurious Honey Chocolate Collection – the brainchild of Area Pastry Chef Hervé Potus which features four flavours - Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate and Salted Toffee, White Chocolate Passion Fruit with Mango, and Roasted Sicilian Pistachio. The Leatherwood Honey contained in these mooncakes comes from the Tarkine region in Tasmania where the world’s cleanest air and water are found. The honey is also renowned for its distinctive taste and health benefits such as boosting the immune system and antibacterial properties. In addition, other new mooncakes include the Mini Baked Lychee Mooncake with Rose, Mini Baked Low Sugar Lotus Paste Mooncake with Macadamia Nuts and Mini Baked Mocha Mooncake with Hokkaido Milk. Shang Palace is also offering perennial classics such as the traditional baked lotus paste mooncake with the combination of salted egg yolks. Variations with four,

Old Seng Choong Old Seng Choong launched its first Mid-Autumn range of baked mooncakes this year and there are seven on offer of which four have been filled with premium white lotus paste and a variety of nuts and salted egg yolks. Traditionalists will savour the Wu Ren Mooncake and for those who simply must have the durian snowskin, Old Seng Choong has the Mao Shan Wang Durian version as part of its repertoire. All are beautifully packaged in midnight blue and fuchsia pink elegant boxes. Ideal as a gift for family and friends, order a box of four superior selections of baked mooncakes – the flavours are Custard Egg Yolk Blend, White Lotus Paste with Double Yolk & Melon Seeds, Red Bean Orange

double or single yolk are available.

Check out the Shang Palace Four Treasures Baked Mooncake Gift Set which comprises four regular baked mooncakes (one piece of each flavour) – White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Yolks, White Lotus Seed Paste with Single Yolk, Plain White Lotus Seed Paste and Mixed Nuts with Chicken Ham. The mooncakes are available from now until 15th September in the hotel’s lobby or at a number of other locations including Takashimaya, VivoCity and Parkway Parade. Ph: 6213 4398/4473.

Si Chuan Dou Hua On offer at all three Si Chuan Dou Hua restaurants (Parkroyal on Beach Road, Parkroyal on Kitchener Road and Top of UOB Plaza 1) are a number of traditional baked mooncakes.

Check out the Baked White Lotus Paste with Double Yolk, the Baked White Lotus Paste with Single Yolk and two new variations this year the Baked Filo Pastry with Yam Paste and Baked Maple Walnut mooncake.

UOB, OCBC, Maybank and DBS Cardmembers can enjoy 20% savings until 15th September. For Parkroyal Beach Road contact 6505 5722, for Parkroyal Kitchener Road call 6428 3170 or for UOB Plaza outlet contact 6535 6006.

Shangri-La Hotel

Si Chuan Dou Hua

37

5

Fascinating Things You May Not Know About the

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

I

t is interesting to know that there are many stories and traditions associated with the festival besides the familiar one on Chang’e. Read on to find out more!

1

Folklore Folklore has it that during the Yuan dynasty, Han soldiers were planning to overthrow the Mongols.

Rebel leader, Zhu Yuanzhang, and his adviser, Liu Bowen, conceived a plan to use mooncakes, which the Mongols did not eat, to hide and pass messages to rally rebels.

Thousands of mooncakes were distributed to residents, all under the guise of blessing the longevity of the Mongol emperor.

Families were instructed to wait till the day of the moon festival to eat the mooncakes. The day came and they pried open the mooncakes. Heeding the message within, together they attacked and overthrew the Mongols.

2

Tet Trung Thu The Vietnamese celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival too. In fact, it is the second most important holiday after their New Year! Known as Tet Trung Thu, this holiday is all about the celebration of the children. It is a festival where parents spend more time with their children having been away from them during harvest time. In ancient times, children were thought to have the closest connections to the sacred and natural world because of their innocence and purity. .

The Mid-Autumn Festival Today

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore is always celebrated with good food and entertainment! We celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in modern Singapore with the following activities: Eating Mooncakes There are four traditional types of fillings found in mooncakes: lotus seed paste, sweet bean paste, dates and five kernels (five types of nuts and seeds). These days, the fillings come in a wide variety of flavours, ranging from taro to durian and pineapple. Snow skin mooncakes are also new additions, which have gained popularity over the years. The choices now are aplenty! Mooncakes now also come in very creative and colourful boxes and containers.

38

3

Tibetan Tradition The Tibetans celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival by searching for the reflection of the moon. On the night of the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, young men and women, together with children will try to find the moon’s reflection on the waters of the river and ponds before consuming mooncakes.

4

The Matchmaker The Mid-Autumn Festival is also the birthday of the Deity of the Moon, Yue Lao. Also known as the Matchmaker, he is the Chinese version of cupid and is the god of marriages. He carries a “book of fate” with all the marriages written in it. Instead of shooting arrows like the cupid, he ties red strings around the ankles of two destined lovers together. Once he has done so, the two will become bound to each other forever.

5

Pumpkin It is a tradition for the Chinese living in the south of the Yangtze River to consume pumpkins during the festival if they cannot afford mooncakes. It is believed that eating pumpkins on the night of the 15th of the eighth lunar month will bring good health.

Lighting Lanterns When dusk falls, beautiful and colourful lanterns light up the streets, parks and beaches. Not only are children excited by this fun activity, now adults are joining in too!

Reuniting with Family The full moon is a symbol of reunion. Many families get together on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival for dinner and exchange mooncakes. After dinner, families will bring their children out to the open to gaze at the moon together, which is believed to be the biggest and roundest at this time of the year.

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

LIFESTYLE

Under the Blanket of

Dark Skies and Luminous Orb, Is a Time Where Families Gather to Solve Riddles

A

n age-old tradition that has transformed over time, Mid-Autumn Festival in modern times is a day when family members gather to feast on mooncakes.

1. What key is most difficult to turn?

However, it wasn’t always this watered-down version!

During the full moon on the 15th day of every 8th lunar month, families used to sit outside their house, eating mooncakes and lighting up lanterns while enjoying the ‘fullest’ moon of the year.

4. What’s full of holes but still holds water?

During this period, family members participate in various activities, with “Lantern Riddles” being the key highlight. Lantern riddles are riddles that were written on the lanterns displayed during Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. The full name of 'Lantern Riddles' are 'riddles written on lanterns'.

People in the festival must guess the answer from a word, a poem or a phrase, guessing the riddles are as hard as fighting with a tiger, so that lantern riddles have another name - 'lantern tigers'.

There are three essential parts to lantern riddles; the riddle, the hint (description) and the answer. The answer cannot be part of the riddle and players will have to think out-of-the-box to guess it!

Now, let’s see how you will fare! Answers are at the bottom of the page.

2. What you call a witch at a beach?

3. What you call a rich fish?

5. What building has the most stories?

6. Which is faster, hot or cold?

7. When is your mind like a rumpled bed?

8. What is it that everybody does at the same time?

9. What looks green, but opens up red. What you eat is red, but what you spit out is black.

10. Brothers, all pair up; Bodies firm and tall. You only care to eat the solid food, and don’t care to eat the soup.

11. I slap you, for my own good. Because of you, I slap myself. Hitting you, my blood flows.

12. Wash it and it isn't clean. Don't wash it and then it's clean.

Credit: Cultural China: http://traditions.cultural-china.com/lantern_ riddles/answer_p1.html

39

1. Donkey | 2. Sandwich | 3. Goldfish | 4. A Sponge | 5. A Library | 6. Hot is faster. You can catch a cold. | 7. When it is not made up. | 8. Grow older. | 9. Watermelon | 10. Chopsticks | 11. A Mosquito | 12. Water

Chiang Mai Courses

By Justine Moss

Alpine Golf Resort Hole 7

E

ven with more new golf courses sprouting up in regional destinations such as China, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, Thailand has always remained a firm favourite in the hearts of Singaporeans who enjoy taking a golfing vacation with family or friends. With roughly 260 golf courses spread out from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in the north to the capital Bangkok, further south to Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Koh Samui, there are so many to suit players of all abilities. Justine Moss checked out a few in Chiang Mai. and a number of other sports and activities to enjoy such as football and volleyball.

Chiangmai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort

Alpine Golf Resort (www.alpinegolfresort.com) This is a breathtakingly beautiful course with its views of the mountain ranges and its location in the middle of the San Kampaeng natural forest.

The Ron Garl-designed 18-hole championship layout is tough with its large number of bunkers and water hazards, yet its aesthetic appeal and well-maintained fairways and greens means that a round of golf here is extremely enjoyable – even if you’re having a mediocre round. The par-3 15th features an island green that is intimidating but while the island may look very small, it is nearly 46 metres

40

wide which is a large target for a shot of this length. Aim for the middle of the green and if you make par it will feel like a birdie. The par-4 11th is the most difficult on the course.

The dogleg left has water down the entire left side and plays almost like a par-5. The only reprieve of this hole is that the green sits on the same level as the fairway and is open in the front. Do put this course, which is located around 30 minutes from town, on your itinerary. It’s a joy to play on so try and fit it in a couple of times on your itinerary. Facilities include accommodation, clubhouse, swimming pool, SPA, driving range

Chiangmai Highland Golf & Spa Resort (www.chiangmaihighlands.com) This is another visually stunning 27hole championship course with its rolling fairways, mountain views and thick tropical jungle vegetation, which can challenge, frustrate and delight you all in one round.

Designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, the award-winning course opened in 2005 and while accuracy is really key here – especially on a few of the holes where multiple bunkers surround the green – do make sure you don’t over or underclub as some of the distances to the green seem deceptive. The three nines are called Highlands, Mountain and Valley. The course features paspalum fairways and Tiff eagle greens which translate to greener fairways and faster more consistent greens for the golfer.

The bunker styles are typical of a Schmidt-Curley design, deep and severely penalizing to the errant shots but beautiful to the golfer’s eye especially early inLăn theg Cô morning Laguna Go Hole 7 & 11

lf Club

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

LIFESTYLE

Mae Jo Golf Club & Resort

and late in the afternoon. The greens at Chiangmai Highlands typically run between 9.5 and 10.5 on the Stimpmeter. The greens are firm and fast but hold a well struck iron shot. Many greens slope away from the fairway putting more emphasis on strategy and local knowledge.

The approach areas around green complexes often feature closely mown areas giving the golf many options of playing either a chipand-run, pitch shot or even putting the ball up onto the green surface.

Imagination is a terrific asset when trying to get up and down at Chiangmai Highlands. Facilities include a driving range and a short game practice area, SPA, 19 private resort villas and restaurant.

Mae Jo Golf Club & Resort (www.maejogolfclub.com) This is a real gem of a course, which is located 20 minutes from town, and while it has its various challenges, it won’t be a total turnoff for the novice golfer with some gentle holes to ease you into your game. There are several elevated tee boxes from which you can experience delightful views of Doi Suthep mountain that overlooks Chiang Mai. The fairways are lined with Longan, Lychee, Pomelo and Tangerine fruit trees and there are a number of tricky water hazards and bunkers dotted around the course.

The signature par-3 14th is quite spectacular and has been rated as one of the best in the country’s north. An elevated tree top drinks kiosk gives a great view over the hole to the mountains so take a couple of pictures before hitting your tee shot, which has to clear a large waste area

Summit Green Valley

that runs from the tee to the front of the green. Beware though of a bunker on the right side of the green and if there’s a strong wind blowing then club selection is very important. The 18th is the second longest par-4 on the course and is quite a challenging finishing hole. With an OB area on the right and waste area on the left you have to be careful to keep the drive on the fairways to having any chance of scoring a par or less.

Mae Jo is a lovely layout and it’s a course that one is quite happy to play more than once during the course of a golfing vacation. Facilities include a ‘Lanna-style’ clubhouse, restaurant, SPA, pro-shop, driving range and practice greens.

The Royal Chiangmai Golf Resort (www.royalchiangmai.com) This 18-hole par-72 Peter Thomsondesigned links-style course opened in February 1996. Many of the holes are set against beautiful mountain backdrops so, again, if you’re having a terrible round then at least you can relax and enjoy the view. The signature par-4 fourth which is index one is a brute of a hole and is uphill from tee to green in addition to 94 well-placed bunkers along the way.

There are many streams and lakes throughout the 18 holes but not all are in play. The course offers all levels of golfers an enjoyable round with a chance to score well.

Facilities include a resort, swimming pool, health centre, sauna and massage, restaurant, pro shop, driving range and practice greens.

Summit Green Valley (www.summitgreenvalley.com) Designed by Dennis Griffiths – the same architect who designed the Thai Country Club - this par72 18-hole course features a large number of bunkers and the water hazards come into play on almost every hole. Situated in the lowlands and only 20 minutes drive from the center of Chiangmai, Summit Green Valley manages to offer beautiful surroundings, fresh air and various native landscaping unique to Northern Thailand. Hundreds of palm trees line the course, which has lovely views of the surrounding mountains. The fairways, lined with palm trees, seem wide, but golfers must be careful in that water hazards and bunkers are plentiful at the landing areas, thus making the fairways narrow and leaving no room for wayward shots. The greens are large, receptive to approach shots, and putting speed is moderate to slightly fast. However, course length, numerous elevation changes, and prevailing winds makes Green Valley a tough but fair challenge to golfers of all skill levels.

Facilities include driving range, proshop, clubhouse and restaurant.

The Royal Chiangmai Golf Resort

41

The

Grinner Side

By Jacob Tay

IQ = GOLF SCORE

Friends says I don't play go od golf. I tell them I am pro ud to be in the C division and that I normally play to my IQ. Golfing skills are like singin g. If you can't sing, no matte r how hard you train, your voi ce can never improve. Sam e as IQ, no matter how hard you study, your IQ remain s quite the same.

AAA (5A's) CHAIRMAN OF PG AA sociation.

Wonder why ladies have a maximum handicap of 36?

Now we understand why lad ies IQ are higher than men’s!

GC MEETINGS & ELECTION

at the next elec tion. I heard I was recently invited to stand for GC wed by heated debates follo rumours that the GC meetings are in the morning. I declined to which star ts from 6pm till 2:30am m. I understand that some run for GC as my bedtime is 10p MOM to fight for their rights staf f members are complaining to tings. Last I heard, their pets to fall asleep during such long mee inst the staf f members who also filed complaints to SPCA aga them. failed to return home in time to feed all-you-can-eat budget for Recently, the GC approved an ber during sub-commit tee dinner to every sub-commit tee mem erstand that in the past, und I . meetings not exceeding $20 d served during meetings. I shark's fin was par t of the foo e the budget by 10% more humbly ask if they can increas drink - chin chow during the so I can also have my favourite nteers are paid more than volu st meeting. Don't forget that mo so the $2 extra for chin chow $20 an hour during their career should be justifiable! fully during our elec tion on I urge you to vote wisely and care ective-driven GC instead obj an September 23. Please vote for more improvement in the of debaters so that we can see about improvements. Don't coming years instead of hearing d for the post of CEO - Chief forget to also vote for me, I will stan Entertainment Officer.

Finally my fellow Rafflesians, learn more to relax, live, laugh and enjoy your retirement at RAFFLES! [R]elax [A]ssociate [F]ind Friends [F]ood & Fun [L]ive Life [E]njoy & [S]ocialise 42

a new golf as Since I retired, I started AA AA A (PG 5As). It I am the founder of PG ytime, Anywhere, - An stands for Play Golf y balls & Anyhow play!

An ing with Anyone, us

CROCODILE SPOTTED AT LAKE HOLE 17 A crocodile has been sighted by many golfers with its mouth open on a rock along hole 17. Raffles legend tells us that once upon a time, there was a golfer who scored over 50 stableford points during a charity competition. It was a rainy night and lightning struck him. He turned into a "buaya" and now resides around hole 17.

This also explains why he did not show up during the prize presentation ceremony.

Legend also says that the only way for it to return back as a golfer would be for a female golfer to kiss it.

Some other Raffles members say that perhaps if you go closer to the crocodile and take off its head mask, you can find your "buaya" kaki underneath it!!

RAFFLES GC

WOR

KS WITH LTA Recently, our GC met with LT A to come up with demerit point guidelin es for golfers. a) Long hitters - golfers who ta ke to hit - 30 poin a long time ts b) Buayas - win 90% of "Jef frey title" in sixers - 10 0 points c) Cheat on their score ca rds tournament play 6, say 5, to win a write 4 - 40 points d) Drunk drivi ng - on bugg y or at tee bo - 50 points x Golfers with m o will be susp re than 80 demerit points ended from playing for si months or they x service by put will have to do community ting on the "b uaya stand on the ro ck at Hole 17 fo " mask and r a week!

Raffles Connection • Sep - Oct 2016

LIFESTYLE

RCC2 Reading Corner

– An Overseas Reciprocal Club Archive

N

umerous overseas trips have been made to the respective reciprocal clubs around the region over the years.

During these trips, Club books, magazines, Compact Discs, annuals, mementos and memorabilia were exchanged and collected by members.

It is time to archive these materials as “Library or Museum” and open to all members at a convenient location of the club. We name this corner “RCC Reciprocal Clubs Corner” or in short RCC2 Reading Corner.

Location & Management The current ideal location is at our spacious, air-conditioned reception area, which attracts the heaviest/most human traffic.

Currently, we have 44 reciprocal clubs (please refer to page 47 for details). Over the years, we have collected some items, which include the respective Club magazines, books, ball markers, divot repair tools, bag tags, special marking pencils, score sheets, CD’s, and caps, towels and pictures for those who wish to contribute. A running digital screen shots of those who have recently visited the respective places may also be considered. CD's produced by the respective clubs may be played for information within this area of display.

Individuals who have prepared journals for such trips may also be a source to contribute at this corner, together with memorabilia collected. Please contact Marcom staff if you are willing to leave such personal documents with the Club, to share with our club members under the custody of Marcom (CMSC).

This is a joint effort of Facility (FESC) which will work out the space, means and guide management with the finished product, like the display units, lights cabinets, side-boards etc, and Marcom (CMSC) which will work out the final display items and management tasked to collect from interested members for contribution. Marcom staff will manage the information and design details.

Together the two sub-committees will work out the "Terms Of Reference" and "General Rules and Guidelines" on the boundaries of 'do's and don'ts', from which Clubs such collections qualify to be kept etc. The new working group formed will be accountable for the content to be displayed. The length of time for such displays to be put up may also be determined by this working group.

The Benefits At present, we only have a single-line name of the respective Overseas Reciprocal Clubs on the board.

With an organized collection of archives plus this display corner, it will certainly give a better and clearer impression and pictures of the respective Overseas Reciprocal Clubs with RCC. Any guest or visitor to RCC will have a chance to see what we have for our members. It can be a touring and conversation piece for everyone. At the same time, it 'up-lifts' the educational and information status for our members at large. It will give the Club some degree of ‘character’.

Sustainability The Club will reach out to all members to seek voluntary contributions from their own private collection, and Marcom (CMSC) will make a conscious effort to create awareness in all media (Magazine, eBlast, SMS, Facebook, website). The actual financial cost is minimal, if there is enough brainpower and energy to get this done.

The secondary objective is to create more vibrant and lively surroundings with activities at the Clubhouse. This will also show that RCC is slowly moving towards Premium Club status.

Hoe Boon Leong Chairman FESC

43

where the sandy root zone interfaces the • PCD has simila gravel layer. This perched water is held the sandy upp at a slight suction, so it is unable to enter regularly topdr conventional drainage systems. Passive and so, has the Capillary Drainage works two ways. PC “pull” water fro Passive Capillary (PC) Drainage is the only We can break down Dr. Ed McCoy, Ohio University, horizon. Whe Drainage elements are placed at State the bottom drai drainage system that can be installed into Developer PC Drainage Technology a few key points: ofof a narrow sand curtain, whichinto gives water • Because PCD Cosc the green at narrow three foot spacing for trapped at the soil interface an exit. The More importantly, PCD • Even sandy soils hold water through capilla can more efficient drainage. Layering is common unique element has an•open stainless has the amounts ability to meet theit does notEach against steel the force gravity nee in putting green soils and occurs when a meshofcore to remove large criteria flow. of theThe “Drainage installed with throughofsurface tension.through gravity r in w sandy root zone overlies a finer textured water quickly Triangle” but can follow affe native soil, which is typical after years of element is made of highly conductive • Regular sub-surface contours. topdressing. In push-up greens the interface fiberglass, in which the spaces between the • The cost of the product drainage is not capable of CO is often too close to the surface, resulting fibers match the pore sizes of a sandy root and installation compares “pulling” water from a soil, • By ensuring th refe in “wet soil” problems for the turf. Even in zone. The result is a system that drains fast favourably with the but relies only on gravity. a sufficient len USGA greens, excess water tends to perch with passive gravity drainage and wicks away competition. at the end QU of a where the sandy root zone interfaces the moisture • PCD hasexcess similarsoil pore size to with capillary suction acts as a “hang refe gravel layer. This perched water is held throughout the day.

• It excels in the speed of column” and ca the sandy upper profile of proj at a slight suction, so it is unable to enter installation with minimal along the entir regularly topdressed greens conventional drainage systems. Passive disruption caused during the installed and so, has the capability to SPE PC Capillary Drainage works two ways. PC the install process “pull” water from within this refe syphonic actio Drainage elements are placed at the bottom horizon. the • Most importantly, it is a narrow curtain, which at gives water heofsystem wassand recently installed Lake Course #10 gree Sand T inch diameter proven toOne work very well!!

• Because PCD can act trappedIt at interface an exit.inThe green's. is the thesoil latest innovation soil drainage wellb Layer fiberglass element through capillary suction unique element has an open stainless technology to provide fast free flow drainage, along hea • Golf Clubsfibers now have over tim drawawater it does not need to be steel mesh core removeexcess large amounts with capillary suction totoremove moisture. viable solution to their through capillary installed with regular fall, of water quickly through gravity flow. The The drainage action problems that when water but can follow the green element is made of highly conductive ofte does not require greens Passive Capillary Drainage works two ways. PC Drainagecontours. is perched above fiberglass, in which the spaces between the Stainless Narrow incr being out of play a elements are match placed thesizes bottom of a narrow sand thefor element. fibers theatpore of a sandy root steel mesh sand c mea long period of time.

•anBy ensuring that there is curtain, zone. whichThe gives water at the soil interface result is atrapped system that drains fast core carries 3 ftcons spa a sufficient length of PCD exit. Thewith unique element has an open stainless steel mesh passive gravity drainage and wicks away drainage water • PCD can be installed on a water f scop at the end of a run, this core to excess removesoil large amounts of water quickly moisture with capillary suction through away with high 5,000 square foot green sand c incr acts as a “hanging water gravity flow.

The element throughout the day. is made of highly conductive efficiency during and can be back in play in more w column” and can pull water fiberglass, in which the spaces between the fibers match the first several hours less than 24 hours. spaced along the entire length of the pore sizes of a sandy root zone. The result is a systemthe installed following heavy rain PCD through that drains fast with passive. syphonic action.

s e i t i l i c a F

Passive Capillary

Drainage System

T

Stainless steel mesh core carries drainageOne water away with inch diameter high efficiency during the first few hoursfiberglass followingelement heavy rain. One inch diameter fiberglass element fibers fibers draw draw water water through capillary action when water is perched through capillary action when water above the element.

Stainless

is perched above

the element.

Golf Course Maintenance team studies the PC Drainage steel mesh System concept and were in vigorous discussions with the core carries local installation agent. We had also looked at the trial drainage water away high conducted onwith local conditions and eventually decided to efficiency during have our own trial at Lake Course #10 green. We know the first several that Lake #10 green hashours poor drainage particularly at the following heavy rain back right side, coupled with issues brought about by a large tree formation at the right side of the green such as shade, leaf litter and tree root interference. This resulted in poor turf quality and unsustainable turf growth.

Sand Topdressing Layer built up over time

Narrow (1”) sand curtain at 3 ft spacing drains water faster than sand channels more widely spaced

On 7 June, 20 lines of the PC Drainage system were installed with a total length of 450 metres across the back portion of the green. The PC element was linked to the header pipe installed on the right side of the greens with an outlet discharge to the nearby pond.

During installation, the sand banding machine that was working on 10 inch depth trenching and laying of PC elements caused bumpiness on the putting surface. The trenching blades and heavy roller had also caused some turf folding and abrasion. The turf maintenance team are addressing this issue and will carry out turf recovery work to ensure the green is back to normal putting conditions as soon as possible. The turf recovery period is expected to be approximately 4-6 weeks.

44

Installation of PC Drainage System at Lake Green #10.

T b

Trenching, laying of PC elements, backfilling with sand and compacting on Lake Green #10.

PC Element being installed into the green profile before being tied in to the header pipe.

A closer look at Sandbander at work.

Rolling of greens with heavy roller to flatten the putting surface after PC Drain installation.

Water being drained out from the green profile by the PC drainage System after 2.5 inches of rainfall.

45

s

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. 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 Danang Golf Club Da Nang City, Vietnam * Valid till 18 Oct '16 Long Thanh Golf Club Dong Nai Province, 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 Warren Country Club Seletar 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

47

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 6864 0833

Golf Courses – Palm & Lake Open Daily: First tee-off: 7:14am Last tee-off: 6:15pm (9 holes)

Lifestyle Mr. Joeness Lamban Executive (Operations) joeness.lamban@rcc.org.sg 6864 0823

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

48

Membership Ms. Sau Man Ling Executive (Membership) manling.sau@rcc.org.sg 6864 0812

SPORTS & RECREATION

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

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: 6861 0127 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 Restaurant Tel: 6898 4964 Open Daily: 11:30 - 3:00pm 4:30 - 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

Available at DEPARTMENTAL STORE: TANGS at Tangs Plaza; TANGS VivoCity; Robinsons The Heeren; OG Orchard Point; Metro The Centrepoint AUTHORISED RETAILERS: 3D Trading The Bencoolen #01-95; Brightime by Championtime The Bencoolen #01-70/71, Lucky Plaza #01-37; De Time Clarke Quay Central 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #01-37; Eastern Watch Lucky Plaza #01-74; Gift Time Plaza Singapura #01-30A; Hing’s Watch Bras Basah Complex #01-39; H2Hub West Mall #01-24, Century Square #01-K7, Jurong Point #03-118/119, Serangoon Nex #01-K11/12; Horologe Jurong Point #01-43; International Watch People’s Park Complex #01-49; Kok Heng Clifford Centre #01-07; L&S Watch House 678 Woodlands Ave 6; Lim Joo Chiang People’s Park Centre #01-41; May May Watch Dealer The Bencoolen #01-77; Mega Watch Technic Bishan Street 13 #01-508; Mohd Mustafa & Samsuddin Serangoon Plaza; Nanking Watch Dealer Peninsula Excelsior Shopping Centre #01-26; Ngee Keong Watch Dealer Katong Shopping Centre #02-12; Niva Time Bedok Mall #01-24; On Time Gallery Eastpoint Mall #02-30; Vincent Watch Causeway Point #01-12, Jurong Point #01-13, JEM #01-26, Tampines Mall #01-28, Toa Payoh HDB Hub #01-31; Watch Trend Choa Chu Kang MRT #01-30; Yuen Loong Parkway Parade #B1-92 ONLINE RETAILERS: Timepiece Atelier http//.www.timepieceatelier.com Sole distributor: CRYSTAL TIME (S) PTE LTD

Tel: +65-6747 8888

www.crystaltime.com.sg

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