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RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB NEWSLETTER | January - February 2017
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Happy New Year
Raffles Country Club Singapore www.rcc.org.sg
ANG POW GAME 2017 Saturday, 11 February 2017
Make a date with us! Start your new year with a prosperity game at RCC! Highlights: AM Double Shotgun Lohei Lunch Call 6861 7655 for more information!
Lion Dance
s t n e t n o C
GENERAL COMMITTEE President Mr Paul Singh
LIFESTYLE
CLUB NEWS New Sub-Committees 6 Staff Day 2017 Snapshots
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Raffles Charity Cheque Presentation 12
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GOLF Monthly Medal
CNY Reunion Dinner
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Malaysia Fly or Drive
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2017 Zodiac Reading – Is this a Good Year For You? 36
FOOD & BEVERAGES Johnnie Walker Night
Get Into The New Year Mood – Head Down to These Iconic Spots! 30
An Aristocrat In Our Midst
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Natural Healing 40 FACILITIES
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Club Matchplay Championship 2016
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Ladies Rosebowl 2016
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Lee Ek Tieng Trophy 2016
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4th Mission Hills Reciprocal Championship
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Out of Bounds aka OB
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Ladies' Asian Interport Games
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SGA ICL 2016 - Appreciation Golf & Dinner 2016
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Legend Cricketer Sets Up For Success On The Course
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Repair Your Pitch Mark and Repair It Right
Vice-President Chairman of Food & Beverage Mr Loh Kum Chuen Captain Chairman of Golfing & Greens Mr Sebastian Song Treasurer Chairman of Finance Mr Tom Yeo Secretary Mr John Goh Chairman of Communications & Information Ms Cheong Yoke Keng Chairman of Facilities & Estate Mr Hoe Boon Leong Chairman of Lifestyle & Social Mr Phee Thian Chye
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Member Mr Henry Ho
Local Rule: Free drop for ball landing on treated areas (Rule 25-1) 43
MANAGEMENT
Improvements around the Club 45
Finance Manager Anthony Low anthony.low@rcc.org.sg 6864 0828
General Manager 6864 0889
Course Superintendent Christine Chung christine.chungbhivat@rcc.org.sg 6861 2725
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Golfing Operations Manager Dennis Ee dennis.ee@rcc.org.sg 6864 0836 F&B/Lifestyle Manager Cristo Fong cristo.fong@rcc.org.sg 6864 0863 Sales & Marketing/ Communications Manager Joanne Ng joanne.ng@rcc.org.sg 6864 0838
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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.
Facilities Manager 6864 0883
EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Cheong Yoke Keng Editor Justine Moss Members Ven Sveenivasan Edmond Ang Nina Koh Joanne Ng Relle Lee
s ' t n e d i s Pre ge
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
Messa
Following on from my previous message in the Nov-Dec issue, I would like to update members on the progress we have made so far. The General Committee moved quickly to appoint GC members to chair the various Sub-Committees.The various Sub-Committee chairpersons have also moved quickly to appoint members to their respective SubCommittees.I am very pleased to see that many fellow members signed up for the various sub-committees and are committed to serve the Club. This speaks well for the Club and its membership. As I have mentioned, one of the key areas we would look into improving is the food and beverage at the Golfers’ Terrace.The F&B Sub-Committee headed by the Vice President, Mr Loh Kum Chuen, has been working hard to identify gaps and lapses in the F&B operations and to remedy them.The FBSC has also sent out a survey form asking members to list down their favourite and preferred food that we consider serving at the Golfers’ Terrace.Having this data will be helpful for the Club in ensuring that the food served at the Golfers’ Terrace meets their taste buds and their enjoyment. I sincerely ask fellow members to be patient with our F&B team and support them while they go about doing their job in providing quality and tasteful food that members could enjoy.We need your support as well as your guests and visitors to patronise the Golfers’ Terrace as well as our other F&B outlets. I mentioned that we would have interactions between SubCommittees so that our committees are one cohesive team with a single goal of making RCC a better place for members, guests, staff and visitors. To that I am pleased to mention that
our Golfing & Greens and Lifestyle & Social sub-committees have come together to organize their first event. This was the Santa Golf Scramble Dinner & Dance event which was held on Saturday, 17 December 2016.It was a golf, dinner and partying event and I am sure that members had a great time! The Golfing & Greens Sub-Committee (GGSC) had their first group visit to the golf course with our Course Superintendent and Assistant Course Superintendent to understand and learn how our courses are maintained, and the complexity of keeping the greens in tiptop condition.We can expect more from our GGSC team as they go about their work in keeping our golfing activities fun and full of challenges. I am also pleased to mention that the various other sub-committees are well underway in doing their jobs in their respective areas, and ensuring that the overall performance of the Club is well looked after. I have spent time with the staff and got to know them well.We are fortunate to have great employees who are dedicated in doing their jobs.I am very sure that the General Committee will provide guidance to our employees and ensure they are recognised for their efforts. We are in the process of hiring our new General Manager.I am excited to have him on board as soon as possible so that we can start working on bringing RCC to the next level of excellence. Since being elected as President of the Club, I have had the luxury of meeting many members and also the opportunity of having a round of golf with some of them.As mentioned in my previous message, I am fully committed to meeting members and golfing with them.My goal is to be a people’s President where I am
Paul Singh President
My goal is to be a PEOPLE’S
PRESIDENT WHERE I AM AVAILABLE to meet members and staff for a chat.
available to meet members and staff for a chat. When I am at the Club, I will come by and say ‘hello’ and hopefully share a drink with you and chat about the Club or anything under the sun. The Club is like home to many of us.Let’s make it a great place to be.A simple ‘hello’ to fellow members at the locker room, hallway or at the GT will go a long way in fostering friendships among members of the Club.Let’s do our part. Ciao for now! See you at the Club!
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age r e v e B & e d g o a o s F s f e o eM e t t i m Chairman m o Sub-C
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
The F&B Chairman seat was ultrahot after the great financial loss the past two years but I accepted the challenge to help stop the financial bleeding; help turn things around; make improvements in our GT operations - the food selection and quality; provide a better level of service to our members; increase productivity with our service and kitchen staff and, at the same time, cut down on food wastage.Since Day one, President Paul Singh has been fully engaged with us in our F&B brain-storming sessions and meetings to offer his help and advice. Our F&B SC members have been carefully selected based on their individual expertise, business acumen, dedication to serve and ability to contribute to make positive changes in the different aspects of our F&B operations. We all know that there are strong headwinds ahead of us. The F&B SC was officially formed and approved by GC on 29 October 2016. We are pleased to have on board Albert Tan, Patrick Low, Peter Tan and Charles Chua to take up the challenges together with me. They know that it is no easy task ahead and we need to spend a lot of time and effort to help turn things around for the better. Each of us has been assigned specific tasks but we work as a Team in sharing ideas and brainstorming for improvements in our F&B Operations. We started by interviewing all management, service and kitchen staff to find out how we can help them make improvements to their jobs and working environment. Many problem areas arose from our findings. The GT kitchen failed the
NEA Inspection on 29 September 2016, a month before our new F&B SC was officially formed. Following our kitchen inspections, we found that certain important kitchen operation regulations were not adhered to. The dish washing machine broke down and was not replaced since March 2016. A number of staff went on frequent Medical Leave. Cashiers on duty were not given proper training, resulting in wrong billing and creating delays and longer waiting times for our members and guests. There were serious lapses in the management and proper supervision of GT staff. Many of these lapses were quickly rectified in the first few weeks of our term of office. A Food Selection Survey was conducted in November to get feedback on Members’ favourite dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. The survey results will help us plan our menu according to the wishes of the majority of our Members, cutting off dishes which are not so popular so as to cut down on food ingredient wastage. A detailed report will be published when all the data has been compiled and analysed. We take your feedback and complaints seriously by keeping proper records and actions to be taken by our management and staff.
Loh Kum Chuen Vice-President Chairman of F&B Sub-Committee
We take your feedback and complaints seriously
BY KEEPING PROPER RECORDS AND ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN by our management and staff.
You can help to make a difference! We urge Members to help our GT business turn around by encouraging fellow members and guests to patronise our revitalised GT and to bring them back to enjoy good food and fantastic ambience. We need your support to make it happen!
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s w e N b Clu
Sub-Committees 2016-2017
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Audit
Chairman Member
Mr Gan Chir Seng Mr Eddie Chua Mr Charles Lim
Communications & Information
Chairman Member
Ms Cheong Yoke Keng Mr Edmond Ang Ms Nina Koh Mr Ven Sreenivasan
Disciplinary
Chairman Member
Mr Chong Kah Wei Mr Kay Kong Swan Mr Ravinderpal Singh Mr Siva Shanmugam
Facilities & Estate
Chairman Member
Mr Hoe Boon Leong Mr Chng Peng Soon Mr Vincent Chua Mr Allan Tan
Finance
Chairman Member
Mr Tom Yeo Mr Daniel Chan Mr Bernard Lim Mr Peter K.Y. Tan
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
CLUB NEWS
Food & Beverage
Chairman Member
Golfing & Greens
Captain/ Mr Sebastian Song Chairman Vice-Captain Mr Sam Peck Lady Captain Ms Esther Oh Member Mr Lau Wing Cheok Ms Denise Seow Mr Derrick Tay Mr Vardza Raju Mr John Yam
Handicap
Chairman Member
Ms Yeo Swee Tuan Mr Clarence Liow Ms Elvina Wong
Lifestyle & Social
Chairman Member
Mr Phee Thian Chye Ms Cassandra How Ms Lee Yuke Lan Dr Tan Kok Kheng Mr Jacob Tay Mr Kelvin Teo
Review Club Constitution
Chairman Member
Mr Siva Shanmugam Mr Chong Kah Wei Mr Charles Lim
Mr Loh Kum Chuen Mr Charles Chua Mr Patrick Low Mr Albert Tan Mr Peter P.K. Tan
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RCC Staff Day 5 December 2016
A Day to Thank the Unsung Heroes of the Club
E
very year, on the first Monday of December, RCC closes the Club and celebrate its Staff Day. This annual event seeks to celebrate and give recognition to its employees, who have put a lot of effort into each and every one of their roles and responsibilities throughout the year. This year, the event took place at the luxurious Fairmont Hotel ballroom, and staff trickled in at 11am sharp dressed in their best Bollywood themed outfits. Decked in brightly coloured sarees and kurta churidar, the reception area was illuminated by an explosion of colours, lively chatter and staff eager to capture the moment at the photo booth. After the welcome reception, staff were ushered into the ballroom and seated before President Paul Singh took the stage to welcome and thank the staff for their good efforts throughout the year. The speech was followed by the awarding of long service awards to staff who have worked in the Club for five, twenty and twenty-five years respectively. After the long service award segment, everyone was finally invited to dig into their buffet lunch. Did they look hungry! Once everyone had filled their bellies, the emcee, Naz, kicked off a series of interactive games, lucky draw and awarding of Best Dress Awards. With their beautiful costumes, detailed accessorizing, winning smiles and,
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of course, amazing dance moves, Jennielyn Suarez and Premkumar Naidu Palakirshna from F&B walked away with their well-deserved Best Dressed Awards. With the top ten lucky draw prizes remaining, the afternoon ended with Mohamed Bin Jantan and Muhammad Noor Bin Md Ramli from Course Maintenance snagging the top prizes, a 32GB iPhone 7 each. What a lucky day for them! We are definitely looking forward to being the lucky winners of next year’s Staff Day!
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
CLUB NEWS
25 years
20 years
years
Long Service Award
Long Service Award
Long Service Award
Wahid Bin Sulaiman (Course Maintenance) Joined 05-Aug-1991
Mohammad Yusri Bin Tahir (Golfing) Joined 01-Nov-1996
Amir Bin Parus (Golfing) Joined 27-Aug-1991
Choo Ai Tin (Housekeeping) Joined 12-Sep-1996 Samsudin Bin Hamid (Course) Joined 03-Jun-1996
Game segment.
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Nurjannah Binte Ahmad Redzuan (Sales & Marketing) Joined 01-Nov-2011 Nur Huzaifah Bte Mohamed (Golfing) Joined 20-Sep-2011 Nasser Bin Rawi (Golfing) Joined 01-Aug-2011
Best-dressed male.
Shao Kaili (F&B) Joined 22-Feb-2011 Yang Xiao Juan (F&B) Joined 10-Jan-2011 Li Nana (F&B) Joined 27-Jan-2011
Best-dressed female.
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Snapsh ts
Golf Course Walk-about with GGSC It was a slightly overcast Monday morning on 7 November 2016 when the GGSC gathered together for their first golf course walk-about. The party was joined by the Golf Course Superintendent (CS), the Assistant CS and Senior Golf Executive. The Captain and Lady Captain, together with the GGSC members, observed first-hand course preparation works on greens mowing, cup setting, tee marker setting and bunker work that is usually carried out before the first flight tees off. Having witnessed first-hand golf course maintenance work on site, the committee was able to give useful suggestions and practical solutions. At the end of the walk-about, new heights were reached in terms of the level of understanding of golf course work and golfers’ expectations.
Faldo Series Girls’ Category Champion: Erika Layson The Club is proud to announce that RCC Adopted Junior, Erika Layson, performed outstandingly at the Faldo Series Golf Competition held at Jurong Country Club between 22 and 24 Nov 2016. After many gruelling rounds, Erika emerged winner of the Girl’s category, overcoming skilled opponents who were even more experienced than her. With the win, Erika is set for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final to be staged at Danang, Vietnam, in March 2017. The Club wishes Erika all the best and looks forward to good news from her!
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Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
CLUB NEWS
Ladies Greensome Competition 2017 The Club would like to congratulate Ms Judy Quek and Ms Regina Wong for winning the annual Ladies Greensome Competition held on 19 October 2017 at Lake Course. Champion Judy Quek & Regina Wong (HI: 16.1, 69 nett) Runner-up Ivy Chang & Boo Geok Ching (HI: 12.3, 73 nett)
Update Your Email with Us! Not receiving news from us? Update your email and mobile number with us to receive important Club news and events! You can either send an update to this email: relle.lee@rcc.org.sg or fill up the form available at Golf Reception.
Result of Photography Competition We are pleased to announce the winner of the Lake Course Photography Competition who will be walking away with a Claude Bernard Watch worth $1,027. Congratulations to Mr Tan Shuh Chern, membership 15929 for the beautiful photo of Lake Course, Hole #1 fairway with Lake Course, Hole #7 in the background!
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Raffles Charity Cheque Presentation 10 December 2016
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n 2016, Raffles Country Club co-organised one of the most sensational Raffles Charity in the Club’s history with Jurong GRC and Bukit Batok SMC CCCs.
Payee Name
Amount
SAWL Scholarship Fund
$19,000.00
St. Andrew's Autism Centre
$19,000.00
Kidney Dialysis Foundation Limited
$19,000.00
Ending the inaugural event on a high note, the beneficiaries were invited to the Club on a sunny Saturday, 10 December 2016 to receive their cheques. A total of 220 students and eight charity organisations benefitted from the generous donations by RCC esteemed members, partners, clients and friends.
Handicaps Welfare Association
$19,000.00
Metta Welfare Association
$19,000.00
Society for the Aged Sick
$19,000.00
SAVH
$19,000.00
Assumption Pathway School
$19,000.00
Boon Lay Secondary School
$10,000.00
Jurong Secondary School
$10,000.00
The Club would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the kind donors and sponsors, for without them, this philanthropic initiative would not be possible. Raffles Country Club look forward to giving back more to the community in the coming years, especially to students and the needy around the Jurong vicinity.
Jurong West Secondary School
$10,000.00
Yuan Ching Secondary School
$10,000.00
Hua Yi Secondary School
$10,000.00
Hong Kah Secondary School
$10,000.00
Boon Lay Garden Primary School
$6,000.00
Jurong West Primary School
$6,000.00
Lakeside Primary School
$6,000.00
Pioneer Primary School
$6,000.00
Rulang Primary School
$6,000.00
8 Charity Organisations : $152,000 ($19,000 x 8 organisations) 5 Primary Schools : $30,000 ($300 x 20 students = $6,000 per school) 6 Secondary Schools : $60,000 ($500 x 20 students = $10,000 per school)
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$242,000.00
e g a r e v e Food & B
Johnnie Walker Night 29 October 2016
of Johnnie e away, three bottles Attractive prizes to giv Walker!
Winner of the grand prize, Mr Yap Gau Pek!
Good friends gathering to enjoy the delicious food, drinks and each others company!
Lucky winner of the Platinum 18 years.
H
ave you seen the lovely ambassadors of Johnnie Walker promenading about Golfers’ Terrace during some of the weekends between July and October?
After months of preparation and promotion, the much anticipated Johnnie Walker Night finally took place at the cosy Albatross. Members who purchased two bottles of the Gold Label Reserve were invited to the event and boy were they spoilt!
Winner of Gold Label Reserve, Mr Sebastian Song
The distributor of Johnnie Walker also sponsored three prizes to be won during the lucky draw segment, including a Johnnie Walker XR 21 years, Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 years and Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve. The lucky winner of the first prize went to Mr Yap Gau Pek, who walked away happily with the XR 21 years (worth $330). For members who wish to try out the Gold Label, fret not! The promotional price of $99 per bottle is still on, so head on down to Albatross for a drink with your buddies!
Attendees were welcomed by the whiff of finger food infused with Johnnie Walker Gold Label Whisky, and treated to free flow of Gold Label Whisky from 6.30pm to 10pm! Don’t you wish you were there?
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Golf
Medals
Monthly November 2016 RESULTS
Saturday, 05 Nov 2016 Format : Stableford, Lake Course
‘B’ DIV. MEN’S NOVEMBER 2016
James Tan
Winner: James Tan HI: 14.0, 41 Pts. 1st Runner-up: Michael Ho HI: 16.9, 39 Pts. 2nd Runner-up: Kim Sang Ik HI: 15.2, 38 Pts.
‘C’ DIV. MEN’S NOVEMBER 2016
‘A’ DIV. LADIES’ NOVEMBER 2016 Winner: Sara Lew HI: 20.2, 40 Pts. Runner-Up: Elvina Wong HI: 14.0, 34 Pts. Sara Lew
‘B’ DIV. LADIES’ NOVEMBER 2016 Winner: Lee Yuke Lan HI: 24.2, 41 Pts. OCB Runner-Up: Regina Wong HI: 19.2, 41 Pts.
Winner: Edmond Ang HI: 20.2, 40 Pts. Runner-Up: Huang Ching Lien HI: 22.1, 39 Pts. OCB Edmond Ang
Lee Yuke Lan
NEAREST THE PIN
(1 Dozen Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball sponsored by Club President – Paul Singh) Hole no. 2:
Jason Chua (14957)
0.78 m
Hole no. 8:
Robert Stark (80030)
1.25 m
Hole no. 14: Jacob Tay (15626)
4.3 m
Hole no. 16: Lee Yuke Lan (11834)
1.33 m
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Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
GOLF
December 2016 RESULTS
Saturday, 3 Dec 2016 Format : Stableford, Lake Course
‘A’ DIV. MEN’S DECEMBER 2016
Teo Keow Seng
Winner: Teo Keow Seng HI: 10.5, 44 Pts. 1st Runner-up: Ju Kai Meng HI: 10.0, 33 Pts. OCB 2nd Runner-up: Chen Liang How HI: 9.7, 39 Pts. OCB
‘B’ DIV. MEN’S DECEMBER 2016 Winner: Victor Lem HI: 11.8, 39 Pts. OCB 1st Runner-up: Chia Chin Lye HI: 15.4, 39 Pts. OCB 2nd Runner-up: Kim Sak Ik HI: 15.5, 39 Pts.
Victor Lem
‘C’ DIV. MEN’S DECEMBER 2016 Winner: Chua Kim Hock HI: 20.9, 41 Pts. Runner-up: Huang Ching Lien HI: 21.9, 40 Pts. OCB Chua Kim Hock
‘A’ DIV. LADIES’ DECEMBER 2016 Winner: Jessie Oh HI: 10.4, 38 Pts. Runner-Up: Denise Seow HI: 14.6, 37 Pts. Jessie Oh
‘B’ DIV. LADIES’ DECEMBER 2016 Winner: Linda Yeo HI: 20.5, 38 Pts Runner-Up: Cheong Yoke Keng HI: 18.8, 37 Pts. OCB Linda Yeo
NEAREST THE PIN
(Sponsored by Club President – Paul Singh) Hole no. 2:
Loh Kum Chuen (14937) 2.3 m
Hole no. 8:
Teo Keow Seng (14062) 1.2 m
Hole no. 14: Kalaimani (16055) 0.8 m Hole no. 16: Victor Lem (15922) 1.7 m
Hole In One
Achiever Chew Poh Guan Thomas (14929) Palm Hole 17, 145m, 30 October 2016
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Upcoming
Club
Competitions January 2017 7 January 2017
• January Monthly Medal, Palm PM
14 January 2017 • RCC Champion Medalist, Palm PM – Strokeplay
21 January 2017 • Chairman's Trophy in conjunction with Prize Presentation, Lake PM – Shotgun
February 2017 4 February 2017
• February Monthly Medal, Lake PM
11 February 2017 • Ang Pow Golf Competition, Lake & Palm AM – Shotgun
14 – 16 February 2017 • National Ranking Game 2016 - 5th Leg, Palm AM
22 February 2017 • Ladies Flag Competition, Palm PM
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Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
Your G lf SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
Calendar
GOLF
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
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SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Public Holiday New Year's Day
Replacement Public Holiday New Year's Day
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Public Holiday Chinese New Year Day 2
Replacement Public Holiday Chinese New Year Day 2
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed AM Only
Lake Course Closed AM Only Private Competition / Lake PM - Shotgun
Lake Course Closed AM Only
Lake Course Closed AM Only Private Competition / Lake PM Regular Tee Off - 60 pax
January Monthly Medal / Palm PM Rules & Etiquette Workshop
RCC Champion Medalist / Palm PM Strokeplay
Chairman's Trophy in conjunction with Prize Presentation / Lake PM Shotgun
Public Holiday Chinese New Year Day 1
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 1
2
3
4
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed AM Only
February Monthly Medal / Lake PM
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
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Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
Lake Course Closed Whole Day National Ranking Game 2016 - 5th Leg / Palm AM
Palm Course Closed Whole Day
National Ranking Game 2016 - 5th Leg / Palm AM
Ladies Flag Competition / Palm PM
Lake Course Closed AM Only
National Ranking Game 2016 - 5th Leg / Palm AM
Lake Course Closed AM Only
Lake Course Closed AM Only
Private Competition / Palm PM Shotgun
Ang Pow Golf Competition / Lake & Palm AM Shotgun
Lake Course Closed Whole Day
*Calendar is accurate as of 7 December 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
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Club Matchplay Championship 2016
T
he Club Matchplay Championship has always been a tournament eagerly participated in by the top players of RCC, as only the top 16 male and eight female players qualify for the knock-out stages. The format of play means that players not only have to outwit each other in terms of golf skills, but to also adopt the right strategy and strengthen their mental state to win the game. Over the span of three weekends, golfers’ skills were put to the test on the challenging greens amidst strong competition. The Preferred Lies / Winter Rule was also introduced for the first time to offer players a fair play condition, due to the damp greens of the old Palm Course. These factors lead to a couple of unexpected results during the matches, with less seeded players putting higher ranked competitors in the shade.
Three is never a crowd with these guys!
On the final day, two close friends – Lau Wing Cheok and Tan Lee Hong - delivered a spine-tingling and prolonged game before Lau Wing Cheok emerged Men’s Champion at the second play-off hole. As for the ladies, the two tenacious heroines, Shirley Tan and Jessie Oh, put up a tough fight with Jessie Oh eventually emerging as the Ladies Champion. Congratulations to both winners and a pat on the back for all players for the display of outstanding sportsmanship!
Lau Wing Cheok
Men
Champion : Runner-Up:
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Jessie Oh
What a cool looking bunch!
More than just fellow members, they are lifelong golfing buddies!
Results
Club Matchplay Championship 2016 Palm Course Lau Wing Cheok (14902) Tan Lee Hong (15575)
Ladies
Champion : Runner-Up:
Jessie Oh Leng Gek (1422802) Shirley Tan Lee Boon (13378)
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
GOLF
Ladies Rosebowl 2016 9 November 2016
O
ne of the annual highlights for the Club female golfers, the Ladies Rosebowl Competition 2016 is a well-received event that witnessed 27 fashionably dressed ladies gracing the Lake Course on a bright and cheery Wednesday afternoon. Hosting her maiden event as the Club Lady Captain, Madam Esther Oh added a sweet personal touch to the competition by preparing surprise door gifts for the participants. The ladies were elated to receive a haircare product, mini burgers and cupcakes when collecting their scorecard – who wouldn’t be? After four hours of fun-filled golfing based on a Strokeplay format, Madam Sara Lew emerged as the worthy winner of the 2016 edition.
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Lee Ek Tieng Trophy 2016 19 November 2016
RCC is not just a golf club,
BUT A FRIENDLY, HARMONIOUS SOCIAL COUNTRY CLUB.
Thankfully, the sky cleared in no time and members were able to enjoy the rest of this meaningful game under the fine afternoon weather. Following the 2-ball scramble format, which requires indepth strategising every step of the way, the Founding President Team (FPT) and Current President Team (CPT) played a close game, with CPT emerging the ultimate winner. It was an honour to witness this highly competitive yet heartwarming game!
T
To further celebrate this occasion, the game was followed by a sumptuous dinner spread, complete with live music performance at the ever festive Fu Lin Men restaurant.
An annual event to commemorate the momentous contribution of the founding president, the Club saw throngs of enthusiastic members scattered about the greens of Lake Course on 19 November 2016, despite the fleeting drizzle at the start of the game.
Congratulations once again to the Current President Team and we hope this game has helped to form closer ties between the old and new members!
his was the quote aptly reiterated by the Club President, Mr Paul Singh, in his speech during dinner at the Lee Ek Tieng Trophy event. This quote appeared in the message penned by founding president, Mr Lee Ek Tieng, in RCC’s 20th Anniversary Book. Mr Lee’s immeasurable contributions in shaping the Club’s culture and development has left an indelible mark on the history and foundation of Raffles Country Club, as well as many of its founding members.
Prizes were awarded to both the top five teams of the Founding President and the Current President and members were pleasantly surprised by the additional lucky draw prizes sponsored by our generous and accommodating tenant, Leonian Golf (also known as Transview).
The mandatory group shot before the game starts!
Raise your arms and shout hip hip, hooray!
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What a happy looking group!
Vice-President KC Loh, Pre sident Paul Singh, Founding President Lee Ek Tieng and Ms Cheong Yoke Keng.
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
GOLF
FPT Winner Robert Stark & Iboyla Stark.
FPT 1st Runner-Up Allan Koh & Patrick Lye with VP Loh Kum Chuen.
CPT Winner Kang Chung Meng with Lady Captain, Esther Oh.
CPT 1st Runner-Up Seng Tick Yang & Henry Lim.
Results
SATURDAY, 19th Nov 2016 Format : 2-ball scramble (stableford), 1300 hrs shot-gun start Lake Course Founding President’s (Mr Lee Ek Tieng) Team Top 5 pairs
Lucky Draw
Winner : Kang Chung Meng Lim Eng Thiam
(1005301) & 47 Pts (14478)
2nd : Seng Tick Yang Henry Lim
(14254) & (15759)
46 Pts
3rd : Ting Sa Tee David Soh
(90203) & (13215)
43 Pts OCB
1) Tony Chng 2) Peggy Ang 3) John Yam 4) Edmond Ang 5) Tan Suan Yong 6) Tan Joo Ee 7) Patrick Low 8) Lim Phoo Yong 9) Alan Koh 10) Sara Lew 11) Wong Peng Lam 12) Eddie Sua 13) Sam Peck 14) Seng Tick Yang 15) Toh Lay Cheng 16) Jacob Tay 17) Paul Singh 18) Tan Tai Chew 19) Ko Seok Ha 20) Lee Ek Tieng
4th : Chua Heng Ann Steven Tan
(14957) & (13475)
43 Pts
Top 20 scores to count
5th : Kwoh Kok Kiong Lee Ngak Koon
(15932) & (1593202)
42 Pts OCB
Winner : Robert Stark Iboyla Stark
(80030) & (8003002)
48 Pts
2nd : Patrick Lye Allan Koh
(15986) & (15829)
44 Pts
3rd : Regina Wong Vince Wong
(1030102) & 43 Pts (10301)
4th : Thong Tuck Seng Teo Kwee Yong
(16006) & (15738)
42 Pts
5th : Jason Lim Lim Kim Lan
(14174) & (1417402)
40 Pts
Present President’s (Mr Paul Singh) Team Top 5 pairs
Novelty Events
Nearest the Pin – Hole 2: Edmond Ang (14693) 17 cm
28-positioned team: Eddie Sua (13251) & 37 pts William Tay (13360)
(10117) (1182402) (15620) (14693) (10868) (15517) (15191) (1487102) (15829) (1505102) (14377) (13251) (14379) (14254) (1442802) (15626) (14553) (13236) (1437702) (90100)
Team Founding President (Mr Lee Ek Tieng) - 772 pts Team Present President (Mr Paul Singh) - 794 pts Winning Team Team Present President (Mr Paul Singh)
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4th Mission Hills Reciprocal Championship Kicked Off In Haikou In November 9 - 11 November 2016 By Sebastian Song, RCC Captain
T
he Mission Hills Haikou Resort’s Sandbelt Trails and Shadow Dunes Courses hosted the grand opening of the 4th Mission Hills Reciprocal Championship from 10 to 11 November 2016. The championship included Personal Net Score and 36-Holes Best-ball Team Match play over the two days of the championship, and players competed for the Top 3 Personal Net scores in each category as well as for the Top 3 Teams. It was an excellent opportunity for reciprocal and league clubs, as well as Mission Hills’ members from all over the world, to gather together in the charming and gorgeous tropical island of Hainan in China, to network and make new friends. Currently, Mission Hills has set up mutually beneficial and collaborative relationships with 800 top golf clubs in about 50 countries and regions across five continents, creating the largest golf club network across the globe. These clubs, which boast nearly 350,000 league club members, are situated throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, America and Oceania.They cover the world’s top golf courses in countries such as Japan, South Korea, UK, France, Spain, South Africa, Tunisia, United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
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The Mission Hills Reciprocal Championship provides an excellent opportunity for Mission Hills and Reciprocal Club members to show off their golf skills and get to know each other. Despite taking part in the fierce competition, players can enjoy the pleasure and relaxation of body and soul that comes from playing a well-loved sport. A total of 15 enthusiastic Raffles Country Club members went for the trip to compete for the first time. The Raffles Team came in 2nd and 3rd in the Top 3 teams while the Mission Hills Team won the Championships. In the Personal Net Score category, our Mr. Frankie Yeap emerged overall champion and Mr Albert Kang came in 2nd position. It was indeed a very good platform for all to meet and play against the teams from all over the world. We will be back next year and hopefully more members will come forward to join us in our next experience. To find out more about our reciprocal terms and conditions with Mission Hills, please call 6861 7655.
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
GOLF
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Out of Bounds aka OB By Dennis Ee, RCC Golf Manager
U
nlike most sports, Golf is a game played on an open field. Therefore golfers inadvertently will face many scenarios that will make golf rulings quite complicated. One particularly ambiguous ruling commonly asked pertains to ‘Out of Bounds’. Some commonly asked questions are as follows:
1. Is the OB stake an obstruction? 2. Which reference point do I take if the OB line is defined by stakes and line? 3. My opponent’s ball touches the OB line. Is this considered OB?
In this article, I will go through these scenarios and help you better understand the rules surrounding Out of Bounds. Out of Bounds: "Out of bounds" is beyond the boundaries of the course or any part of the course so marked by the Committee. When out of bounds is defined by stakes or a fence, the out of bounds line is determined by the nearest inside points at ground level of the stakes or fence posts (excluding angled supports). So if your ball is touching the OB stake but a part of it is on the course side of the inside point of the stake then the ball is in bounds. However if all of the ball is outside this imaginary line then the ball is out of bounds.
4. Is my ball considered OB if it touches the imaginary line of the OB stake? When both stakes and lines are used to indicate out of bounds, the stakes serve to indicate out of bounds and the lines define out of bounds.
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Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
GOLF
When out of bounds is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds. The out of bounds line extends vertically upwards and downwards. A ball is out of bounds when all of it is out of bounds (OB). If any part of the ball touches the course the ball is in bounds. Other important out of bounds points to note are:1) You may stand out of bounds to play a ball that is lying in bounds. 2) The out of bounds line extends vertically upwards, so if your ball is lodged in a tree on the boundary, you will have to make your judgment on that basis.
4) Some courses have ‘internal out of bounds’ for reasons of safety or to ensure a hole is played in the way in which it was designed rather than via another potentially easier route down another fairway. Whatever you may think of that, you have to honour it even if your ball is lying in the clear with a perfect route in to the green. Frustrating sometimes, but probably for the overall good of all playing the course!
3) Whatever is used to define out of bounds – whether fence, railings, wall or stakes – is deemed to be fixed and is not classed as an obstruction. This means that you get no free relief if the fence, railings or wall impede your stance, backswing or follow-through, and that white out of bounds stakes may not be removed to facilitate your next shot.
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Ladies' Asian Interport Games: 14 - 18 November 2016 By Cheong Yoke Keng, RCC member
Day 1 and 2 of the competition was held at the Emeralda Golf Club.
3rd day is the Texas Scramble made up by each country rep. My team here won in the B Division. All teamwork!
T
he annual Ladies' Asian Interport Games usually takes place in the month of November, and this year was no exception. The Ladies Asian Interport Games 2016 teed off in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 14 to 18 November 2016. In total, six countries participate and host this annual event in a round-Robin manner: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The first Interport Games that I participated in was back in 2013 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Each club within the SLGA involves a few of their lady members to make up Team Singapore. In 2015, I was appointed the Team SG In-Charge and that year, we rounded up 34 ladies for the Interport held at Tagaytay, Philippines. This year’s Games in Jakarta saw 39 ladies forming the Team SG 2016. As the IC, I worked with the team to prepare for the event, getting the participants' flights and accommodation details, coordinating with the supplier of the team jerseys, corresponding with the organisers, and so on. The objectives of the Interport Games include promoting ladies golf in the region, providing opportunities for fellow golf enthusiasts to travel and visit great golf courses within the respective countries, developing new friendships across borders, fostering relationships and learning from one another. Every host country will do their best to organise the Interport event in the best possible way and it is up to the participants to adapt and enjoy the unique hospitality at each Games. 4th night- Farewell dinner, prize presentation and each country presented a Song & Dance item. Team SG did a dance incorporating a medley of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Hiphop songs.
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Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
GOLF
SGA ICL 2016 -
Appreciation Golf & Dinner 2016
T
eam RCC League players gathered on 26 November to play in the Appreciation Golf & Dinner 2016, which was organised by GGSC to appreciate the efforts and time put in by the league team during the 2016 season. Bad weather with thundery showers brought the game to an early end. Thankfully, the night was enlivened and capped with a good spread of local delights held at the foyer and a generous amount of prizes in the lucky draw segment thanks to our sponsors.
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Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
GOLF
Legend Cricketer Sets Up For Success On The Course By Chris Marriott – Head Professional, Raffles Country Club
C
ricket may not be a popular sport among Singaporeans, however for Australian, British, South African and Indian expatriates residing in Singapore, this is one of the core sports we all grew up playing as kids Raffles Country Club was recently honored with a visit from one of the greatest cricketers of all-time, Brian Lara. Hailing from Trinidad, Lara played International Cricket for the West Indies and holds several impressive batting records, including the highest individual score ever in firstclass cricket, with 501 not-out. Now in retirement from the sport where he often re-wrote the record books, Lara enjoys spending much of his spare time hitting golf balls rather than cricket balls. Lara recently passed through Singapore on his way to join 3-time Singapore Open champion Adam Scott in Sydney for the Emirates Australian Open Pro-Am, before making his way down to Kingston Heath in Melbourne to play alongside Italy’s Francesco Molinari at the World Cup Of Golf Pro-Am. Lara is an extremely competitive 4-handicapper, who interestingly plays the game righthanded despite an illustrious cricket career where he actually batted left-handed! The exceptional hand-eye coordination that is required of a first-class batsman when the bowler is often delivering the cricket ball at speeds exceeding 140km/hr, could be the reason many good batsmen make quite a smooth transition into the game of golf.
Posture
*RCC Members Enjoy Discounted Golf Lesson Rates. For Golf Lesson Enquiries or Bookings please contact Chris on 98898600 or Email: chris@academyofgolf.com.sg
At Lake Course 18th hole together with Cricket legend Brian Lara and 3-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Glen Boss.
I was fortunate to not only join the legendary batsman for a round of golf at RCC’s Lake Course, but to also spend some quality time coaching him toward an improved swing technique. Whilst already a very competent amateur, Brian was striving to achieve greater consistency and ball flight control in an effort to take his game to the next level. The most significant changes we made were to Brian’s setup position. Like most hitting sports (cricket included), there is a need for the player to set up in a particular posture in order to achieve the correct movement for the ball to be hit in the desired direction and at the optimal trajectory, whether it is with a club, bat or racquet. Many weekend golfers address the ball in whatever manner feels most comfortable; often disregarding how those body and wrist angles will influence the swing movements and then spending a lifetime of practice trying to compensate in order to get the club back to a solid hitting position. In Brian’s old setup position (image on the left), he addressed the ball with his hands back to the right of his body, had too much angle in his left wrist and a fairly straight right wrist. In the new setup position (image on the right) we created much more angle in his right wrist by adjusting Brian’s body shape to increase the spine tilt away from the target, in other words his left shoulder and hip are now higher than the right side of his body. This new posture has positioned his hands slightly left of centre and created some shaft lean toward the target, resembling impact. Good setup angles will allow you to achieve the correct sequence of the swing movements, so get yourself in front of a mirror to check that you have the ideal posture similar to this great cricket legend!
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e l y t s e f i L
Fireworks at River Hongbao.
Get Into The New Year Mood – Head Down to These Iconic Spots!
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time when families gather, Chinese New Year represents not only yummy bak kwa, pineapple tarts and homemade goodness, but also precious time spent together. More often than not, time is spent on the couch re-watching Stephen Chow’s all-time classic movies or some other flicks that have been screened countless times. Are we smelling BORING in capital letters?! Many have forgotten the fun side of this centuries-old festival and seriously, why not do something everyone can be involved in and enjoy this rare occasion where everyone is available? To save you the trouble, the Editorial Team headed out and shortlisted three places that should add some sparks to your CNY celebration! River Hongbao – The Float @ Marina Bay Date: 26 January - 4 February 2017 Entrance Fee: Free of charge!
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An iconic event that has become an integral part of the festive calendar since 1986, River Hongbao offers a truly exceptional cultural experience for locals and tourists alike. Featuring larger-than-life statues of the God of Fortunes, twelve animals from the Chinese zodiac and an assortment of exquisite lanterns, just to name a few, it is an extravaganza of lights, visuals and music. By the way, did we mention this is an event that EVERYONE in the family can enjoy? If not, THIS IS AN EVENT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY! Families with children can check in at the Amusement Funland for rides and games or dabble in Chinese Handicrafts such as clay sculpture, paper cutting, calligraphy and caramel painting, amongst the plethora of exciting activities available. If you are the kind who appreciates a good show, just take a seat near the makeshift “Chinese Theatre” and enjoy everything and anything from Chinese Opera, song and
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
NEW YEAR SPECIAL
Light displays along Chinatown.
Kwa, or simply trying to emulate a giraffe by straining their necks to look above the crowd. If you are lucky, you may even enjoy a performance or two and fireworks during the Official Light-up and Opening Ceremony! There are no boring moments, that’s for sure! Personally, this place is our favorite if you don’t mind the crowd and sweat. We love the distinct local flavour, unpretentious crowd and festive atmosphere that seem to be missing at many of the attractions now. Main Chingay Parade - F1 Pit Building Date: 10 – 11 February 2017 Entrance: From $28.50
dance performance, to fireworks and pyrotechnics set off at a stipulated timing. With all the walking, one’s stomach is likely to start a violent protest! The affair offers an extensive range of international street food stretching all the way from the entrance to the end of the walkway (the editorial team’s favorite area by the way).Food connoisseurs will be pampered by delicacies such as Crispy Fried Squid, sticky Tako Yaki, traditional Dragon’s Beard Candies and other international specials. Did you know? The God of Fortune showers visitors with pieces of paper bearing auspicious numbers. It’s a hugely popular activity, with throngs of people waiting – arms outstretched – to receive the lucky digits! Chinatown Date: 3 – 4 weeks before CNY Entrance: Free of charge! Okay, so this is a no-brainer BUT! Typically known as a tourist spot, Chinatown is the core of CNY celebrations and exudes an incomparable air of festive mood weeks before the actual celebration. Extravagant New Year decorations and lights usually adorn the roads to Chinatown weeks before the actual event, so even driving past the busy district will envelop you in the mood! Besides, everyone there almost always look excited while they jostle around looking for the best bargains.
Although not strictly a Chinese New Year event, Chingay’s boisterous display of Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage and its ability to bring people from all cultures and backgrounds together secured it a spot in our Top 3 places to go during CNY. A month-long celebration which kicks-off on the 14th lunar date of CNY, Chingay is the largest street performance in Asia. During the main parade on 10th and 11th February, magnificent floats that dazzle and impress like no other are featured, and spectators are treated to multi-ethnic performances by both local and foreign talents. For those who would like to treat their ears to an aural feast and get their feet tapping and moving, the celebration also features a whole slew of dance and sing-a-longs to hype up the parade. Like a tsunami, Chingay Parade promises to engulf and impress its spectators with its endless waves of spinetingling programs and activities. Spectacular water, fire, snow and lighting effects are injected tactically The intofishing the buddies! evening performance at regular intervals, before ending the night with a stunning display of pyrotechnics and fireworks. All this excitement for the price of $28.50*? We say GO FOR IT! Did you know? The parade was mooted over four decades ago as a way to compensate for the ban that had been placed on firecrackers, a customary New Year practice to drive away evil spirits.
Brimming full with New Year goodies (yum!), decorations, plants, apparels and unique finds, apart from the usual array of tourist traps, Chinatown is THE place to be if you want to soak in the festive mood. The exotic mishmash of shops and pushcarts provides visitors a glimpse of old and new, as unconventional hipster cafes spring up between traditional shops like a splash of colour on a black and white photo. At every nook and cranny, you can either spot someone bargaining for a “better price”, trying out a dried persimmon or melon seed, queuing for the famous Bak
The Performers of Chingay Parade.
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Goodwood Park Hotel CNY dining
CNY Reunion Dinners By Justine Moss
A
s we welcome the Year of the Rooster, it’s time to start thinking about gathering family together for this year’s Reunion Dinner. Justine Moss has come up with a selection of establishments who are offering a delicious number of Chinese New Year offerings. Crystal Jade Crystal Jade Culinary Concepts’ portfolio of fine and casual dining restaurant brands has conjured a sumptuous and tantalising spread of celebratory sweet treats and savoury festive dishes for dine-in or takeaway. Crystal Jade Prestige’s yu sheng ($118 for large, $78 for small) features fresh Chinese herbal ingredients that impart flavour and texture to the colourful combination. Strips of refreshing Chinese yam, Cordyceps flowers provide the crowning glory for a bed of organic salad vegetables. There is also marinated jellyfish tossed in an appetising Japanese sesame-based dressing with Chinese vinegar, as well as plum sauce and lemon sauce for a touch of sweetness and tang. Other recommended dishes include the Baked whole quail with fruit sauce OK ($18 per piece), Braised pork knuckle with black moss ($24), Stir-fried scallop with assorted fungus ($32), Fried glutinous rice topped with roasted duck ($36), a hearty Thai-style pork knuckle ($28) and indulgent Braised baby abalone with sea cucumber and black moss ($18 per pax). A number of different set menus are available in
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Crystal Jade CNY 2017 - Gold Leaf Double Fish Glutinuous Rice Cake
various outlets. Chinese New Year dining at Crystal Jade restaurants will start from 16 January 2017 to 12 February 2017. Goodwood Park Hotel Goodwood Park Hotel has launched an excellent selection of Lunar New Year Goodies, ‘Yu Sheng’ platters, and savoury Prosperity Specials. The pineapple is the focus of this year’s takeaway goodies, namely the Auspicious Golden Pineapple and The Huat! Tart. There are also two new unique ‘Yu Sheng’ platters – Prosperity Amberjack ‘Lo Hei’ and Fruity ‘Lo Hei’ with Rosemary Plum Sauce, as well as new and indulgent savoury delights – Braised Pork Belly with Sea Treasures in Claypot and Braised Whole Chicken with Sea Treasures in Claypot. Set menus will be available at Min Jiang (Goodwood Park Hotel) and Min Jiang at One-North (No. 5 Rochester Park) for lunch and dinner. Other delights include Double Boiled Wild Chicken Consommé with Abalone, Fish Maw and Wanton in Claypot and a platter that celebrates the ‘nian gao’ in three ways – Deep-fried ‘Yuan Yang’ Sesame ‘Nian Gao’, Ondeh-Ondeh inspired ‘Nian Gao’ and Chilled Durian ‘Nian Gao’ Roll. For more information on pricing and bookings, visit www.goodwoodparkhotel.com. Man Fu Yuan This superb restaurant offers a luxurious selection of Lunar New Year delights and prosperity set menus from 2 January till 11 February 2017. Executive Chinese Chef Kwan Yiu Kan and his team have put together a bevy of specialty dishes steeped in auspiciousness. There is a selection of eight different set menus, Priced at $128++ per person for a minimum of two persons, Man Fu Yuan’s Deluxe Set comprises a Salmon Yu Sheng to kick start the meal, a nourishing Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Korean Ginseng, Conch and Spiky Cucumber,
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
NEW YEAR SPECIAL
Man Fu Yuan - Suckling Pig with Glutinous Rice
Park Hotel Clarke Quay Tower of Fortune Crab Meat 'Lo Hei'
Braised 8-Head Abalone with Dried Oyster and Chinese Mushrooms in Superior Sauce, Spanish Smoked HoneyGlazed Pork with Egg Fried Rice and a dessert combination comprising the Double-boiled Hashima with Shredded Coconut and Egg Custard Pastry.For larger families or business associates seeking a more extravagant feast, the Premium 8-Course is priced at $2,088++ for a table of 10. The set includes Man Fu Yuan’s signature Prosperity Yu Sheng, Barbecued Suckling Pig with Preserved Bean Curd Sauce, Double-boiled Sakura Chicken Soup with Cordyceps, Conch and Fish Maw, Braised Sliced Abalone with Spiky Sea Cucumber and Dried Oysters, Steamed Star Garoupa with Chinese Ham and Mushrooms, Stewed Egg Noodle with Lobster and Egg White, Double-boiled Superior Bird’s Nest with Shredded Coconut as well as a set of Oriental Petit Fours. Signature highlights that return as mainstays on the menu include the highly popular Whole Suckling Pig stuffed with Glutinous Rice as well as Casserole Rice with Assorted Preserved Meats. Park Hotel Clarke Quay Available from 20 January to 11 February 2017, and with prices starting from $338++, Chef James Wong’s auspicious lunch & dinner set menus are tailored for different budgets and requirements. The festive menus (Success at $338++ for 4 to 5 persons, Harmony at $518++ for 6 to 7 persons, Fortune at $598++ for 7 to 8 persons and Prosperity at $628++ for 9 to 10 persons), are available at three time slots (12pm, 6pm and 8pm). Some highlights this year include the Tower of Fortune Crab Meat ‘Lo Hei’, and the Braised Shark Fin Crab Meat & Hairy Gourd Soup with Homemade Lobster & Prawn Ball.Other new and notable prosperity dishes on the menu include the Steamed Red Garoupa in Lotus Leaf, Poached Chicken in Dice Chilli, Onion and Garlic Soya Sauce topped with Soy Bean Crumbs, and the refreshing silky Homemade Chilled Soya Beancurd Custard with Lotus Seeds. Si Chuan Dou Hua Si Chuan Dou Hua’s Lunar New Year lineup of dishes, from 9 January to 11 February 2017, will for the first time be available both in the city and the Baked Pastry Puff Tampines heartlands. with Lotus Paste New festive signatures this year include the Salmon and Shredded Chicken Yusheng with Green Peppercorn Sauce, Pan-fried Dried Oyster and Avocado served atop Deep-fried Bun and Steamed New Year Cake with Purple Glutinous Rice.
Park Hotel Alexandra Chinese New Year 2017 (The Carvery)
In celebration of the Fire Rooster the Braised Chicken and Eggs with Homemade Sauce features a braised whole chicken with homemade savoury thick sauce and adorable chicks made with hard boiled eggs. Others include the Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Minced Meat Dumpling, Conpoy and Soy Beans, and Baked Pastry Puff with Lotus Paste which is shaped in the form of golden chicks. Diners who visit the brand new Si Chuan Dou Hua at Our Tampines Hub will be able to savour the restaurant’s famed Pen Cai which is filled to the brim with luxurious delicacies such as abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw and conpoy. Tai Cheong Bakery The famed Hong Kong Tai Cheong has opened its first dine-in concept in Holland Village. One of the eatery’s signature dine-in items is the Three-Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat ($8.50+), a comforting bowl of elbow macaroni in a rich tomato and chicken broth topped with a three sunny-side up eggs and strips of crispy fried luncheon meat. Another is the Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice in addition to a six-hour braised Beef Brisket Curry Rice ($10.90+) consisting of fork-tender beef brisket and potatoes in a luxurious curry gravy. There are also an array of signature baked goods including their famous Egg Tart ($1.90+) with its unique butter cookie-like crust and smooth egg custard, Char Siu Bolo Bun ($2.20+), the Coconut Tart ($2.50+) and the Durian & Cheese Tart ($3.60+). Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice Roasted Pork & Crispy Pork Belly
Park Hotel Alexandra The Carvery will feature three prosperous roasts including a Crispy Pork Belly with apricot ginger sauce, Honeyroasted leg of lamb and a Salt baked chicken, in addition to its Golden Eight Treasures Yusheng – consisting of cured Norwegian trout, fried fish skin, salmon roe, marinated baby octopus, jellyfish, scallop frills and fresh seaweed. Reunion dinners and other CNY gatherings can be celebrated with two Chinese set menus – dishes include crispy fried grouper with superior soya sauce, fish maw soup with blue swimmer crabmeat, double-cooked chestnut chicken with Madagascar pepper and claypot fried Japanese pearl rice with XO sauce. The Prosperity menu is priced at $788++ per table of 10 and Abundance is $888 for 10 persons which includes free-flow soft drinks and Chinese tea. Available from 10 January to 11 February.
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Malaysia Fly or Drive By Justine Moss
Malaysia's new golfing masterpiece The Els Club Desaru Coast
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ith Chinese New Year approaching, we take a look at six golf courses located in neighbouring Malaysia which are easily accessible either via road or plane and are perfect destinations for the family. Dalit Bay Golf and Country Club – Kota Kinabalu (www.dalitbaygolf.com.my) This Ted Parslow-designed layout is superb and is attached to the gorgeous five star Shangri-La Rasa Ria resort on Pantai Dalit Beach (which houses its own Nature Reserve and Orangutan education centre). Dalit Bay - Sabah
The Els Club Desaru Coast (www.elsclubmalaysia.com) The Els Club Desaru Coast – The Ocean Course –opened for play in August last year and comprises three nine hole layouts called the Lakes, Coast and Ridge. Course designer and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els has created a mix of strong bunkering and water hazards together with some real challenging holes on all three loops. On the Coast course, which plays adjacent to the ocean, the par-3 third is quite stunning with its green just next to the ocean. The Ridge nine reach to the highest point of the property and there are some elevation changes, while The Lakes has a number of testing water features. This year, there will be an addition to the golf facilities with a par-72 18-hole championship course named The Valley set to open. Designed by both Els and Vijay Singh, it looks set to offer a dramatic change in elevation and provide golfers of all levels a challenging round. Current facilities include an almost 13,700 square metre clubhouse, function rooms, restaurants, 261 Sports Bar (named after Els’ record-breaking winning 72-hole score in the 2003 Mercedes Championship), driving range, pro shop, a nine-hole par-3 course and the Els Performance Golf Academy.
It’s an enjoyable yet challenging 18 holes, and that’s not surprising when water hazards come into play on 16 of the holes.The signature par-3 11th stretches across the Tambalang River mouth, and while it looks relatively easy from the elevated tee boxes, it does require a fairly accurate tee shot to land the ball on a gently sloping green flanked by large bunkers. The sight of Mount Kinabalu in the background crafts a unique marking point for the pin. Facilities at the club include a pro-shop, aquatic driving range, two putting greens, chipping green with practice bunker, Spa, and a ‘19th hole’ golfer’s terrace where you can enjoy a post-round drink and meal and, on a clear day, get a view of Mount Kinabalu. At the Shangri-La Rasa Ria resort, there is five star accommodation, a variety of water sports such as windsurfing and parasailing, swimming pools, tennis courts, gym, SPA, cycling and games area.
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The golf club is accessible from Singapore via road (90 minutes) and sea (30 minute ferry ride followed by a 30 minute drive). The Els Club Teluk Datai – Langkawi (www.elsclubmalaysia.com) This 18-hole par 72 championship course on Langkawi’s north-west coast is a 90 minute flight from Singapore. Regarded as one of the most stunning courses within the Els Club collection, it was named ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the inaugural World Golf Awards held in November 2014 in Portugal. This course is nestled in an ancient rainforest of towering lush tropical foliage. Backed by soaring limestone peaks of the Mat Chinchang mountain range and playing down to the Andaman Sea, it enjoys one of the most alluring settings of any golf course in Asia. The course
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
NEW YEAR SPECIAL
Kota Permai Golf & Country Club – Kuala Lumpur (www.kotapermai.com.my) This club is only a 30-minute drive from the CBD and KL international airport, and a four-hour drive from Singapore.
The Datai Langkawi Els Club 4
was designed under Ernie Els’ personal direction and opened in late 2014 to widespread acclaim for both its design features and environmental credentials. To honor the natural surroundings, the typical bunkers have been substituted by natural ‘hazards’ in form of tropical vegetation and streams, and inspired by the wildlife you are likely to spot during your game, the holes carry names such as Dusky Leaf, Hornbill or Macaque Manor.
The index 1 par-4 eighth is extremely memorable. As the longest of the par fours on this nine, focus should be on the drive and approach shot. Water and pine trees along the right will force most mid-to-high handicappers to aim left where pot bunkers await. Two more bunkers lie await less than 100 metres from the green on the left and yet another well placed bunker fronts the green. The putting surface is undulating and very deceptive. Sliced or overclubbed approach shots will end up in the water hazard that divides this hole from the green of the second hole.
Facilities include driving range, practice area, pro-shop, Els lounge and café. Accommodation nearby is The Datai Langkawi and The Andaman. Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club – Johor Bahru (http://hhgcc.com.my) This award-winning club is an easy drive from Singapore through the Tuas link. The US$10 million 18-hole international championship golf course, which opened in 2008, was designed by Ross Watson who has been described as a course designer who brings out the best in any golfer no matter what level of play. This layout can definitely be described as risk-reward. Aside from featuring dramatic changes in elevation from tee to green, there is no shortage of water which snakes throughout the course. The signature par-4 fourth is relatively short but has superb views from the elevated teebox. The fairway doglegs to the right and a lateral water hazard on the right hugs the paspalum rough all the way past the green that is heavily bunkered on three sides. The Par 3 eighth measures 160 metres from the Blue Tee but water comes into play all the way to a green that is big enough for medium to long iron shots or the rescue wood for the higher handicappers. In fact, all the four par-3s at Horizon Hills present varying challenges and excitement with the 17th probably the best out of all of them as the green is large enough to accommodate several pin positions. Facilities include a clubhouse, swimming pools, restaurants, terrace, gymnasium and conference rooms.
Horizon Hills
Kota Permai
Golf facilities include a clubhouse, driving range and golf academy. In terms of sports and leisure, they include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, children’s pool, badminton, squash and fully lit tennis courts, SPA pools, sauna, steam bath, massage and gym. TPC Kuala Lumpur (http://tpckl.com/) These two 18-hole championship layouts – the West and the East – are really first class. The East Course requires some power, but the great emphasis is on accuracy, finesse, imagination, patience and most importantly, intelligent course management. The fairways are generally very tight and tree lined, with strategically positioned bunkers, which will penalise the slightly inaccurate tee shot. There are some beautiful holes on this course and that includes the par-3 17th which has a lake, wetlands and an amphitheatre of landscaping in its make-up. The West Course offers pristine playing conditions and aesthetic beauty combined with player strategy. Its par-4 17th is simply gorgeous. The fairway is split by a beautiful meandering stream, housing exotic plants a n d flora. If the hole location is back right, the left fairway is the preferred line of attack for a birdie. However, TPC Kuala Lumpur a long and accurate drive is necessary to carry the stream and to miss the left bunkers. Facilities include a golf academy, driving range, pro shop, fitness centre, yoga, aerobics, swimming pool, tennis, badminton and squash courts, bowling centre and table tennis.
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Rat
In 2017, be nimble and quick in order to stay one step ahead of challenges you could encounter in the rat race. You have all the smarts it takes to not get caught in any mousetraps being set. The sooner you embrace this attitude, the quicker you’ll find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Ox
Finally, luck arrives for the Ox! The Ox Horoscope 2017 anticipates good times and possible romance because Ox is Rooster’s best friend and ally. Work may be challenging but rewarding, family life can be quite harmonious, and Oxen are recognized for their hard work and valuable contributions.
Tiger
Many Tigers are courageous, active and self-assured, and make popular leaders. But at the same time, most of them resist the authority of others. In 2017, be flexible with minor disappointments as Tiger recovers from the previous Monkey year. Maintain your composure and do not engage in battles because you will not win.
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Rabbit
Expect challenges because Rooster is Rabbit’s exact opposite. Prepare for all sorts of difficulties in 2017, especially financial. Hard work is foreseen, bringing frustration and anger. The most important thing to note for this year is health. Elderly Rabbits should take good care of their health in 2017 and go for check-ups regularly.
Dragon
Dragon, enjoy one of your best years because Rooster and Dragon are harmonious. Good fortune and prosperity can continue from the previous Monkey year. In 2017, happiness, good news, luck in love, promotions, and business success are all foreseen. New friends can offer great opportunities and solid assistance.
Snake
Fortune is on the horizon because Rooster is compatible with Snake. Recognition, rewards, promotion, bonuses, and lucky romance are available in 2017. The Serpent also enjoys popularity and this is the time to shed your skin and be reborn. However, the Snake must contribute at work and save money.
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
NEW YEAR SPECIAL
Chinese Zodiac
– Is This a Good Year For You?
Horse
Expect a year that brings good news. Sex, love, and romance are highlighted in 2017. Home life is secure and problems are not overwhelming. But under Rooster’s influence, the Horse will be required to work diligently, be more thorough and meticulous, and slow down — which the Horse will not like.
Sheep
Expect trying times because Rooster’s beak-to-the grindstone philosophy demands hard work and accounting for how time and money are spent. Sheep does best to budget, plan, handle finances, and behave responsibly. 2017 is a year to stay out of the limelight and keep out of trouble wherever possible.
Rooster
A time for rebirth and transformation as the Rooster benefits from the energy of her own year. The Rooster must still work hard, but rewards abound in 2017, affairs are under control and the Rooster rises in glory. Bravely pursue all new opportunities. A year to renew and restore; replace old furnishings and enjoy a new wardrobe.
Dog
The Rooster and Dog are very different, so difficulties and challenges could arise. The Rooster’s emphasis on material success and achievement run counter to Dog’s values. Dog has no interest in crowing about personal accomplishments, nor pecking and fighting over trifle issues. The Dog finds advancement through education or specialized training this year.
Monkey
The Monkey Horoscope for 2017 shows that it is time to stabilize, work strongly, and pay attention to details. Do not chase big dreams or become overwhelmed. Avoid overextending which can lead to health problems. It is best to retain a conservative outlook with steady growth, which is challenging for the wily Monkey.
Pig
Business rewards and financial prosperity result from the Boar’s dedicated good work this year. Patience and non-involvement is best concerning the problems of others. It is wise to be sympathetic and kind but not become overly involved. In 2017, the horoscope advises you to avoid Rooster chaos and take care of yourself.
Source: http://astrologyclub.org/chinese-horoscope/2017-year-rooster/
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An Aristocrat In Our Midst – Founding Member, Mr. K Kesavapany
However, when a senior official was invited to a golf game, the “Bapak” found it possible to set aside four hours! His Head of Mission, the then Ambassador of Singapore to Indonesia, the late Mr. Lee Khoon Choy, was able to hobnob with leading Indonesian personalities over golf. Among other VIP personalities Mr. K Kesavapany himself had played with was the late Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak. This was in the context of the annual Malaysia-Singapore Games, where the Sultan as Chancellor of the University of Malaysia, headed the Malaysian team. The Singapore team was led by the Chancellor of the National University of Singapore, the late Mr S. R. Nathan. Though a nongolfer, Mr Nathan rode in the buggy to keep the Sultan company and also to encourage the Singapore team.
A
mong our many founding members, there is a Singaporean of outstanding service in our midst. Eighty-year old founding member of RCC, Mr. K Kesavapany, was a diplomat and was the Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia from 1997 to 2002. Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1936, Mr. Kesavapany was schooled in Pahang and proceeded to Kirkby, Liverpool, UK, in his later teens to attend a teachertraining course for 2 ½ years on a scholarship. Returning to Malaysia in 1958, Mr. Kesavapany taught Economics and English in Penang. After getting married in 1963, he furthered his studies by enrolling into the University of Malaya and graduated with a BA Honours in History. In 1967, he moved to Singapore and joined the Administrative Service.From there his prolific diplomatic career kicked off, with the high point being elected as the first Chairman of the World Trade Organisation when it was founded in Geneva in 1995. He was also NonResident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Jordan for nine years (2004 to 2013).
Mr. Kesavapany says it is noteworthy that even in the worst of times, when bilateral relations were stormy, both leaders ensured that the annual golf game was never disrupted. Among other golfing personalities, Mr. Kesavapany met in K.L was the legendary Tiger Woods. Another interesting incident that Mr. Kesavapany recalls was at a golf course in Geneva, about 10 minutes from his residence. A Swiss gentleman, who was playing alone, graciously agreed to Mr. Kesavapany’s request to join him. In the conversation that followed, Mr. Kesavapany gathered that his fellow player was a senior official in a Swiss private bank. The bank was considering moving its regional HQ from Hong Kong to Singapore. Mr. Kesavapany took the opportunity to outline some of the latest incentives that the Monetary Authority of Singapore was rolling out. Within six weeks, the bank located itself to Singapore.
A strong advocate of golf, Mr. Kesavapany said that golf has helped him in many ways. Interestingly, the person who inspired him to take up golf in 1973 was the late founding father, the then Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. A single-handicapper himself, the late Mr Lee encouraged his Cabinet to pick up golf, citing the usefulness of golf in helping one to get to know one’s counterpart better and discuss official matters in a social environment. The value of golf in diplomatic work was first brought home to Mr. Kesavapany in Jakarta during his posting there. Whenever he asked for an appointment with senior officials, the answer was “Bapak sibuk” (the boss is busy).
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Meeting the legendary Tig
er Woods.
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
LIFESTYLE
Understandably, the proudest moment of Mr. K Kesavapany’s golfing career was when he scored a hole-in-one in Rio De Janeiro in June 1992. He was a member of the Singapore delegation, led by Ambassador Tommy Koh, to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which also included the then Minister of Environment, Mr. Ahmad Mattar. Taking himself off from the arduousness of the Conference, Minister Mattar, Mr. K Kesavapany and two other delegation members took time off to play golf and the deed was done. As the Rio Conference was a success, Ambassador Koh forgave the 4 for “ponteng” from the Conference!
currently led by the swashbuckling Mick Aw. Reputed to own the fastest car among Club members, Mick usually arrives in the nick of time for the tee off! Musing, Mr. K Kesavapany says golf is the only game that one can play until 90 and if fortunate, beyond that. He hopes to continue doing just that until the Good Lord above or physical / mental frailties deem otherwise. Awards Singapore Administrative Service Gold Medal Pablo Nerudha Award, Chile Order of the Hashemite Kindgom of Jordan, First Class
At the Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS), Mr. Kesavapany, together with his colleague Ambassador Tang Keng Jin, formed the “Friends of ISEAS Golf Group”. At a competition played in RCC, a South Korean diplomat scored a hole-in-one. These days, on Sundays, Mr. K Kesavapany finds himself playing at RCC, with members of the Gartshore Group. Started by an English Singaporean, Bill Gartshore, and later led by Andrew Goh, it is a tightly knit 20-member group. Apart from playing golf, the group celebrates members’ birthdays and holds annual dinners. Members also involve themselves in social service. The group is
Mr Kesavapany, a founding Exco member of Dyslexia Association of Singapore 25 years ago, recently received the 6th Community Champion Award from the English weekly newspaper tabla! and $10,000 cheque to be given to a charity of his choice, funded by the State Bank of India. (Photo by: Dyslexia Association of Singapore).
Hole-in-One memorabilia from Rio De Janeiro in June 1992.
Mr. Kesavapany’s Prolific Career Mr. Kesavapany joined the Ministry of Foreign Service in 1972. Below was Mr K’s overseas posting:
1973 – 1976: Indonesia 1979 – 1981: Moscow, Soviet Union 1982 – 1986: London, UK 1991 – 1997: Ambassador to United Nations and Permanent Representatives to World Trade Organisation 1997 – 2002: High Commission of Singapore to Malaysia Other positions held:
2003 – 2011: Director of Institute of SEA Studies. Current:
Governor, Singapore International Foundation; Adjunct Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy; President of Singapore Indian Association; SINDA Board of Trustees; Member, Hindu Advisory Board
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Natural Healing Contributed by Loh Kum Chuen, Pharmacist
F
eeling tired easily?Feeling irritable? Feeling that you are aging faster and getting forgetful? These could be results of your body lacking in certain enzymes, hormones or essential nutrients. These health challenges can be easily resolved given the right supplementation, preferably with natural remedies.
Ubiquinol, the active form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), is the only antioxidant that is generated within your body but by the time you reach 30s, your body starts to produce less and less of it. CoQ10 plays an important part in the production of energy for life, repair and regeneration of cells and tissues in your body. It mops up potentially harmful free radicals which cause oxidative damage. Low CoQ10 levels have been detected in people with chronic fatigue problems, certain types of cancers and heart disease. Researchers have identified a number of health conditions where CoQ10 can be of great benefit in chronic fatigue, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, migraines and hypertension. Many of us over 40 take statin drugs to help lower our bad cholesterol (LDL) to protect our heart but these drugs interfere with the production of Ubiquinol, a very important heart and muscle nutrient and may actually increase your risk of heart failure and muscle pain and dystrophy. Benefits of CoQ10 include igniting your energy production, strengthening heart and muscles, anti-aging, maintaining your vitality, normal blood pressure, promoting a healthy immune system, nervous
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Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
LIFESTYLE
system and an active mind. For these reasons, CoQ10 is the most consumed health supplement, especially in physically demanding sports and activities. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your health. Lack of quality sleep can affect your focus on work and in golfing, leaves you feeling tired and irritable, weakens your immune system, putting you at risk of depression, weight gain and chronic headaches. The quality of your sleep can be affected by stress, high level of mental activity before sleep or a deficiency in Melatonin, a hormone produced in the brain which promotes a normal sleep cycle. A deficiency of Melatonin may prevent relaxation of the heart and nervous systems, resulting in high blood pressure. As you age, you produce less Melatonin and may need supplementation to help improve the quality of your sleep. Melatonin has also been found to reduce blood pressure and used by many as an anti-aging supplement. Regular exercise helps improve your quality of sleep too. Try to do more brisk walking during your golf games and set aside time for regular exercise. Exercise increases your testosterone level, elevates libido, strengthens your muscles, improves your blood circulation and immune system, lowers your blood pressure and improves your brain function and nervous system.
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s e i t i l i c a F
Repair Your Pitch Mark and Repair It Right R
epairing pitch marks is very important for the ‘well-being’ of the golf course green. Doing it the right way is equally important as repairing pitch marks incorrectly can do more harm. Successfully repaired pitch marks can heal half the time of a half-hearted attempt. Repairing ball marks is important for turf well-being and for smooth-rolling putts. It is a matter of golf etiquette too. It is our obligation as a golfer to help take care of the golf courses we play on; and repairing ball marks plays a big part of this obligation. Here are the step-by-step guide and illustrations explaining the correct way to fix ball marks.
The above 4 photos show a badly repaired pitch mark that leaves a scar.
The above show the correct way to repair a pitch mark. No scarring.
Insert the ball mark repair tool. The first step in repairing ball marks is to take your ball mark repair tool and insert the prongs into the turf at the edge of the depression. Note: Do NOT insert the prongs into the depression itself, but at the rim of the depression.
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Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
FACILITIES
Push edges of ball mark towards the centre. The next step is to push the edge of the ball mark towards the centre, using your ball mark repair tool in a "gentle twisting motion" This is the step where golfers usually incorrectly "repair" the ball mark. Many golfers believe the way to "fix" a ball mark is to insert the tool at an angle, so the prongs are beneath the centre of the crater, and then to use the tool as a lever to push the bottom of the ball mark back up to even up with the surface.
Smooth over and admire your work. Once you've worked around the rim of the ball mark with your repair tool, pushing the grass towards the centre, tamp down the repaired ball mark with your putter or foot to smoothen the putting surface. Then step back and admire your work and pat yourself on the back for helping to take care of the golf course. So golfers, let’s all start fixing our ball marks, and doing it the right way. If you have a moment where you find there isn't another group of golfers behind you waiting for you to clear the green - fix one or two other ball marks that you can find on the green.
Local Rule:
Free drop for ball landing on treated areas (Rule 25-1)
W
ith the ongoing and intensified cow grass eradication exercise taking place at our golf courses, golfers may find their balls landing on treated areas. These treated areas are brown patches on the grass where herbicide has been applied to eradicate cow grass. If your ball lands on these treated areas, the ball may be lifted and dropped within one club length from the nearest point of relief where such a point is not nearer the hole.
Treated areas are brown patches on the grass resulting from herbicide spray that has been applied to the grass. This is part of the process of cow grass eradication
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SET MENUS FROM
$268++
FROM 1 JAN ‘17
BOOK YOUR REUNION LUNCH & DINNERS At
FU LIN MEN CHINESE RESTAURANT
And Takeaway Lunar New Year Goodies! Salmon Yu Sheng from $48++
Abalone Yu Sheng from $60++
Suckling Pig at $238++ (min 2 days advance notice)
Prosperity Treasure Pot Pen Cai from $238++ (min 1 day advance notice) LEVEL 2 RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB. 450 JALAN AHMAD IBRAHIM S 639932.
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T: 6861 0217 E: sharonquah@passion-restaurant.com
Raffles Connection • Jan - Feb 2017
FACILITIES
Improvements
around the Club
Anti-slip Seating in Steam Room Members can now relax and enjoy a good long chat with their buddies in the steam room located in the male changing room. Due to the vapour and heat in the steam room, the seats can be quite slippery upon contact. Hence with members’ safety in mind a coat of anti-slip coating has been applied to the seats. Other minor defects have also been rectified. Members can now sit safely and comfortably as they enjoy a good long steaming session.
Changing of Fire Extinguisher Door Lock As per SCDF new regulations, the Facilities team has replaced the fire extinguisher box key lock with a thumb lock. With the thumb lock, anyone can quickly and easily open the door and use the fire extinguisher during an emergency.
New Sand Timer and Bucket with Scoop in Sauna Room The Facilities team has replaced the sand timer in both the male and female sauna room located at the Swimming Pool Male and Female Changing Room, with a new 15-minute sand timer. With the new timer, members and guests can now easily keep track of the duration of time they have spent in the room! To enhance members’ experience in the sauna room, the team has also replaced the old bucket and scoop in both male and female sauna rooms with a new set.
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FUKUYA SETS FROM $21.80++!
SATISFY YOUR JAPANESE CUISINE CRAVINGS AT FUKUYA WITH CHEF’S SPECIALLY DESIGNED SETS!
SUSHI SET
FUKUYA BENTO
CHICKEN TERIYAKI SET
GRILLED COD SET
LEVEL 2 RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB. 450 JALAN AHMAD IBRAHIM S 639932. T: 6897 1990 E: FUKUYA@PASSION-RESTAURANT.COM
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
The Montgomerie Links Vietnam Quang Name Province, Vietnam
Tianjin Warner International Golf Club Tianjin, China
AFFILIATED CLUBS
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
INDONESIA
BRUNEI
Gunung Geulis Country Club West Java, Indonesia
CAMBODIA
Oxford Golf & Country Club Pune, India
Finna Golf & Country Club East Java, Indonesia
JAPAN
Ashinoko Country Club Shizuoka, Japan
MACAU
Macau Golf & Country Club Macau *Weekday only
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 TPC Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Meru Valley Golf & Country Club Perak, Malaysia
Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club Phnom Penh Capital, Cambodia
CHINA
Orient Pearl Golf Club Beijing, China The Dunes Hainan Province Island, 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
PHILIPPINES
RESTRICTED LOCAL RECIPROCAL CLUBS**
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
The Empire Hotel & Country Club Negara Brunei Darussalam
Tropicana Golf & Country Resort Selangor, Malaysia
Suzhou SunIsland International Club Jiangsu Province, China
Resort Club Co. Ltd Jiangsu Province, China
Araluen Country Club Western Australia. Australia
SINGAPORE Keppel Club
Orchid Country Club
Sembawang Country Club
Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club Hai Duong, Vietnam
Warren Country Club
Long Thanh Golf Club Dong Nai Province, Vietnam
**Booking via club balloting
Seletar Country Club
Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club Hanoi, Vietnam
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 Mohammed Sufandy Bin Kamis Senior Executive (Golf Operations) fandy.kamis@rcc.org.sg 6864 0846
Golf Reception Tel:6861 7655 / Fax: 6861 5563 Open Daily: 7:00am - 6:30pm Golf Courses – Palm & Lake Open Daily: First tee-off: 7:14am Last tee-off: 6:15pm (9 holes)
F&B / Banquet Jennielyn Suarez jennielyn.suarez@rcc.org.sg 6864 0833
LAKE COURSE Green Fee (Guest) Mon to Fri, am: $117.70 Mon to Fri, pm: $171.20 Weekends & PH: $235.40 Green Fee (Visitor) Mon to Fri, am: $171.20 Mon to Fri, pm: $235.40 Weekends & PH: $374.50 PALM COURSE Green Fee (Guest) Mon to Fri, am: $96.30 Mon to Fri, pm: $139.10 Weekends & PH: $235.40 Green Fee (Visitor) Mon to Fri, am: $149.80 Mon to Fri, pm: $203.30 Weekends & PH: $374.50 Buggy Fee / Golfer $24.61 / 18 holes $13.91 / 9 holes Driving Range Tel: 6861 6563 Opening Hours: Mon: 1:00pm - 9:00pm Tue to Fri: 8:00am - 9:00pm Sat: 7:00am - 9:00pm Sun: 7:00am - 7:00pm PH: 7:00am - 8:00pm Last issue of ball: 45 minutes before closing time Ball Fees $1.46 / 30 balls $2.15 / 50 balls $4.30 /100 balls Pro Shop Tel: 6863 3551 Open Daily: 7:00am - 6:30pm Rental of golf sets is available Palm Halfway House Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm Weekends & PH: 8:15am 5:00pm Changing Room Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00am - 8:00pm
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Lifestyle Mr. Joeness Lamban Executive (Operations) joeness.lamban@rcc.org.sg 6864 0823 Membership Ms. Sau Man Ling Executive (Membership) manling.sau@rcc.org.sg 6864 0812
SPORTS & RECREATION Recreation / Reception Tel: 6861 7649 / Fax: 6862 3965 Open Daily: 8:00am - 9:00pm 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
Housekeeping Ms Lim Shu Peng Executive (Housekeeping/M&E) shupeng.lim@rcc.org.sg 6864 0800 Accounts Ms. Magdaline Chin Assistant Manager (Finance) magdaline.chin@rcc.org.sg 6864 0808 PR & Communications Ms. Relle Lee Executive (PR & Communications) relle.lee@rcc.org.sg 6864 0816 Golf Course Maintenance Mr. Chua Kiat Beng M&E Superintendent kb.chua@rcc.org.sg 6861 2725 Human Resource Ms. Lisa Wan Assistant Manager (Human Resource) lisa.wan@rcc.org.sg 6864 0818 website: www.rcc.org.sg email: feedback@rcc.org.sg
Chairman’s Trophy in Conjunction with Quarterly Prize Presentation Saturday, 21 January 2017 Lake Course, 13:00 Shotgun start Format of Play: Stableford Closing date : 14th Jan 2017
Call 6861 7655 for more information!