RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB NEWSLETTER | FINAL ISSUE
Vol
49
A drive, a chip, a putt,
a final goodbye
Raffles Country Club Singapore www.rcc.org.sg
s ' t n e d i s Pre ge
Raffles Connection • Final Issue
MESSAGE
Messa
Dear Fellow Members, As you turn the pages of this newsletter, you will be turning the pages of our last newsletter as well as closing a chapter of many of our fondest memories of Raffle Country Club. It’s been a wonderful journey for me in the 30 years of RCC. Words cannot describe the excitement of playing my first game at the challenging Palm Course or stopping between shots and admiring the vista of Lake Course. Our vast clubhouse with scenic views of the golf courses from the Golfers’ Terrace is also something that will be cherished deep in every one of our hearts. No other golf courses in Singapore can replace Raffles Country Club. RCC is unique in so many ways that words cannot describe the joy and excitement you get as a golfer playing golf at this club. From marshland, the architects managed to build a wonderful and beautiful golf club. I take my hat off to them. Our hopes of getting an extension from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) due to the change in the Malaysian government did not materialise as the Malaysian government has not formally cancelled or postponed the HSR project. In our discussion with the SLA, we were informed that the acquisition will take place as planned and we have to handover the site on 1 August 2018. The GC conveyed this message to members at the Town Hall meeting held on 16 July 2018 through letters that we wrote to SLA and their formal reply informing us to handover the site to them on 1 August 2018. With the closure of the Club, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the past Chairmen, Presidents, General Committees, Captains, Lady Captains and members of all Sub-committees for their contributions and dedication to the Club. I would like to thank the management and staff for their resolve, dedication, commitment and loyalty to RCC to stay on with us till the last day of our operations. Words cannot describe my gratitude to all of you. Thank you so much. To my fellow members, it has been a wonderful experience knowing you and the time we have spent at the Club talking about golf and many other things. It’s been a tremendous experience for me and I am sure for many of you as well. The fun, laughter and comradeship amongst members, the golfing trips overseas and the pleasant greetings from our reciprocal clubs are something we will cherish for the rest of our lives. For members who have joined or are joining other clubs, all the best at your new club and that you will have your RCC kakis joining you at the same club so that the Raffles Country Club spirit will go on with all of you. To the staff, I wish you a new and bright career in your new jobs. The experience you have gained working at RCC will no doubt put you in a position that will allow you to do well in your new jobs. Let’s keep the spirit of Raffles Country Club going. A member of staff here told me this: “Never say ‘goodbye’, say ‘see you again’”. With that I hope to see all of you again. With fondest memories, Paul Singh Club President
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Messages from the GC Vice-President - Loh Kum Chuen I am proud to have made significant contributions to Raffles Country Club during my term of office as Vice-President (2016-2018), F&B Sub-Committee Chairman (2016-2018), Vice-Captain (2011-2015) and Inter-Club League Captain / Management (2011-2015).
Captain - Sebastian Song What has made a big difference in the past year are the many members and staff who have helped to keep our Club running despite the announcement of the land acquisition. Our two golf courses continue to grow from strength to strength with presentation being excellent all year round – this is something that our members have come to appreciate. Many thanks go to the GGSC for their effort and the hardworking Greenkeepers who have excelled year on year in giving us the courses we cherish and enjoy.
Treasurer - Tom Yeo I only picked up golf because I saw, through my office windows, the transformation of virgin swamps to beautiful fairways, bunkers, lakes and greens. In the earlier years, I can easily spy from our Panasonic conference room, golfers putting on the Palm 8th green and golfers teeing off from the 9th tee box. It made me very envious – me in office meetings, lucky guys in ‘green meetings’. We worked hard; six days a week, 10 to 12 hours day. Come Sunday mornings, what a joy! We teed off at Lake or Palm course. Our motto then was "we play golf to drink BEER". The deep fried chicken wings and yaki udon then were the world’s best. These were the common comments from my Japanese guests.
Secretary – John Goh As we countdown to the 31st July handover date, I could not help but feel a sense of loss and sorrow that RCC will soon be history. Buying another club membership is easy but the Club atmosphere and ambience and the Raffles spirit is hard to replace. The initiative to do a coffee table book by CISC is indeed commendable. Memories of happy moments through various events can be revisited by members and friends of Raffles Country Club for a long time to come.
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Raffles Connection • Final Issue
MESSAGE
Member - Hoe Boon Leong Ode to a Forlorn Raffles Golfer The writing on the wall A cabinet without golf ball The storm brewed fast From Keppel to Jurong to hit Tuas From JCC to RCC, migrate with keen Longing and waiting for URA to show Green. 4th January came like lightning struck. High Speed Rail from North hit like a truck. Compensation here it comes A win for some still small in sums Weekday weekend some say are same Together we all depart in time all the same To move on, some are glad To Raffles Kaki, all are sad. Golfers die not, but only lose their balls In rough, in jungle in deep waters all. Others await their fate GE14 came, but alas too late The axe has fallen with the wheels in motion To a journey of no return without a notion Fare thee well Lake and Palm To the sound of Howitzer guns Bunkers and greens now unattended Till the bulldozer becomes appended Let the otters and boars be residence With LTA SLA within a close distance Alas it’s a matter of time We meet in Greener pastures and dine. A ray of light may shine with hope Like the hangman without a rope. To the golfer keen he prays That some day a golf game he need not pay.
Member, Phee Thian Chye I will always remember RCC. When I first stepped foot into the Club, it was about the same time that I got the keys to my present home some 30 years ago. I thought both would remain permanent in my life, but sadly RCC will soon be no more. Members may come and go in those years but it was a privilege to witness how RCC has grown into such a beautiful club it is today, with such a beautiful panoramic view of the hills and water that no other clubs in Singapore can boast about.
Member, Cheong Yoke Keng There are many reasons why I am very proud to be a member of RCC. You will have to experience it to appreciate it. It is also at this club that many of my personal golf goals were attained. I have been participative in many aspects; enjoying every minute of it. While the journey at RCC will be truncated, life goes on. Golf on...
Member, Henry Ho What I will miss most about RCC is the time spent with my friends especially after 18 holes of golf and beer. The camaraderie with my golf kakis will forever be etched in my mind. I will cherish these moments always.
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s t n e t n o C
GENERAL COMMITTEE President Mr Paul Singh Vice-President
CLUB NEWS
Chairman of Food & Beverage
LIFESTYLE
Snapshots
5
Staff Golf Day
6
Staff Appreciation Lunch 8
Mr Loh Kum Chuen Captain
Raffles Country Club 30th Anniversary
32
LSSC Invitational Golf Game
36
In & Around the Club
40
GOLF
Chairman of Golfing & Greens Mr Sebastian Song Treasurer
Chairman of Finance Mr Tom Yeo Secretary Mr John Goh
Monthly Medals
12
Chairman of Communications & Information
Western Australia Inter-Club & Social Trip
14
The Last Bogey!
18
Committees’ Day Golf 2018
20
Hole-in-One Achievers Par-3 Challenge 2018
Ms Cheong Yoke Keng
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Chairman of Facilities & Estate Mr Hoe Boon Leong Chairman of Lifestyle & Social Mr Phee Thian Chye Chairman of Disciplinary Committee
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Mr Henry Ho
Chairman's Invitational 26
MANAGEMENT
SGA Inter-Club League 2018 Appreciation Dinner 30
General Manager Farrock Ebrahim Finance Manager
32
Anthony Low Course Superintendent Christine Chungbhivat Golfing Operations Manager Ng Yuk Fong
8
F&B/Lifestyle Manager Dave Chiang Sales & Marketing/
Communications Manager Joanne Ng Facilities Manager
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Cover photo credit "Sunset at Lake Course, taken from Hole 16" by Nina Koh
Raffles Connection is published by: Raffles Country Club, 450 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Singapore 639932 l www.rcc.org.sg MCI (P) 035/04/2018 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.
Kevin Kwan
EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Cheong Yoke Keng Editor Justine Moss Members Ven Sreenivasan Albert Khor Nina Koh Joanne Ng Relle Lee
Raffles Connection • Final Issue
Snapsh ts
CLUB NEWS
Extension of Reciprocal Club Agreement Our overseas reciprocal club agreements with Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club (SAASGC) and Mission Hills Shenzhen have been extended until 31 December 2018 instead of 31 July 2018. Members can call directly to the respective clubs for bookings and show their RCC membership to enjoy the privileges. Mission Hills Shenzhen Tel: (+86 755) 2802 0888 Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club Tel: 603-5510 5872
Phone Numbers You Need To Know (wef 1 August 2018) The last day of Club operations is on 31 July 2018. Thereafter, the Club premises will be state land and the public will not be allowed to enter. However a critical staff crew remains at the premises for another six months. Should you have any enquiries, please contact the relevant parties below: • Mainline - 6861 7655 • GM’s Secretary (gracie.leong@rcc.org.sg) - 6864 0889 • Finance Manager (anthony.low@rcc.org.sg) – 6864 0828 • Accounts/Finance (magdaline.chin@rcc.org.sg) - 6864 0808 • Membership/Claims (manling.sau@rcc.org.sg; angel.yeo@rcc.org.sg) - 6864 0812 / 6864 0878 • Facilities/Collection of Purchased Items (kevin.kwan@rcc.org.sg; shupeng.lim@rcc.org.sg) - 6864 0883 / 6864 0800 Operating hours: 9am – 5pm (Mon – Fri; excluding public holidays)
Overseas Achievement! RCC member Agnes Tay did us proud on 21 May 2018, emerging as the Champion for the Ladies’ Division at the Amazing Thailand Golf Challenge 2018. It was indeed a feat we all can be proud of! Congratulations, Agnes!
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Staff Golf Day 25 June 2018
W
orking in Raffles Country Club certainly has its perks!
Aside from being blessed with a beautiful view, staff are also encouraged to pick up golf – lessons are offered at a subsidised rate – to better understand the DNA of the Club. As a tradition, Staff Golf Day is organised yearly by the Golfing department to create an opportunity for members of the General Committee (GC) and Golfing and Greens (GGSC) to bond with the staff, and this year was no different. Joined by members who have generously sponsored the event, the staff arrived promptly after lunch to play at their all-time favourite course - Lake Course. Blessed with perfect weather, over 30 participants set off to the welcoming greens and put the skills they have picked up over the years to good use. Between the swings and waiting for their turns, lively banter and laughter were predominant over the duration of the game. The wonderful camaraderie that the staff have built with one another and with the members, is a result of meeting and working with one another on an almost daily basis over the years. When the game ended, everyone adjourned to the Albatross for the much anticipated prize presentation and buffet dinner. Staff who did not participate in the golf joined the others for the dinner after they had finished work. And it was a lucky thing that they did! Everyone won a prize in the lucky draw - and the best prize, a Samsung Tab, went to Ladi from Golf Operations.
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Raffles Connection • Final Issue
CLUB NEWS
Prizes for the Novelty Game were also given away. Congratulations to staff member Hassan, and GC member, Cheong Yoke Keng, for coming in as the Bull’s Eye winner and runner-up respectively! Winners of the Best Pose Award went to GC members Hoe Boon Leong and Phee Thian Chye, as well as staff members Sani and Hassan; the latter were well-deserving in their win with their intimidating Haka pose! Finally, the winner of Staff Golf Day goes to staff member Dickson, from Golf Maintenance. After a resounding round of applause and many claps on his back, participants continued with fun games and merrymaking well into the night. One thing for sure is that the friendship among the staff and members will definitely go well beyond the existence of RCC. To all staff, keep golfing and forge new friendships wherever you go!
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Staff Appreciation Lunch 18 July 2018
L
ike a cog in a machine, each and every staff plays an essential role in a well-functioning club. The smiling faces behind the golf reception counter, the hands behind a spick and span clubhouse, the eyes that scan for discrepancies in the financial figures, the brains and limbs to maintain a pristine and top-notch golf course‌ these are just some of the many cogs that work harmoniously together to ensure that members have a wonderful experience whenever they set foot on the grounds of Raffles Country Club. On 18 July 2018, all RCC staff were invited to a buffet lunch at Stamford Suite as a gesture of appreciation by the Club Management for the hard work that they have put in over the years. A total of 37 Long Service Awards were also given out to the staff who have been through the highs and lows of the Club, as a token of appreciation to thank them for their loyalty and dedication to the Club. Indeed, if members are the beating heart of RCC, the staff are the arteries and veins that keep the Club running like clockwork. To all staff, all the best in your future endeavours and may you continue to delight and impress wherever you go - keep the spirit of RCC alive!
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Raffles Connection • Final Issue
CLUB NEWS
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30-Year Long Service Award Winners 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
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Fawardi Bin Naee Mohamed Zawawi Bin Hj Abdul Rahman Hassan Bin Ali Jabar Bin Dollah Seah Lian Seng Mahat Bin Jelak Ishak Bin Abdul Karim Abu Bakar Bin Mardi Zainal Abidin Bin Osman Ler Chin Hong Abdul Rahman Bin Othman
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Mohd Nasir Bin Sairi Adam Bin Zainal Sani Bin Mansor Abdul Halim Bin Mahnoor Zaini Bin Mansor Saidi Bin Basri Norman Bin Embot Mohd Yusof Bin Abdul Hamid Jannah Bte Manan Mohamad Salleh Bin Sakyok
Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
Golf
Hole-In-One
Achievers
Koh Wah Chuang Lake Hole 14 30 March 2018
Lim Soon Lee Lake Hole 14 3 July 2018
Peggy Ang Lake Hole 14 5 July 2018
Kong Kee Fong Lake Hole 8 6 July 2018
Soong Khai Poh Palm Hole 3 27 May 2018
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Monthly May 2018
Medals
RESULTS
Saturday, 5 May 2018 Format : Strokeplay, Palm Course
‘A’ DIV. MEN’S MAY 2018
‘A’ DIV. LADIES’ MAY 2018 Best Nett: Maria Teo Nett 65 Best Gross: Jessie Tan Gross 84
Samir Bedi
Tan Lee Hong Yeap Chee Leong
Best Nett: Samir Bedi, Nett 72 Ocb Best Gross: Tan Lee Hong, Gross 82 Runner-Up Nett: Yeap Chee Leong , Nett 73
Maria Teo
Jessie Tan
‘B’ DIV. LADIES’ MAY 2018 Best Nett: Lew Kin Choo Nett 76 Ocb Best Gross: Lee Yuke Lan Gross 106
‘B’ DIV. MEN’S MAY 2018 Lew Kin Choo Lee Yuke Lan
Tan Wei Ming Vince Wong
Bobby Ang
Best Nett: Tan Wei Ming, Nett 70 Ocb Best Gross: Vince Wong, Gross 86 Runner-Up Nett: Bobby Ang, Nett 70 Ocb
‘C’ DIV. MEN’S MAY 2018 Best Nett: Chua Kim Hock Nett 65 Best Gross: Robert Liu Gross 93
Chua Kim Hock
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Robert Liu
NEAREST THE PIN Hole No. 3: Maria Teo
1.8m
Hole No. 7: Lee Yuke Lan
1.2m
Hole No. 12: Tay Beng Chai
0.62m
Hole No. 17: Ong Eng Seng
0.87m
Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
June 2018 RESULTS
Saturday, 9 June 2018 Format : Stableford, Lake Course
‘A’ DIV. MEN’S JUNE 2018
‘A’ DIV. LADIES’ JUNE 2018 Winner: Jennifer Teo 34 Pts Runner-Up: Wendy Soh 33 Pts Ocb
Yeap Chee Leong
Lim Han Sin
Andrew Cher
Winner: Yeap Chee Leong, 38 Pts Ocb Runner-up: Lim Han Sin, 38 Pts Third: Andrew Cher, 35 Pts Ocb
Jennifer Teo
Wendy Soh
‘B’ DIV. LADIES’ JUNE 2018 Winner: Regina Wong 38 Pts Ocb Runner-Up: Michelle Seow 38 Pts
‘B’ DIV. MEN’S JUNE 2018 Regina Wong Michelle Seow
NEAREST THE PIN Wong Kim Wah
Thong Tuck Seng
Michael Ho Bok Kee
Winner: Wong Kim Wah, 42 Pts Runner-up: Thong Tuck Seng, 39 Pts Ocb Third: Michael Ho Bok Kee, 39 Pts Ocb
Hole No. 2: Said Khan
2m
Hole No. 8: Ng Kay Meng
2.1 m
Hole No. 14: Michael Ho
1m
Hole No. 16: Bryan Chen
7m
‘C’ DIV. MEN’S JUNE 2018 Winner: Loh Kum Chuen 43 Pts Ocb Runner-Up: Nelson Yeo 43 Pts
Loh Kum Chuen
Nelson Yeo
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Western Australia Inter-Club & Social Trip 15 – 20 April 2018
T
he Raffles Mission, a group of golf enthusiasts made up of members of the Golfing & Greens Sub-Committee, organised its very last overseas trip to Western Australia from 15 to 20 April 2018. A trip organised by members for members, the main objective of this trip was to create an opportunity for members to hang out together and strengthen their bond before the Club closes for good. What better place is there to go for fun and bonding than the awe-inspiring Australia that is blessed with both beautiful weather and plentiful wildlife? Of course, it is impossible not to mention the many beautiful golf courses Australia are renowned for. An emerald sea of undulating terrain punctured by sand bunkers and treacherous waters - these are indeed what golfers’ dreams are made of! Heading straight from Perth Airport to The Western Australia Golf Club for the Inter-Club friendly, members got a taste of Australian hospitality. The hosts were warm and friendly and a few familiar faces were also spotted at the host club, friends made from their recent visit to Singapore.
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Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
Mount Lawley Golf Club
Blessed with autumn's cool weather, members also found time to appreciate the surroundings while golfing. All were impressed by the lush vegetation that surrounds the course as well as the occasional kangaroo and wildlife popping up to greet the golfers. Perhaps due to home course advantage, The Western Australian Golf Club ultimately emerged the winner for the friendly competition. The interesting course layout and game made for good conversation starters and the golfers certainly had no lack of topics to talk about over the delectable dinner. Victory aside, the real takeaway was definitely the friendship forged over the course of the game and dinner. The subsequent days were spent in a flurry of activities; waking up bright and early to travel to three other magnificent golf courses in Western Australia – Mount Lawley Golf Club, The Vines Golf Club and The Cut Golf Club; competing in friendly games; indulging in scrumptious food and visiting the local markets.
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The Vines Golf Club
Members also found time to roam the streets of South Terrace and Henderson where they enjoyed the famous Fish & Chips at the Fremantle Markets. Our ever-thoughtful staff also secretly prepared a birthday cake for the April babies and the celebration took place on the putting green… imagine the joy and surprise! As the trip drew to a close, a few “Thank You’s” were in order. Our deepest appreciation went to Vice and Trip Captain, Sam Peck, for his dedication in organising this trip and in ensuring that members enjoyed themselves. We would also like to thank Vice-President, Loh Kum Chuen, for excelling in his leadership position in the inter-club games. Lastly, we would like to thank each and every member who participated in this trip because… it’s definitely the company that mattered and made the difference to this trip! We hope this trip is one that members will remember for many years to come and that the amazing comradeship will last beyond the existence of Raffles Country Club. Till we meet again!
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Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
The Cut Golf Club
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The Last Bogey! 25 April 2018
B
oo! Here comes the Bogeyman!
On 25 April 2018, a total of 28 beautiful RCC ladies turned up at the Lake Course in moods befitting that of the gorgeous weather which was bright and sunny with a touch of breeze. The participants in their bright-coloured attire were geared up and ready to bring home the title of the final champion. Although playing among long-time friends, an air of competitiveness lingered throughout the game. However, the appearance of the Bogeyman on the golf course quickly helped to lighten up the mood and peals of laughter rang through the course. The excited ladies were all ready to jump at the chance to pose with the Bogeyman - for photos as keepsake! Shifting their focus back to the game at hand after posing with the Bogeyman, the ladies gave the game their all and a winner eventually emerged from the group of skilful players – congratulations to Ms Ou Ri Ai for a game well-played! Regardless of the outcome, everyone enjoyed the challenging game judging by the contented and happy faces. After the game, the group of ladies proceeded to the Stamford Suite to feast on the ‘makan kecil’ prepared for them before the prize presentation. A lucky draw was also included in the programme which heightened the mood for the evening. Lady Captain Elvina Wong also took the opportunity to address the participants and thanked everyone for their enthusiastic support for the Club’s final ladies event.
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A particular line stood out from her speech, “the bond we have forged will remain even after the closure on 31 July 2018”- summing up the precious friendship of this group. Indeed, their friendship will not be confined to the grounds of Raffles Country Club; it shall continue to thrive wherever they go.
Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
Results
25th April 2018, Lake Course Winner : Ou Ri Ai 1st Runner Up : Boo Geok Ching
+6
2nd Runner Up : Elvina Wong
+4 OCB
+5
Ou Ri Ai
Boo Geok Ching
Elvina Wong
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Committees’ Day Golf 2018 19 May 2018
V
olunteer to make the Club a better place for members? Check. Dedicate free time to the planning and execution of Club improvements, i.e. attending sub-committee meetings? Check. Ensure other members get to enjoy the fruits of their labour? Check. Committee members are members who have volunteered their services to the Club at the expense of their precious free time and, this year, RCC celebrated the contribution of these unsung heroes with a game of golf and dinner spread. Together with sponsors who have contributed generously to various Club events, the game started on a beautiful note at the ever scenic Lake Course. The course as usual, was in tip-top condition and, coupled with the bright skies and gentle breeze blowing across the course, it was as if Mother Nature knew that this was the last Committees’ Game and endeavoured to give the players perfect weather!
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Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
Blessed with such perfect playing conditions and fantastic flight mates, the players enjoyed themselves immensely and, perhaps because of that, time seemed to fly by. In no time at all, it was unfortunately the end of the golf game. Captain Sebastian Song emerged as the deserving winner and Vice-Captain Sam Peck and Club Secretary John Goh came in runner-up and second runner-up respectively. After the game, the players moved on to the Stamford Suite to feast on the sumptuous dinner spread prepared for them, and that was where the real fun began! As they were greeted by the aroma of delicious Chinese dishes, members greeted each other enthusiastically and offered so many toasts to each other that glasses tinkled like wind chimes. The dinner also included a segment where the respective Sub-Committee Chairmen were given an opportunity to introduce their committee members and show their appreciation for their contributions to the Club. Many heartfelt words were shared and all members had smiles on their faces‌ there were even one or two with tears glistening in their eyes! To all committee members, we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your contributions to the Club. May our paths cross again!
Results
Saturday 19th May 2018 Format: System 36 Stableford Lake Course Winner: Sebastian Song
36 Pts OCB
1st Runner-Up: Sam Peck
36 Pts
2nd Runner-Up: John Goh
35 Pts OCB
Fourth:
Peter Tan
Fifth: Richard Tham (Sponsor)
Sebastian Song
Sam Peck
35 Pts 34 Pts OCB
John Goh
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Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
Hole-in-One Achievers Par-3 Challenge 2018 2 June 2018
W
hat are the odds of a golfer achieving a holein-one on a par-3 hole?
Well, it really depends on how good AND lucky you are! Acing a hole requires a heavy dose of luck but the better you are, the more likely you will get one. On the 2nd June, more than 70 lucky and skilled members who had achieved a hole-in-one at Raffles Country Club since 1988, gathered together to celebrate their extraordinary feat in a union like no other. This was the first ever Hole-In-One Achiever Golf Game. And since the Club will be closing end July 2018, there was no better time to gather this special group together for a challenging game and celebratory dinner. Set at the challenging Palm course that can prove to be challenging even for the most seasoned players, there was also a special set-up for this event – to play Par-3 for all 18 holes! And as with any challenge, there was an attractive prize for conquering it! For achieving a hole-in-one during this event, members got to walk away $1,000 richer! Unfortunately, luck ran a little low that day and the feat proved too difficult to replicate.
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Nonetheless, each member was awarded a framed photo of the golf course as a memento of this meaningful event. Armed with their hole-in-one stories, members spent the evening reliving their glorious days when their golf ball disappeared and only to find it in the hole by surprise! The dinner table as usual was laden with delectable dishes prepared by Fu Lin Men’s skilful chefs. Members dined and laughed heartily over light banter, and the night was capped with ten members winning a total of $1,000 cash during the lucky draw segment. A flight consisting of Mark Oh, Victor Lem, Andrew Sim and Melvin Sim also won the Strike-A-Pose Photo Contest with their gravity-defying pose – indeed we have a yoga master in our midst! Congratulations to all winners! And to all members who have yet to achieve a hole-in-in-one, may the odds always be in your favour.
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Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
Results Sat, 2nd June Palm Course
Strike-A-Pose Photo Contest Winning Team Mark Oh
Victor Lem
Andrew Sim Melvin Sim
Lucky Draw Winners Chiang Woon Seng Dicky Goh
Albert Tan
Tony Koh
Norlia Embong
Wendy Soh
Loh Kum Chuen
Huang Ching Lien Mark Oh
Albert Khor
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Chairman’s Invitational 21 July 2018
I
t was a bright and sunny Saturday, when the final Chairman’s Invitational took place at the Club. Club Chairman Tan Soo Nan hosted past and present committee members at the scenic Lake Course to show his appreciation for their tireless contributions and efforts in making RCC into a premier club. RCC’s Patron, ESM Goh Chok Tong, who officiated the opening of the revamped Lake Course in 2002 also graced this meaningful event as the Guest of Honour, and he was in good spirits. And why shouldn’t he have been? Seeing the familiar faces greeting him upon his arrival, golfing at the beautiful Lake course and in such perfect weather - it was no wonder he was in high spirits throughout the evening programme. As with most RCC events, members were invited to a sitdown Chinese dinner at Stamford Suite after the golf game. Members chatted happily from the start of the evening and there were endless “yam seng’s” at every table making it look a lot like a wedding dinner! Soon the room was filled with peals of laughter as the eating, drinking and merrymaking continued into the night. However, there was a poignant moment for all when some past committee members who were also pioneer members, were invited up on stage to share their memories of the Club. Albert Khor, who was nicknamed the ‘furniture’ of RCC was happy to recount his past adventures in RCC as the first Captain of RCC and later, the General Manager. Founding President, Lee Ek Tieng, and his comrade Ting Sar Tee also went on stage to share their RCC memories. Towards the end of the evening, Chairman Tan presented a framed photo of Lake course to ESM Goh as a parting gift, to thank him for the many years of support as the Club Patron. Here’s a toast to the friendships, memories, and heartfelt contributions from all who were present at the final Chairman’s Invitational at RCC – may RCC live in our hearts forever.
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Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
Results Saturday, 21st July 2018
NEAREST THE LINE AT HOLE #9 A box of Callaway Chrome Balls Winner : Patrick Teo (1 FT) NEAREST THE PIN ON ALL PAR 3 A box of Callaway Chrome Balls Winners: Hole # 2 Low Yi Cheng (5 FT) Hole # 8 Esther Oh (8 FT)
Hole # 14 Ven Sreenivasan (8 FT) Hole # 16 David Soh (6 FT)
Golf Event – top 5 winners per team on Stableford Points ESM’s TEAM Winner ($120 NTUC vchs)
Patrick Low (48 PTS)
Runner-up ($100 NTUC vchs) Albert Tan (45 PTS) Third ($80 NTUC vchs)
Mary Yang (39 PTS)
Fourth ($60 NTUC vchs)
Vincent Chua (37 PTS OCB)
Fifth ($50 NTUC vchs)
Edmond Ang (37 PTS OCB)
CHAIRMAN’s TEAM Winner ($120 NTUC vchs)
Samir Bedi (45 PTS)
Runner-up ($100 NTUC vchs)
William Toh (41 PTS)
Third ($80 NTUC vchs)
Gan Chir Seng (39 PTS OCB)
Fourth ($60 NTUC vchs)
Lee Yuke Lan (39 PTS OCB)
Fifth ($50 NTUC vchs)
Eng Tiang Sing (39 PTS)
WINNING TEAM: ESM GOH CHOK TONG’S TEAM (Top 15 stableford points)
553 PTS
CHAIRMAN TAN SOO NAN’S TEAM
540 PTS
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Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
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SGA Inter-Club League 2018 Appreciation Dinner 22 July 2018
“Y
ou are the Best!” – these were the four words that best described our SGA Inter-Club League team during the SGA Inter-Club League Appreciation Dinner on 22 July 2018 at the Stamford Suite. This special dinner was dedicated to the RCC team that trained hard for this year’s SGA Inter-Club League games. Preparing for an Inter-Club League game has never been a walk in the park. Throughout the months from March to July this year, the preparation that the RCC team had put in was remarkable. Many of their precious weekends were spent at golf clubs in Singapore, training intensively and getting ready for the competition. Playing against some of the best golfers in Singapore is never easy, and our league players know it! They undertook all kinds of training to strengthen and develop their mental stamina and techniques. And the ultimate goal? To become the Champion, of course! With every match played, players forged an even stronger bond that defined the comradeship among the members in the RCC family. As the saying goes, “Behind every successful team, stands a fortress of support”. It is certainly true for the RCC Team, because they achieved outstanding results for the game! Team RCC came in an overall fourth, but for the Men’s ‘B’ Division, we came in as Champions! It was indeed a great achievement by our B Division players! Definitely their effort and hard work paid off! A special mention and appreciation goes to the RCC General Committee, the Management Team, League
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Captain, leaders, players, sponsors and players’ parents. Without their unwavering support, the team would not have achieved such an impressive outcome. This is indeed the cherry at the top of this beautiful end to the final chapter of the SGA Inter-Club League.
Raffles Connection • Final Issue
GOLF
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e l y t s e f i L Raffles Country Club 30th Anniversary 7 July 2018
By Loh Kum Chuen, RCC Vice-President, Chairman, F&B Sub-Committee (FBSC) and Chairman, 30th Anniversary Organising Team
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affles Country Club started operations as a proprietary club on 1 July 1988, became a Members’ Club on 1 June 2001 and was acquired by the Singapore Land Authorities on 1 August 2018. Initially, the 30th Anniversary event was removed from the 2018 Calendar. However, FBSC managed to raise some money from the Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Fund through the sale of beer over the past two years. With the blessings of my fellow GC members, FBSC got the go-ahead to organise a special BBQ to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. Food and beverage without golf would be incomplete so we invited GGSC to join us in co-organising the Fun Golf cum BBQ event on Saturday, 7 July 2018. The event was organised for our members, by our members with the strong support of our RCC staff from F&B, GGSC, CISC, LSSC, FESC, Marketing and HR. FBSC, comprising Patrick Low, Peter Tan, Kleio Park, Edmond Ang and myself, came up with the idea of a Hawaiian theme with fun novelty games on both the Lake and Palm golf courses, followed by a BBQ Dinner. Each of us were given specific tasks to handle and we worked together as a Team to fine-tune the programme to precision. Members responded with much enthusiasm and both golf courses were fully booked within a couple of days with many on the waiting list. We managed to cater for more than 300 members and staff for the event.
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GGSC under Ng Yuk Fong, Golfing Manager and Mohd Sufandy, Asst Manager Golfing Operations organised the Golf Tournament and Fun Novelty Games, with input from the Organising Team. The Golf Course Maintenance Team, under Christine Chungbhivat, did a great job in preparing both golf courses for play, despite adverse weather conditions the previous couple of weeks. They also helped to harvest the coconuts and coconut fronds for our decorations and table game. That day, we were blessed with beautiful weather and the golf game went on smoothly without any hitches. F&B, LSSC, FESC Staff Dave Chiang, Joeness and Arlyn helped arrange for the BBQ food and free flow beverages. Lim Shu Peng from Housekeeping helped set up the Stage, Sound System and tables and chairs. Club Captain Sebastian Song himself came over to test the sound system to ensure all were good and sound.
The Marketing & CISC team under Joanne Ng helped with the publicity, e-blasts and got sponsors for our drinks for the buggies and some top lucky draw prizes. These included two weeks of complimentary golf membership at Laguna National Golf & Country Club plus two complimentary flights at the Laguna World Classic and also four complimentary golf flights at Warren Golf Club. We had more than a hundred merit, novelty and lucky draw prizes to give away that night. Special thanks also goes to emcee of the evening, Jana, who was able to keep members engaged and participating in the games throughout the evening with her bubbly personality.
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The day began with a full capacity double shotgun start for the Fun Golf at both Lake and Palm courses. The weather was perfect and the mood was generally jovial but with a lingering regret that soon the beautiful and challenging RCC golf courses will be a thing of the past. Nevertheless, many took the eventuality in their strides and enjoyed the company and friendship that had bonded our members together. Two mannequins dressed as Hawaiian Hula girls to the theme of the evening programme were the centre of attention at the golf courses. Many stopped by to pose with them for some fun shots to remember the event by. There was free flow wine and beer during the BBQ dinner. With a live band, music and songs, the enthusiastic participants let their hair down that evening to enjoy the fun, games and company. Thanks to all our sponsors, the Organising Team, RCC Staff and RCC Members for their strong support for this event, the 30th Anniversary celebration will remain as fond memories of Raffles Country Club for many.
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RCC LSSC Invitational Golf Game 11 & 12 July 2018:
A Special Farewell Experience for LSSC Supporters By Charlie Huang, member of LSSC
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fter our wonderful Year End Bash last year, we were urged to organise another event to leave behind sweet memories for all our Lifestyle and Social Sub-Committee (LSSC) supporters. We wanted to make the proposed event as memorable and fun as possible - even in the name of golf. Thus we decided to organise a golf event over two days at our home – RCC - one at Palm and the other at Lake course with a DP Stableford system. The two-day event received such an overwhelming response that we had to increase the optimum capacity of 120 players to the maximum course capacity of 144. We successfully achieved our goal for this event under the capable hands of Dr. K.K. Tan as Organising Chairman for the event. Credit also goes to Alex Eow who was the Tournament Director and Lee Yuke Lan as Participant Registration Director. Francis Loh was in charge of sponsorship/donation of prizes, Charlie Huang was Floor Manager and also in charge of event photo taking and LSSC Chairman Phee TC, as advisor. It was indeed ‘one team one effort’ and we created history in RCC for organising the first ever and last social golf tournament over two days before the closure of the Club.
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LIFESTYLE
Blessed with good weather, the 144 players teed off at Palm Course on 11 July. The weather was better on the second day - 12 July. There was bright sunshine over Lake course on the second day with some 140 players completing two days of a fun yet competitive golf tournament. It was indeed an unforgettable event and participants cooled themselves at Albatross with free beer sponsored by APB on the first day after golf; a closing 8-course Chinese Dinner was held on 12 July, fully sponsored by the Fu Li Men Group, which included hard liquor. It set the stage for a perfect social gathering to say ‘Sayonara’ or goodbye to RCC. The closing dinner event was particularly special with all volunteers contributing their effort to entertain all at the Stamford Ballroom. A live band, the ‘Silverstone’ with their talented singers, provided live music that evening. Our very own talented member Nina Koh was the Emcee. Being a Karaoke Queen herself, she attracted more “RCC’s GOT Talent” members to rush to the stage to showcase their forte. Even our RCC Captain Sebastian Song could not resist belting out a nice song for the evening.
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When the hat was passed around for tips as appreciation for the Fu Li Men staff who served all diners tirelessly throughout the evening, the contributions from the floor were indeed generous, to the surprise of everyone. This goes to show that RCC members present that night are compassionate and showed tremendous appreciation and gratitude for what they have received. Special thanks also goes to Yuk Fong, Fandy and Salim who managed the golf tournament results professionally with timely production and tabulation of the two days’ results. Based on SKILLS and LUCK for the DP Stableford system, the top ten winners were: Champion 1st Runner up 2nd Runner up 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th
Thong Tuck Seng Ang Chuan Gen John Goh Alex Eow Cao Yong Patrick Low Edwin Chua Michael Low Dicky Goh Lawrence Kuok
Generous sponsors, Orchid Country Club and Ria Bintan Golf Club sponsored Hole-in-one prizes for specific Par 3 holes with one-year term membership. Unfortunately there was no
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winner! In addition, all golfers whose ball landed within 6ft radius of the Pin on all Par3s were given a bottle of wine - sponsored by Cornerstone. However there were only 18 golfers who won this prize over the two days. For the “Nearest to the LINE” challenge on all Par 5s, it was incredible that many of the winners had their balls on the line. Perhaps they were drunk by the energy drinks in the cooler box, or numbed by the bananas sponsored by Satoyu Trading, and ice cream by Francis Loh, distributed during the golf game. It was indeed a fun and memorable event for all. Thanks to the generous sponsors, every one of the 144 participants received a lucky draw prize each. It was indeed an unprecedented and unique LSSC hospitality to our RCC-supporters during the evening. Sincere thanks goes out to all the 15 sponsors, volunteers and staff from LSSC, FBSC and GGSC, Fu Li Men staff for making this event a success, with a uniquely LSSC attribute to mark the heavy-hearted end of our time at RCC on a happier note. It is with hope that when the sun rises on 1 August 2018, we shall continue to have fond memories of RCC in our hearts.
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In & Around The Club
By Nina Koh
HOLIGOLF
As the impending end looms near, members at RCC sprang into action, organising a myriad of activities to create as much memories together as possible. On 12 and 13 May, a fresh group of golfers who called themselves the ‘HoliGolf’ planned an inaugural golf tournament that spans across two days on two different golf courses. For a mere pittance, 30 members received sponsored goodie bags, free booze and a Fu Lin Men dinner cum Karaoke session with plenty of prizes for the golfers. Alex Eow said the common interest of this group is ‘golf holidays’ and this means the beginning of more trips planned for Japan, Australia and many more! Their prize presentation dinner was filled with live entertainment from the talented members and non-stop teasing and laughter. Most importantly, everyone walked away contented with the good golf, good food, good booze, good rewards and promises of more fellowship and holidays beyond RCC.
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PEGGY AND SARA – JOINT ‘HOLE-IN-ONE’ CELEBRATION
When two well-regarded female golfing members achieve their Hole-in-one within a week of each other, what do you do? You guessed right! They rejoiced by organising a combined celebration among their lady friends before the Club closes! On Wednesday, 18 July 2018, RCC saw ten all-female flights teeing off at Lake in the afternoon in a competition of Stableford with a blind partner. It was prizes and door gifts galore, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the two hosts and participating female members. Most of the former Lady Captains were present and each reminisced about their ‘adventures’ in RCC during their captaincy. It was a bittersweet moment for everyone at the Albatross as each of them recounted their very own special moments. The mood was further accentuated by the members serenading to the audience, as they crooned and sang. The evening ended with promises of more popiah parties at Peggy’s home and more organised games, before the ladies reluctantly bid farewell to their friends.
RAFFLES BUAYA We will miss you… By Patrick Kwek When word got around that the land on which Raffles Country Club sits on would be acquired by the government before the expiry of its lease, and that the Club would be shut down in July 2018, the news was received with shock and dismay. For a group of golfers who called themselves the Raffles Buayas, it was particularly painful. The group had banded together since the Club’s founding thirty years ago in 1988, golfing together week in week out, uninterrupted. Through this long association, friendships were made and camaraderie created, not only among themselves but with the staff as well, especially those in the front-line service. The ever-
smiling faces of the customer service officers at the golfing reception will be sorely missed, especially the long-serving staff like Sadiah, Mazni, and Roseni. As an expression of the Buaya’s appreciation for the many years of hard work and dedicated service, the Raffles Buaya invited the golf reception staff to a thank you and farewell dinner, and to offer them best wishes for the future. The Buayas will be holding their last group game at RCC on 22 July 2018. Thereafter, they plan to hold an annual tournament in other golf clubs to keep the Raffles spirit alive.
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PHILIPS REUNITE
It was a fortuitous reunion of seven ex-Philips top management staff at RCC and they never let it slide, meeting regularly for golf at their new home in RCC. In May, they gathered some personal collections and sponsorships for a golf tournament and lunched with a few of their invited guests. It was the usual raucous time of non-stop teasing and laughter with Edmond Ang winning the trophy for the best golfer. Unsatisfied, others were baying for blood, and a rematch and lunch were organised a month down the road. Everyone left with lovely sponsored souvenirs and fond memories of one of their last golfing days at RCC.
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SUNDAY EXPRESS
Those Good Old Days at Raffles Country Club By ES Ong About 25 years ago, when we were younger, the Sunday Express Group was founded and chaired by an entrepreneur; a successful businessman, Mr. Ong Mun Wah, together with a few business friends namely Paul Kuah, Lim Eng Hai and the late Ng Kim Teck. The initial primary objective then was to play golf and sharing market information on a Sunday morning. This Sunday Express Group slowly expanded to as many as 50 golfers including their spouses; some have left the group due to health reasons; and some are aged and retiring from playing golf. Through this weekend golf, our friendship and ‘caring-ship’ have grown and strengthened. We also shared both our happy and sad occasions. We became ‘family’. We also got to know one another’s children and attended their wedding dinners, and we sincerely cared for each other with trust and sincerity; we are far beyond just a “golfing kakis” group. Our children, during childhood days, spent weekends playing and growing up at the Club. Some of us also slowly started bringing our grandchildren to the Club to play. Regrettably, the Club is about to end and it is a great pity to close such a good club. Over the years, the Raffles Country Club served as an excellent platform for developing our friendship; the cohesive friendship spirit of the Sunday Express Group. We organised overseas tour and golfing trips, we also played at many reciprocal clubs abroad. We have been celebrating our annual Spring Festival dinner together, scouting for good food restaurants for dinners. Now the Government has decided to close this 30-year-old Club at the end of July. In a way, the Sunday Express group will disband and our enjoyable weekends and yearly activities with the Club will come to an end.
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We will certainly miss all the joy and fun. However, our friendship will not end here. The Sunday Express Group founding Chairman, Mr. Ong Mun Wah and others will continue to keep in touch with the group members, creating opportunities to meet by organising golfing trips and tour trips after the Club has closed. We will certainly meet again for drinks, dinners and golf. On the night of 1 July 2018, we celebrated our last gathering at the Club Albatross room. All of us enjoyed the buffet dinner, homemade food, 30kg worth of a variety of durians sponsored by the Group Chairman, singing karaoke and impromptu dancing on the floor, just to name a few. This is definitely not the end of our friendship that we treasure so much. To my fellow Sunday Express members, take care and remain in the pink of health till we meet again!
99 GOLF FELLOWSHIP A Final Golf Tournament at RCC in July
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My Golf Kaki