Raffles Country Club by Raffles Country Club

NEW RECIPROCAL CLUB GREENS UPDATE THE JUMPING FISH AT LAKE

July - August 2009

CONTENTS Lee Ek Tieng, Chairman Soo Kok Leng, Deputy Chairman COMMITTEES

Reciprocal Club

Captain’s Message

General Committee Kee Sue Gee, President Lek Seow Yam, Vice-President Tan Chin Huat, Captain Yap Giau Peck, Treasurer Peter Tan P K, Secretary Charles Lim A C, Member John Tan K S, Member Kay Kong Swan, Member Perry Kwek K L, Member Ven Sreenivasan, Member

Golﬁng Sub-Committee Tan Chin Huat, Captain Kay Kong Swan, Vice-Captain May Mak, Lady Captain Henry Chiam, Member Hoong Bee Lok, Member Lawrence Lee, Member Mark Higgs, Member Sng Cheng Kang, Member Tan Cheng Hai, Member

Finance Sub-Committee Yap Giau Peck, Chairman Ho Chye Hoi, Member Quek Eng Chye, Member

Audit Committee Charles Lim Aeng Cheng, Chairman Tan Hong Bak, Member Stanley Tien Lee, Member

House & Recreation Sub-Committee Lek Seow Yam, Chairman Perry Kwek Khin Lian, Vice-Chairman Henry Ho Kok Wai, Member Aurora Regacho, Member Ong Ho Kiat, Member Kelvin Tan Lip Kwang, Member

Club News

03 04 06 07 08 10 11 12

Raffles Charity Open 2009 Singapore Airlines International Cup 2009 Coming Up Aces

Food & Beverage

16 17

Golfers' Terrace Food Shanshui Palace Restaurant Promotion

Fitness

Greens on The Road to Recovery

Monthly Medals Apr & May 2009 Mercedes Trophy 2009

Getting Your Back Ready to Play

Calendar of Events

Welcome to Our New Members

Calendar of Events

Instruction

B Division Ladies Grab SLGA title

Social & Recreation

Haikou Meishi

Next Fishing Day on July 13

Playing Palm 16

Reminisces

The Jumping Fish

Handicap Sub-Committee Kay Kong Swan, Chairman May Mak, Member Mark Higgs, Member Lawrence Lee Beng Teck, Member

Corporate & Communications Sub-Committee Peter Tan P K, Chairman John Tan Kheen Seng, Co-Chairman Ven Sreenivasan, Member Edmond Ang Eng Huat, Member Kelvin Mok Siew Kit, Member Paul Nalliah Jacob, Member

Kee Sue Gee, Chairman Hoong Bee Lok, Vice-Chairman Lek Seow Yam, Member Lau See Kiat, Member Loo Boon Kang, Member Ong Thiam Huat, Member

Disciplinary Committee Lek Seow Yam, Chairman Paul Singh, Member Seng Kwang Boon, Member

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On The Cover

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE

Captain’s Message It has been a trying three months, but it’s all been worth it as I can now report our greens on both the Lake and Palm courses are on track for a full recovery. This has been achieved through a robust programme of intensive care as well as the use of micro-nutrients and plant hormones. Nonetheless, though we are close to a full recovery, members should not expect our greens to be in the condition they were at before we were hit by the double-whammy of the Nematode attack and Bermudagrass Decline. The grass on the greens, like all living things, needs to strengthen and take healthy root, before we can lower the cutting height of our mowing to increase the speed of the greens. I would like to reiterate that a lower mowing height is a major contributor to the level of stress on any grass. We thus have to do it very carefully and slowly, so that the grass doesn’t go into shock. As such, please bear with us as we gradually nurse our greens back into top condition. A golf course is shared by many golfers and at any one time there can be 80 or more golfers on the course. The level of competence of each golfer differs and as such where the ball goes will vary with each shot. What is certain is that the golf ball more often than not flies like a dangerous projectile and can cause considerable damage to whatever it strikes, be it the grass, a tree, a buggy or another golfer. The Golfing Sub-Committee thus takes a serious view on dangerous play. Do not play until the golfer or golfers in front are out of range. Players must be patient. Slow play by golfers in front is no excuse for dangerous play. When a golfer is injured by your ball, no apologies can remove the injury or damage caused. It is better to be safe than sorry. Each year our Club does its bit for charity. This year is no different, but we acknowledge that many people including members are feeling the impact of the economic downturn. In fact, charitable organisations are finding it more difficult to raise funds. This can put tremendous strain on their operations and the less privileged they help. As such, I appeal to all who are able to dig into their pockets and do their part for the less fortunate. Any form of donation be it in cash or kind would be greatly appreciated. My thanks goes to our main sponsors Asia Pacific Breweries, Singapore Pools, our Hole-In-One sponsor Daimler Chrysler, co-sponsors, donors, advertisers and all who help in one way or another to make the Raffles Charity Open such a meaningful event within our Club and beyond. We also look forward to the continued support of players, be it individual or corporate golfers, for this annual event. Your contribution will certainly make life a bit easier for the needy.

TAN CHIN HUAT Captain

Closing Date : Friday, 12 June 2009

CLUB NEWS

Singapore Airlines International Cup 2009 Golf Friendly As part of the Singapore International Racing Festival, the Singapore Airlines International Cup Golf Friendly was played at the Palm Course on May 17. On the same day, two of the region’s richest horse races, the Singapore Airlines International Cup and the KrisFlyer International Sprint were run at the Singapore Racecourse in Kranji. The winner of the Singapore Airlines International Cup, run over 2,000 metres and worth $3 million, was Gloria De Campeoa. The racehorse was ridden by Brazilian jockey Tiago Josue Pereira and trained by Pascal Bary. Meanwhile, the KrisFlyer International Sprint, run over 1,200 metres and worth $1 million, was won by Sacred Kingdom, ridden by top Australian jockey Brett Pebble and trained by ex-Hong Kong jockey Ricky Yiu. Both races were highly exciting and it must be said that the golf friendly held at Raffles Country Club was rather more sedentary. Nonetheless it created some excitement as the results were quite close. The Stableford format was used for the competition, which was divided into three divisions – Men’s A Division, Men’s B Division and Ladies Division. The winner of the Men’s A Division, for players with handicaps between 0 and 16, was Chen Liang How. Playing off a handicap of 11.3, Liang How scored 45 Stableford points, just pipping Vince Wong who garnered 44 points on a handicap of 12.5. Club President, Dr Kee Sue Gee, showed his golfing skills to finish third with 41 points off a handicap of 11. In the Men’s B Division, for players with handicaps between 16.1 and 24, the winner was Loh Kum Chuen. Playing off a handicap of 19.4, Kum Chuen finished with 46 Stableford points, two points ahead of Chua Heng Ann, who played off 20.5. In third place was Tan Chor Seng, who garnered 43 points playing off a handicap of 20.6. The Ladies’ Division, for players with handicaps between 0 and 36, was led by players whose handicaps were all in the low-20s. The winner was ChenHorng H S who scored 39 points playing off a handicap of 20.8. She finished two points clear of Linda Yeo, who was playing off a handicap of 21.7. In third place was Lau Swee Chin, who hit 33 Stableford points off a 23.3 handicap. For 10 of the leading players, there was an added bonus of being invited to the racing festival’s post-event dinner cum races at the Singapore Racecourse on May 29.

CLUB NEWS

Vince Wong

Men’s - A Division (0 to 16.0)

H’cap

Points

Winner : 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

[11.3] [12.5] [11.0] [15.9] [15.3]

45 pts 44 pts 41 pts 40 pts (ocb) 40 pts

- CHEN LIANG HOW - VINCE WONG - Dr KEE SUE GEE - WONG HI LOK - A. RAMASWAMI

Men’s - B Division (16.1 to 24.0)

H’cap

Points

Winner : 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

[19.4] [20.5] [20.6] [21.4] [16.8]

46 pts 44 pts 43 pts 42 pts 40 pts (ocb)

- LOH KUM CHUEN - CHUA HENG SENG - TAN CHOR SENG - HENRY YU H.C. - TAN CHENG HAI

Linda Yeo

Loh Kum Chuen

LadiesDivision (0 to 36.0)

H’cap

Points

Winner : 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

[20.8] [21.7] [23.3] [21.1] [20.6]

39 pts 37 pts 33 pts 32 pts (ocb) 32 pts

- CHEN HORNG H.S. - LINDA YEO - LAU SWEE CHIN - KO SEOK HA - PHYLLIS TAN P.C.

CLUB NEWS

Coming Up Aces

Peter Lim

Lake Course Hole 16 9th April 2009

James Law

Lake Course Hole 14 12th May 2009

Sharon Leong

Lake Course Hole 2 16th May 2009

Vincent Cho

PalmCourse Hole 17 20th May 2009

Sam Peck

Lake Course Hole 14 9th June 2009

There were slim pickings in reported holes-in-one by our members in the April to June period with only five such achievements. That makes many of us golfers who have not hit holes-in-one before feel a bit better and underlines the fact that hitting a hole-in-one is never easy. Indeed, a hole-in-one is like the holy grail for many golfers who have yet to hit one. So, we have to laud the achievements of members Peter Lim Chong Kiat, James Law Kok Heng, Sharon Leong Yoke Ping, Vincent Cho Kim Seng and Sam Peck San Hai. Peter hit his hole-in-one on Hole 16 of the Lake Course on April 4, recording the only ace for the month of April in Raffles Country Club. He was magnanimous in his reaction to his achievement. He said: “It was a great feeling, but what was equally great was when club members sportingly came forward to congratulate me and joined in the celebration of my achievement.” The true spirit of golf shone through in the celebration of Peter’s ace, which is always good to see. More than a month later, on May 12, James hit his ace at Hole 14 of the Lake Course. He didn’t offer any comments to the newsletter but we would guess that he would have experienced the elation and excitement of hitting an ace. Just a few days later, on May 16, Sharon made her hole-in-one on Hole 2 of the Lake Course. Like Peter, she was happy that she could share her joy with others. She said: “After more than 15 years of playing golf, I finally made my first hole-in-one! It felt wonderful and very fulfilling indeed. What made it more memorable was being with my husband and my good friends, who witnessed the feat. Here’s to many more to come!” In the meantime, Vincent was the only golfer to hit a hole-in-one on the Palm Course during the April to June period. He hit his ace on Hole 17 of the Palm Course on May 20. He hoped that he would get more holes-in-one in the years to come, sharing Sharon’s sentiment. “After more than a decade of golfing, I finally achieved my dream of a hole-in-one. I’m looking forward for more,” he said. Finally on June 9, Sam hit his hole-in-one at Hole 14 of the Lake Course. He was over the moon. “I hit an almost perfect draw towards the flag and to my delight, the ball bounced twice and went into the hole. I shouted for joy!” Sam exclaimed.

CLUB NEWS

Greens on The Road to Recovery $)7(5

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Lake Course Green 5

Course Superintendent Derek Wee is optimistic that the problems on our greens are turning around. If you recall in our last newsletter, we explained how our greens had been affected by a fungus that caused Bermudagrass Decline, which was exacerbated by the ongoing nematode problem on the greens. Both pathogens weakened the roots of the grass on the greens, causing brown patches that expanded. Leading plant pathologist Dr Colin Fleming, who was in Singapore, offered some recommendations including coring, spiking, aerating and light topdressing the greens. All these have helped reduce the fungus that causes Bermudagrass Decline. Importantly, Dr Fleming recommended that we raise the cutting height of the grass on the greens. This is not a popular option with golfers because it slows the greens down. But Dr Fleming’s recommendations all seem to be working at this stage and the good news is that the cutting height has already been reduced. As Derek explained: “We initially raised the cutting height to 7 millimetres but now we have it down to 6 millimetres. We hope to reduce it further depending on the health of the grass, as our normal cutting height is between 3.5 and 4 millimetres.”

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Lake Course Green 13

Derek, who has been with the Club for 12 years, said that the brown patches on the greens are definitely narrowing and the greens on the Lake Course appear to be healing faster. “Perhaps because they are newer,” he noted. Derek also said that Holes 3, 9 and 13 on the Palm Course are lagging the recovery of other greens at the moment and returfing has been carried out on some of the stubborn areas. He added that there has also been more top-dressing on all the greens and the turf is starting to grow through the sand. Meanwhile, the lack of rain in recent weeks has also aided in the recovery of the greens. Derek has been regularly sending updated pictures of the greens as well as soil samples for nematode checks to Dr Fleming in Northern Ireland. And the signs are encouraging. At this rate, the greens should be in good shape in time for the Raffles Charity Open on the July 4-5 weekend. “I’m optimistic. We have the right programme and the recovery has been very encouraging. We don’t want to force the recovery but we should be ready for the Charity Open,” Derek noted.

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Palm Course Green 13

CLUB NEWS

2009 April Monthly Medals Men’s and Ladies Divisions The April Monthly medals for the Men’s A Division and B Division were held on the Palm Course on April 18, under the Stableford format. The Men’s A Division competition was a close fight with Pak Hong Kong edging out Leong Kong Yon by 42 points to 41 points. In third place on countback was Teo Keow Seng, who hit 40 points. The Men’s B Division competition was won by Ng Kok Sen who garnered 40 Stableford points. He led by 3 points from runner-up Frankie Tan Teck Poon. Tan Song Mong was third on countback with 36 points.

Ng Kok Sen

Pak Hong Kong

The Men’s C Division and Ladies’ A and B Division competitions were held in the Lake Course on April 11, also played under the Stableford format. The Men’s C Division competition was as close at it gets with winner Jacky Tan Chong Ing winning on countback against Loh Kum Chuen. Both of them finished on 41 Stableford points. Stableford, Palm Course - 18th April 2009 (A Division) Winner Pak Hong Kong (10.1) 42 pts

1st Runner-Up Leong Kong Yon (9.9) 41 pts

2nd Runner-Up Teo Keow Seng (8.4) 40 pts (ocb)

Stableford, Palm Course - 18th April 2009 (B Division) Winner Ng Kok Sen (12.8) 40 pts

1st Runner-Up Frankie Tan Teck Poon (18.2) 37 pts

2nd Runner-Up Tan Song Mong (15.8) 36 pts (ocb)

Jacky Tan

Stableford, Palm Course - 11th April 2009 (B Division) Winner Jacky Tan Chong Ing (21.9) 41 pts (ocb)

1st Runner-Up Loh Kum Chuen (20.1) 41 pts

Chen Liang Yi

The Ladies’ A Division competition was won by Chen Liang Yi who garnered 47 points. She was a massive 10 points ahead of Norlia Embong, who finished in second position on countback. The Ladies’ B Division competition was won by Linda Yeo with 41 points. She pipped Ang Geok Hong, who finished with 40 points. Stableford, Lake Course - 11th April 2009 (A Division) Winner Chen Liang Yi (18.5) 47 pts

1st Runner-Up Norlia Embong (09.5) 37 pts (ocb)

Linda Yeo

Stableford, Lake Course - 11th April 2009 (B Division)

Winner Linda Yeo (23.7) 41 pts

1st Runner-Up Ang Geok Hong (32.3) 40 pts

CLUB NEWS

2009 May Monthly Medals Men’s and Ladies Divisons The May Monthly medals for the Men’s A Division and B Division were held on the Lake Course on May 2, under the Strokeplay format. The Men’s A Division competition was won by Yeap Chee Leong, who hit a Nett score of 62. Edmund Chang was runners-up with a Nett score of 66. David Soh hit the best Gross score on the day, finishing with 73. The Men’s B Division competition was won by Tan Choon Seng who hit a Nett score of 67, two strokes clear of James Tan K H who hit a Nett score of 69. The best Gross score of the day came from Henry Chiam on countback. He hit a Gross score of 88.

Yeap Chee Leong

Strokeplay, Lake Course - 2nd May 2009 (B Division)

Heng Jee Yong

Strokeplay, Lake Course - 2nd May 2009 (A Division)

Tan Choon Seng

The Men’s C Division and Ladies A and B Division competitions were held in the Lake Course a week later on May 9, also under the Strokeplay format. In the Men’s C Division, Heng Jee Yong hit the best Nett score of the day with a 69. The best Gross score of the day came from Mak Kwok Thong, who hit 93.

Best Nett Yeap Chee Leong (8.2) 62 nett

Best Nett Tan Choon Seng (17.5) 67 nett

Best Gross David Soh (7.3) 73 gross

Best Gross Henry Chiam (13.6) 88 gross (ocb)

Runner-Up Nett Edmund Chang (11.4) 66 nett

Runner-Up Nett James Tan K. H. (15.9) 69 nett

Strokeplay, Lake Course - 9th May 2009 (B Division) Best Nett Heng Jee Yong (25.3) 69 nett

Best Gross Mak Kwok Thong (19.6) 93 gross

Doreen Chua

The Ladies A Division competition was won on countback by Doreen Chua who hit a Nett score of 69. Jessie Oh hit the best Gross score of 80, but couldn’t make any inroads on a Nett basis as she was playing of an impressive handicap of 2.9. The Ladies B Division competition was won by Linda Yeo, who also won the Ladies B Division title in the April Monthly Medals, showing her versatility in both the Stableford and Strokeplay formats. Linda hit a Nett score of 67. The best Gross score of the day was carded by Ruth Wee Gek Lin, who shot 96. Strokeplay, Plam Course - 9th May 2009 (A Division) Best Nett Doreen Chua (10.7) 69 nett (ocb)

Best Gross Jessie Oh (2.9) 80 gross

Linda Yeo

Strokeplay, Plam Course - 9th May 2009 (B Division) Best Nett Linda Yeo (21.7) 67 nett

Best Gross Ruth Wee Gek Lin (16.5) 96 gross

CLUB NEWS

Mercedes Trophy 2009 The Mercedes Trophy is a renowned international golf tournament usually arranged for Mercedes-Benz owners. In the Asian region, it is played in three main stages – national final, Asian final and the World Final. The international character of the Mercedes Trophy can be seen in its wide range of participants as, every year, finalists from 30 different nations travel to Stuttgart for the World Final. By the company’s estimates, more than 50,000 players from over 50 countries participate at some stage of the Mercedes Trophy each year. On April 11 and April 18, Raffles Country Club held one of the qualifying rounds for the Singapore final of the Mercedes Trophy 2009. The competition was divided into four divisions – Men’s A Division, Men’s B Division, Men’s C Division and Ladies’ D Division – and played under the Stableford format. The Men’s competitions were all held on the Palm Course, while the Ladies’ competition was held on the Lake Course. Many familiar faces from the Club ended in the leading positions, their skills no doubt honed in by the numerous Monthly Medals that the Club holds under the Stableford format. The winner of the Men’s A Division, for players with handicaps between 0.0 and 9.4, was Teo Keow Seng. He finished with 40 points, one point ahead of David Soh. The Men’s B Division, for players with handicaps between 9.5 and 13.4, was won by Pak Hong Kong, who scored 42 Stableford points. Hong Kong pipped Leong Kong Yon who scored 41 points. In the Men’s C Division, for players with handicaps between 13.5 and 18.0, the winner was Tan Song Mong, who hit 36 Stableford points. He was two points clear of the runners-up Edmond Ang. The winner of the Ladies competition, for players with handicaps between 0.0 and 29.9 was Chen Liang Yi who garnered 47 points. The Singapore Country Final of the Mercedes Trophy was held at the Tanjong Course of the Sentosa Golf Club on June 5. Two RCC members, Chen Liang Yi and Teo Keow Seng won a trip to the Asian Finals of the Trophy to be held in Australia in August. Their performance also helped Raffles Country Club to win the team title. Liang Yi won her competition, beating 12 other golfers. Playing off a handicap of 18.5, she amassed 42 Stableford points.

Men’s - A Division Men vi on H Handicap nd app - 0.0 .0 to t 9. 9.4 (Pal (Palm m Co Course urse S SSS 73.0) W er Winner : TEO TE KEOW KE W SE SENG G Runner-Up ner: DAVID D ID SOH S H

H’ CAP P (8 (8.4) H’ CAP P (6.8) ((6.8

40 pts 39 3 pts Teo Keow Seng

Men’s M n’s - B Division io Han Handicap p - 9.5 too 113.4 (Pa (Palm Cour Course SSS S 773.0) 0) Winner ner : PAK K HONG H NG KONG G Runner-Up : LEONG EON KONG KO YON ON

H’ H CAP AP (10.1) ( H H’ CAP AP (0 (09.9)

42 pts 41 pts ts

Pak Hong Kong

Men’s - C Division Me sio Handicap d - 13.5 to 18.0 (P (Palm C Course ur SS SSS 73.0) Win er Winner : TAN SONG MONG O Runner-Up Run ner: EDMOND ANG NG

H’ CAP P (15.8) (1 H’ CAP (17.0) (17

36 pts 344 pts Tan Song Mong

LADIES - D Division vis Handicap - 0.00 to 29.9 (Lake Course SSS 72.0) Winner Chen Liang Yi

: CHEN LIANG YI

H’ H CAP (18.5)

47 pts

CLUB NEWS

Welcome to Our New Members We held our traditional quarterly introduction session for new members on May 15. There was a fantastic spread of snacks and drinks as new members mingled with members of our General Committee and watched our introductory video. We appreciate when our members take the time out from their busy schedules to attend this event. It gives us a chance to meet them and for everyone to make new friends. Our next introduction session for new members will be held on 21 August 2009.

CLUB NEWS

B Division Ladies Grab SLGA title The 6th and final leg of the SLGA Inter-Club League 2009 was held at Laguna National on May 20 and there was good news for Raffles Country Club in the B Division. Denise Seow and Jennifer Teo rose to the occasion, posting their best-ever Gross scores of 85 and 89 respectively and clinching the overall title for their division. Theresa Ng and Judy Quek did well too, their roles over the season crucial in pushing the B Division girls towards the title. The format for the B Division competition was to take the best two gross scores per team in each leg and accumulate these scores over 6 legs. In the final leg of the B Division competition, for players with handicaps between 12.5 and 16.4, Denise and Jennifer’s scores added to 174 strokes. It was enough to put them in second place behind the Sembawang Country Club team which hit a combined score of 167. But the consistency of Raffles Country Club’s B Division team over the course of the tournament saw them top the league. The B Division team accumulated a total of 1082 strokes, three ahead of runners-up Jurong Country Club. It was a much tougher fight for Raffles Country Club’s two representatives in the Premier Division, Jessie Oh and Nonita Chand. For players with handicaps between 0.0 and 7.4, only five clubs, including Raffles Country Club, fielded competitors in all the legs. Nonita and Jessie hit 80 and 86 respectively in the final leg at Laguna which put them in 5th position on the day. In what was a very competitive series, in which only the best score from each team was accumulated over six legs, there were only 15 strokes separating Raffles Country Club, which finished in 5th place overall, with the eventual overall winner Warren Golf & Country Club. The A Division league was also highly competitive and it followed a similar format to the B Division competition. For players with handicaps between 7.5 and 12.4, Raffles Country Club finished 9th, propping up the league. Still, it was a good effort all around and the Club extends its appreciation to Wendy Soh, Jennifer Tan, Agnes Tay, Elvina Wong, Aurora Regacho, Mary V Reagan and Gennie Lee Trimigliozzi for representing us this year. We hope you take time out to compete again next year. The tables show how Raffles Country Club’s teams did in each of the six legs: RCC’s SLGA Inter-Club League Scores (all Gross scores) Premier Division Venue

Seletar

Changi

JCC

Warren

SICC

Laguna

Best Score

Ranking

Theresa Ng

Judy Quek

Wendy Soh

Elvina Wong

Total Strokes: 495 Final position: 5th

* Seletar Country Club dropped out of the competition after the first 3 legs

A Division Venue

Jessie Oh

Nonita Chand

B Division Seletar

Changi

JCC

Warren

SICC

Laguna

Seletar

Changi

JCC

Warren

SICC

Best Score

2nd Best

105

101

2nd Best

Aggregate

188

198

170

199

188

180

Aggregate

182

184

176

177

189

174

Ranking

Total Strokes: 1123 Final position: 9th

Michelle Seow

Gan Shou Ying

Venue

Total Strokes: 1082 Final position: 1st

Teo Chai Ching

Laguna

SOCIAL & RECREATION

Next Fishing Day on July 13 Our popular Fishing Day will be back on July 13. This time, anglers can try their luck at Holes 2 and 11 of the Palm Course. You can either walk or use a buggy to get to these fishing locations. It is a rare opportunity to savour the lush, serene surroundings of our golf course without thinking of how to play your next shot or cursing a bad shot that lands in the water. Fishing is open to RCC members only. You must bring your own equipment including rods and bait, as these won’t be provided by the Club. Bait used must only be those for Tilapia, Aruan and Toman. Please don’t fish for Grass Carp as you will incur a fine of $50 if you do so. Once this breed of carp is caught and handled by human hands, it is likely that they won’t survive. With that in mind, we hope you enjoy your day out.

Important fishing information Date Time Venue Charges

: 13 July 2009 : 2.00pm to 6.00pm : Palm Course, Hole 2 & 11 : $10.70 per buggy (inclusive of GST)

For enquiries or registration, please call Recreation Reception at 68617649 for Maria or Lilian.

Notice Classified Ads for September/October Newsletter We are running a Classifieds advertisement section to help members and their friends sell second-hand items, preferably golf related. While we hope to open this service to non-members of the Club, only members can submit advertisements. What we need from you to run a classified advertisement: • The item you want sell • How old it is • Brief description of the item • Selling price • Your contact number Each classified advertisement must be 50 words or less. There will be no charge for this service. The deadline for submissions for the September/October Issue is August 4, 2009. Please submit ads to the following email address: classified@rcc.org.sg

RECIPROCAL CLUB

Haikou Meishi The Meishi Mayflower International Golf Club in Haikou, China is the latest club with which Raffles Country Club has entered a reciprocal arrangement. It is located on Hainan Island, off the south coast of China, and is 10 minutes west of Haikou City. Haikou Meishi is an 18-hole golf course which is a Par 72 and measures 7,252 yards in length. It was designed by Scottish golfing great, Colin Montgomery, who’s slated to be the next Ryder Cup captain. Growing up playing golf at the classic Royal Troon links course in Scotland, Montgomery’s golf design philosophy is simple. “Golf should always be a challenge, and a golfer, whether amateur or professional, must be made to achieve every round played. Nevertheless, above all else, golf should be enjoyable, and, whether in someone’s leisure time or business time, they should leave the course challenged, but satisfied - a total experience,” he says on his golf design website. He has brought that philosophy to Haikou Meishi. The site of the golf course is perched some 15 to 25 metres above the sea along the coast, offering views of the Hainan Strait and the city. For this reason, it is described as “a course between Seaside and City”. With its abundance of Casuarina trees and sandy soil, the golf course has the feel of famous sandbelt courses in the U.S., such as Pine Valley and Pinehurst. Montgomery has strategically routed the golf course, using both the natural terrain and vegetation, to let the land dictate where the golf holes should be located. The course contains a good mixture of long and short holes, and also has five sets of tees on each hole. The 13th and 16th holes are the signature holes of the golf course. The 13th hole combines natural landform swales, local trees and soil with unique bunkers and water hazards. The 16th hole draws out the golfer’s understanding of strategy. From the tee, golfers must decide whether to play safe to the left or go for it with a driver over water.

Important Club Information Meishi Mayflower International Golf Resort 88 West Binhai Road, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China Tel: 086 0898 6870282 Website: www.meishigolf.com (in Chinese only) How to get there once you are in Haikou: The club is located along the west coast of Haikou City about 10 km away from downtown and 35 minutes from the Meilan International Airport. From July 1 to September 30, Tiger Airways has three flights weekly to Haikou from Singapore, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For flight details, check Tiger Airways’ website at www.tigerairways.com Green Fees Raffles Country Club Members can play at Haikou Meishi at just a cost of a buggy (RMB200 for 18 holes). For your guests who are not members of Raffles Country Club, the cost for an 18-hole game during the non-peak period (April to September) is RMB310 while the cost for an 18-hole game during the peak period (October to March) is RMB350 (both not including buggy fees). The caddy charge for 18-hole for the non-peak period is RMB160, and RMB180 for the peak period. There is no distinction for charges between weekdays and weekends at Haikou Meishi.

RECIPROCAL CLUB

More about Haikou Haikou perches neatly at the top of Hainan island, facing Guangdong province across the Qiongzhou channel and at the mouth of the Nandu River. This is the political, commercial and transportation center of the province and serves as a convenient stopping point enroute to the beaches in the south of the island. Despite the local government’s attempts to market the place as a hot Chinese tourist destination, which has led to modernisation and renovation, Haikou still has a few interesting sights and some charming old streets and alleys to explore. Most of all however, this is a good place to get accustomed to Hainan island and the laidback feel about the place. Palm trees line the boulevards, and some well preserved colonial architecture adds to the feeling that this is a city with a distinct and unique way of life, struggling to come to terms with its new role as a tourist destination and as the capital of one of China’s newest Special Economic Zones and the nation’s newest province. Source: Ctrip.com

Damai Golf & Country Club We would like to advise members that the Club no longer has a reciprocal arrangement with Damai Golf & Country Club in Sarawak with immediate effect. However, members visiting Sarawak need not worry as we have a similar arrangement with Kelab Golf Sarawak, another golf club in Sarawak. The Golf Club Kennedy Bay As The Golf Club Kennedy Bay is reviewing our affiliation arrangement, the Club will not be issuing the introductory card at the moment. Members will be kept updated when the outcome of the review is known. For members’ information, our other affiliated club in Western Australia is Araluen Country Club. Quan Zhou Golf & Country Club We would like to advise members that the Club no longer has an affiliation arrangement with Quan Zhou Golf & Country Club in Fujian Province, China with immediate effect.

Table Of Reciprocal

& Affiliated Clubs

RECIPROCAL CLUBS

AFFILIATED CLUBS

AUSTRALIA

ROBERT TRENT JONES II CLUB JAPAN

The Lakes Golf Club PO Box 545 Mascot, NSW, 2020 Australia Tel: +612 9669 1311 Fax: +612 9669 6206

CHINA

Sanctuary Lakes Club Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Victoria Australia 3030 Tel: + 613 9395 2888

Mission Hills Golf Club Mission Hills Road Guanlan Town 518110 Shenzhen, China Tel: +86 755 802 0888 Fax: +86 755 802 4868

The Vines Golf and Country Club Verdelho Drive, The Vines, WA, Australia Tel: 618 9297 3000

MACAU

BRUNEI Pantai Mentiri Golf Club Km 15-1/2, Jalan Kota Batu Peti Surat 1646 Bandar Seri Begawan BS8073 Negara Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 02 791021, 792014 Fax: +673 02 790773 INDONESIA

Macau Golf & Country Club 1918 Estrada de Hac Sa llha de Coloane, Macau Tel: +853 871188 Fax: +853 870011 INDONESIA

Finna Golf & Country Club Jalan Raya Barsari Prigen, Pandaan 67157 Indonesia Tel: +62 343 632 153/4/5 Fax: +62 343 632 156

Rancamaya Golf & Country Club Jl. Rancamaya Utama, Ciawi Bogor 16720, Indonesia Tel: +62 0251 242 282 Fax: +62 0251 242 283

VIETNAM

AUSTRALIA

Long Thanh Golf Club National Highway 51 Tan Mai Hamlet Phuoc Tan Village Dong Nai Province, Vietnam Tel: +84 61 512510 / 512511

Araluen Country Club Country Club Avenue Roleystone 6111 Westem Australia Tel: +61 08 9397 9000 Fax: +61 8 9397 9001

Chi Linh Star Golf & Counrty Club Sao Do Chi Linh Hai Duong, Vietnam Tel: +84 320 585617 Fax: +84 320 585618 MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club No. 10 Jln 1/70D Off Jln Bukit Kiara 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +02 03 253 1111 Fax: +02 03 253 3393 Meru Valley Golf & Country Club Jalan Bukit Meru 30020 Ipoh Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia Tel: +02 05 529 3303 Fax: +02 05 529 3387 Kelab Golf Sarawak Petra Jaya 93050 Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: +082 440966 Fax: +082 441733

BRUNEI The Empire Hotel & Country Club Jerudong BG3122 Negara Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 241 8888 Fax: +673 241 8999 THAILAND Blue Canyon Country Club 165 Moo 1, Thepkasattri Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand Tel: +66 076 328 088 Fax: +66 076 328 068

CHINA Meishi Mayflower International Golf Resort 88 West Binhai Road, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China Tel: 086 0898 6870282

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Specials At Golfers’ Terrace Laksa

$4.20

Braised Pork with Potato served with rice

$6.50 Hainanese Pork Chop served with rice

$6.50

Nasi Lemak (Weekend Breakfast)

$3.50 16

During the July and August period, members and guests can whet their appetites on some hearty traditional favourites at the Golfers’ Terrace. One of these dishes is Braised Pork with Potato. It comprises fatty pork and potatoes swimming in a delicious braised sauce. The fatty pork is marinated with dark soy, light soy, hoi sin sauce, oyster sauce, star aniseed and garlic. Priced at $6.50, it is served with rice. Another traditional favourite is the Hainanese Pork Chop. As comfort food, this dish has few peers. It comprises evenly sliced pieces of deep-fried pork chop in a tomato-based sauce, accompanied by peas and carrots. Served with rice and soup, the pork chop is crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. The dish is priced at $6.50. Every Singaporean foodie has his or her favourite Laksa shop and perhaps the Golfers’ Terrace will now be one of those places as well. The special during this period is curry laksa - thick rice vermicelli or bee hoon served with a rich, coconut gravy, tofu puffs, bean sprouts, prawns, eggs and slices of fish cake. The traditional garnishing of coriander completes the dish, together with a spoonful of sambal chilli paste on the side. This perennial favourite is priced at a reasonable $4.20 at the Golfers’ Terrace. Last but not least, the final special during the July and August period is Nasi Lemak, only available at weekends for breakfast. This dish needs no introduction as it can be found in all corners of Singapore. The Golfers’ Terrace version comprises rice steamed in coconut cream, and served with dried anchovies (ikan bilis), nuts, a slice of an omelet, cucumber slices and sambal, which usually signs off the dish with a flourish. Also, instead of the common addition of a fried chicken wing, the chefs have been creative and added prawns. At $3.50, the dish is the perfect fuel to top up on before you go out for your golf game.

FITNESS

Getting your back ready to play How many times have we chuckled at comic strips or scenes where an amateur golfer swings too hard and ends up injuring his back? In reality, such injuries are no laughing matter and it’s not something that plagues only older golfers. Both amateurs and professionals are equally at risk of injuring their back while attempting a swing and once injured, it might be weeks before you’re able to venture onto the greens again. • Take Precautions Prevention is key in dealing with back problems. Your back muscles are constantly under stress, especially when you swing, so it’s important that you learn the proper method of swinging to minimise the risk of injuries. • Strengthen Your Back At the same time, doing simple exercises like crunches, leg lifts and lifting light weights can help strengthen your back while ensuring your calcium intake is sufficient can go a long way in keeping your bones strong. • Pressure Relief For those who are already suffering from back pains, it is advisable to lie on the floor with your legs propped or knees bent. This takes pressure off your back. For added relief, heating pads can further relax your muscles. • Exercise To Heal A series of stretching exercises and low impact aerobics like swimming, cycling and walking can also stimulate healing in bad backs. • Massage and Soothe Out of the many pain relief methods, our favourite has got to be massages. No back pains? Get one anyway! It’s one way to pamper your body after a hard day on the greens! Back problems are not something to be taken lightly. If in doubt, always consult a doctor before you attempt anything that might strain your back or when the pain persists for more than a few days after injury. Source: SLGA website

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar Of Events - July 2009 MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

RCO 2009 Practice Round for Ladies’ Division - Palm

RCO 2009 Practice Round for Men’s Division - Palm

RCC Dance Night

Raffles Charity Open 2009 – Corporate Div & Ladies’ Div - Lake & Palm (Am/Pm)

Raffles Charity Open 2009 – Corporate, Men’s Open & B Div Lake & Palm (Am/Pm)

Jackpot Bonus Nite Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

Men’s C & Ladies’ Medals Ji Yang Annual Golf 100 pax, Palm (Pm)

1st Round for Ladies’ Intermediate & Club C’ship

RCC Dance Night Qualifying Round for Men’s Aruan Cup – Lake (Pm) Jackpot Fortnightly Draw Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

RCC Dance Night

Men’s A & B Medals 1st Round for Men’s Club & Intermediate C’ships – Lake (Pm)

2nd Round for RCC Club C’ship – Lake (Pm)

SGA /MGA Annual Match - Palm (Pm)

SGA /MGA Annual Match - Palm (Am)

SGA /MGA Annual Match - Lake (Am)

Jackpot Bonus Nite Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

Hwa Chong Golf Comp – 60 pax, Lake (Pm)

2nd Round for Ladies’ Club & Intermediate C’ship, Men’s Intermediate & Aruan Cup

Final Round for Ladies’ Intermediate & Club C’ship, Men’s Club & Intermediate/ C’ships & Aruan Cup – Lake (Pm)

WTO Charity Golf Experience - 144 pax, Palm (Pm)

The 10th Hui Ann Assn Golf – 144 pax, Lake (Pm)

RCC Dance Night 3rd Round for Men’s Club C’ship – Lake (Pm) Jackpot Fortnightly Draw Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

S’pore Red Cross Charity Golf – 144 pax, Lake (Pm)

Alpha Golf Day – 144 pax, Lake (Pm) RCC Dance Night

Golfing

Social & Recreation

Events are current at time of publication

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar Of Events - August 2009 MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

Lake Closed Whole only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

Men’s A & B Medals – Palm (Pm) Men’s C & Ladies’ Medals – Lake (Pm) Jackpot Bonus Nite Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Lake Closed Whole only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

Public Holiday National Day

RCC Dance Night

Jackpot Fortnightly Draw

Timesheet Am/Pm

Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

National Day Competition – Lake (Pm)

Public Holiday

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

Jackpot Bonus Nite RCC Dance Night Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Lake Closed Whole only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

NTU President’s Golf Challenge - 144 pax, Palm (Pm)

WSS Golf Friendly 2009 - 80 pax, Palm (Pm)

Jackpot Fortnightly Draw Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

RCC Dance Night

Palm Closed Whole only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

RCC Dance Night

Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Golfing

Social & Recreation

Events are current at time of publication

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar Of Events - September 2009 MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

RCC Dance Night

Men’s A & B Medals – Lake (Pm) Jackpot Bonus Nite Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Palm Closed Whole only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

YCH Golf Classic 2009 - 80 pax, Lake (Pm)

NUSS Mthly Medals 100 pax, Palm (Pm) RCC Dance Night

Men’s C & Ladies’ Medals - Palm (Pm) Jackpot Fortnightly Draw Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Lake Closed Whole only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

Public Holiday Hari Raya Puasa

Annual General Meeting

Men’s Senior & Ladies’ Evergreen Medals – Palm (Pm)

Timesheet Am/Pm

RCC Dance Night

Jackpot Bonus Nite

Ladies’ Rosebowl Competition – Palm (Pm)

Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Public Holiday

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Timesheet Am/Pm

RCC Dance Night

Jackpot Fortnightly Draw

Timesheet Am/Pm

Karaoke/Social Dancing Night

Lake Closed Whole only for maintenance

Lake Closed Am only for maintenance

Palm Closed Am only for maintenance

Golfing

Social & Recreation

Events are current at time of publication

INSTRUCTION

Playing Palm 16 In our two previous newsletters, we highlighted the two statistically hardest holes on the Palm Course, Holes 18 and 2. Another rather tricky hole on the Palm Course is Hole 16. It is a relatively short Par 5, only 479 metres from the blue tee, but it is arguably the most challenging and interesting Par 5 on the Palm Course. It is a hole that can make or break your game. As you stand on the teebox, your eyes wander to the trees on the left and water hazard further up to the right. You need to play an accurate drive off the tee to a reasonably wide fairway of about 30 metres wide. As mentioned, the fairway is guarded by a thick line of trees on the left and a pond on the right. This pond has eaten up countless balls over many years because even the slightest of sliced shots that catch the fairway just next to the buggy track that runs along the right, slopes towards the pond. Invariably, golfers will be lurking around that pond hoping the rough to the right of the buggy track and before the pond caught their ball. More often than not, players will have to take a drop at this water hazard because their ball is nowhere to be seen. A good drive of about 200 metres puts you about 50 metres away from the first stream that breaks the fairway into two parts. From, there you could take a long iron or fairway wood and aim for a spot on the fairway on the other side of the stream within 100 metres of the hole. You should pick a comfortable distance from the green to land your ball. If you are best pitching from 80 metres then choose the club that allows you to get to that distance from the green. Preferably you should target a flat area on the fairway which is undulating and can give you troublesome lies on your third shot if you are not careful. Your approach shot has to go across another stream to a green that is quite narrow. For the gung-ho long-hitters, an accurate 250-metre drive is needed from the tee-box to reach a landing area before the stream on the first part of the fairway. From here, a bold 230-metre 3-wood shot is likely needed to put the ball on the green in two. Anything other than a perfect shot could find your ball in one of the two water hazards that lie in front of you as well as a lateral water hazard that runs along the left side of the second fairway. Hole 16 is certainly a challenging hole which gives you a lot of options and plenty to think about. If you can play straight and with good distance, it is not such a foreboding hole. But how many of us can consistently play straight and with good distance? A birdie on this hole is usually regarded as a bonus because many a good player has shot triple bogeys or more on this hole.

Tell us how you play Palm 16. Email us at feedback@rcc.org.sg with your advice, and we will highlight your thoughts in our next newsletter.

REMINISCES

The Jumping Fish Raffles Country Club member Goy Soong Ngee tells an amazing story of a fish that jumped out the water near the Par 3 Hole 16 on the Lake Course. Here’s his story: This is a true story, an amazing one, though some might find it hard to believe. The incident happened about 2 years ago at the Lake Course, Par 3 Hole 16. On teeing off, my ball landed on the green, rolled towards the back of it and dropped into the water. While I was trying to retrieve the ball near the embankment with my ball retriever, a big snakehead fish (aruan) swam towards the ball retriever. It quickly swam away but suddenly reappeared swimming very quickly and then jumped out of the water towards my direction with its big mouth wide open. The fish landed back into the water with a big splash and was out of sight. This was an amazing sight to behold! However, within seconds, it reappeared and headed straight towards my direction and did another jump out of the water, again with its mouth wide open. Again, the fish created a big splash when it fell back into the water. After that, all was quiet and I guess the fish swam away into the deeper end of the water. I was amazed. I guess the fish was trying to show its anger as I believe I had disturbed and threatened its territory with the ball picker. It must have had some baby fishes in the vicinity. Tell us your RCC stories Do you want to share your reminiscences of your times at RCC? Email us at feedback@rcc.org.sg with your thoughts or ideas for our Reminisces column, leaving your name, membership number and contact number. We will contact you to flesh out a story if needed. Who knows, you may see your story in the next RCC newsletter!

Members' Parking Beyond Club Operating Hours Members who wish to park their vehicles in the Club’s premises beyond our operating hours have to complete a form which can be obtained from Golf Reception (from 7.00am to 6.30pm) or Recreation Reception (8.00am to 9.00pm). Please submit your completed form to either Reception desk. Retain the information slip at the bottom of the form. It contains contact details of our security personnel whom you can call when you return to the Club to collect your vehicle. Don't Forget Your Complimentary 18-Hole Game Have you used your complimentary game where you can sign in a guest for just the buggy cost? Each member is entitled to one (1) complimentary green fee (18 holes) on weekdays per calendar quarter in the year 2009, except public holidays. This entitlement is non-transferable and non-cumulative. It must be used within the qualifying quarter and cannot be carried forward to subsequent quarters. The final two qualifying calendar quarters for 2009 are July to September 2009 and October to December 2009. To enjoy this privilege, the member must accompany the guest he introduces and the green fee incurred must be charged to the member’s account. No voucher will be issued. At the end of each qualifying quarter, the Club will credit the member s account with the highest weekday green fee incurred during that quarter. This credit will be reflected in the statement of accounts for the last month of the qualifying quarter - eg. for the quarter from July to September 2009, it will be reflected in your statement of accounts for September 2009, which members will receive in the second week of October 2009. So, hurry and make your booking before it s too late! As such bookings become very popular over the last two weeks of each calendar quarter, do book early to avoid disappointment.

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