Laguna Lifestyle Jan - Mar 2013 by Laguna National

COURSE PREPARATION FOR CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITIONS The season ending tour championship ADT Caps Championship 2012 was successfully staged last November on our Masters Course. It was one of the most widely watched golf events of the year, as the event represented a firstever KLPGA-sanctioned tournament staged at a destination outside Korea. Let us take you on a tour behind the scenes on how we prepare our tees, fairways, rough, bunkers and greens through cup-cutting, pest management and fertilization for that all-important tournament preparation. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by T. Puvanaendran, Golf Course Superintendent There are a number of practices a golf course superintendent can use to prepare the golf course in anticipation of that important tournament and to maintain the course during the event.

Roughs Six weeks in advance of the tournament, the mowing of the roughs were ceased temporarily, so as to cultivate the growth of grass for cutting later to an ideal height of two inches. This would ensure the integrity of par, whilst maintaining the difficulty of the course. Bunkers Bunkers were topped up with sand four weeks before the tournament and edged during the last week of preparation. This allowed time for the sand to settle to an even depth and ensured that the golfers experienced predictable and standard conditions.

Tees As the championship yardage from the tees was decided in advance, these areas were preserved untouched for play for two months. For the tournament, the KLPGA had requested to use 14 Blue Tee Box positions, 2 White Tee Box positions and 2 Red Tee Box positions. Fairways It took us ten weeks to prepare the fairways. Granular and foliar fertilizers, alongside Primo Maxx, a proven safe growth regulator, were distributed throughout the weeks, right up to the day of tournament. During the tournament week, only foliar micro-nutrients were used with fairways mowed daily. 6

Greens 4 Weeks Before The Tournament The greens were double groomed to an argyle pattern to remove as much thatch as possible, whilst improving the green speed. After dusting the greens with sand, granular

Tournament Week Monday

Masters Course is closed for final preparation. Greens are double mowed, followed by rolling of greens with hand held roller and Tru Turf Smooth Roller.

Tuesday

Greens continued to be double mowed and rolled. A layer of silica is sprayed onto the greens to enhance the playing surface.

Wednesday

Practice round begins. Greens are double mowed and rolled in the morning. In the afternoon, greens are rolled again and sprayed with fungicide to prevent any turf diseases. Fairway and rough divot repairs were carried out.

Thursday

Commencement of Round One. Greens are double mowed and rolled. Cutting of holes and painting of white paint are carried out as tournament official marked pin positions. During the tournament, all directions on the Masters Course had to be changed - first nine became second nine, whilst second nine became first nine. Upon the conclusion of Day One, greens are watered manually, rolled again and enhanced with silica.

fertilizers were cast onto the greens, so as to nurture the healthy growth of the greens. During the third and second week the greens were needle-tined to serve as small air holes and dusting of sand continues. Fungicide, insecticide, wetting agents and foliar fertilizers were administered, alongside growth regulators â&#x20AC;&#x153;Primo Maxxâ&#x20AC;? at different times throughout the third week. Trace fertilizer with Kelp-seaweed and fungicides were applied subsequently in the second week. As we drew nearer to the Tournament Week, greens were further nurtured and enhanced. Micro-nutrients fertilizer and fungicide prevention were added to ensure the optimum health of the greens, as well as for the colour and density of the greens. Our greens were rolled routinely every week before tournament.

Fairway and rough divot repairs were carried out. Friday

Commencement of Round Two. Greens are double mowed and rolled. Cutting of holes and painting of white paint are carried out as tournament official marked pin positions. Greens are watered manually, rolled and treated with fungicide at the end of the day. Fairway and rough divot repairs were carried out.

Saturday

Final Round of tournament. Greens are double mowed and rolled, with pin positions changed. A green speed of almost eleven feet was achieved during the three days of tournament. Prize presentation was held on number nine green.

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MIZUNO-LAGUNA JUNIOR GOLF CHAMPIONship 2012 Mizuno Corporation, together with Golf House have come together once again to sponsor the Mizuno-Laguna Junior Golf Championship 2012 for the second consecutive year. The tournament was held on the Masters Course last December. Overall Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Defending Champion, Rachel Lim Golf and Country Club New ward challenges by our very own Laguna National junior, Rachel Cheang 155 (80, 75) and Chloe Wong 155 (77, 78) of Keppel Club, by two strokes with a 2 day total of 153 (77, 76). Both Rachel Cheang and Chloe Wong secured their respective Girls A and B Division Best Gross titles.

aggregate of 144 (73, 71). He elevated his game with an eagle on 6th hole Par 5 and a birdie at the last hole, edging Princeton Yeo 146 (74, 72) of Warren Golf and Country Club by two strokes to win the title. For full results listing, please visit our website. http://www.lagunanational.com/event/mizuno-lagunajunior-golf-championship-2012-results

For the Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Division, S Vikkash Babu of Orchid Country Club secured the Overall Best Gross with an even par

Mr MORIMITSU ANDACHI, (Senior Manager - Mizuno Corporation) presenting Overall Boys and Girls Champions S Vikkash Babu and Rachel Lim.

All the Mizuno Laguna Junior 2012 Division & Overall Winners.

Mr MORIMITSU ANDACHI, (Senior Manager - Mizuno Corporation) with Overall Winners Rachel Cheang (Girls Best Nett), Rachel Lim (Girls Best Gross), S Vikkash Babu ( Boys Best Gross) & Chee Keng Jin (Boys Best Nett)

INTRODUCTION OF JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAMME Unleash your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential in golf with our Junior Golf Programme today. Our Junior Golf Programme and coaching structures are dedicated to help young golfers discover the game of golf and embrace the traditional spirit of the game. The Laguna National Junior Golf Programme was once a long time dream made reality in 2012. Today, junior golfers are able to practise on both the Masters and World Classic Courses, a rare opportunity to be trained on two of the most challenging courses in Asia. This represents Lagunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to support junior golf development and encourage parents to play the game with their future superstars. Though the programme is still in an infancy stage with only one Beginners Class and one Advanced Class, the potential of this

programme is limitless. Led by Golf Pro Allen Kelly, the Club started this programme with the objective of training junior golfers in the Advanced Class to attain a single digit handicap. During the handicap update in November 2012, two junior golfers have managed to achieve a handicap of 10.1 successfully. For the junior golfers in the Beginners Class, they are also savouring every moment when playing on the World Classic course as they lower their handicaps. Whilst they gain valuable on-course experience and develop playing strategy, they are learning the intricacies of driving, fairway approaches and a deft touch around the green at the same time. Junior golfers are also able to gain a medley of experience from playing at different overseas golf courses in Batam and Ria Bintan as part of the programme. One of the junior golfers, Jonathan Ho even smoked a remarkable drive of 268 metres during a trip to Bintan in early 2012! To find out more about our Junior Golf Programme, please contact us at 6546 3636.

Eye On The Coin Drill - by Allen Kelly Putting is arguably the most important skill in golf. As we all know, a great round of golf usually comes down to a great day with the flat stick. A great day on the green can make or break any round. Here is a simple drill that will put discipline back in your stroke. Place the ball on a coin and keep your eyes focused on the coin all the way through your stroke. Avoid the urge to follow the ball immediately after impact with your eyes, especially on short putts. Just focus on the coin and watch your scores plummet!

The Laguna Walk Of Fame Our beautiful golf courses and exceptional dining pleasures are part of the reason why Laguna National is still the preferred Club choice for many celebrities and dignitaries.

access

Dear Members, As we all know, the Lunar New Year is one of the major highlights in the Singapore’s calendar of events and one of its significant traditions is the Reunion Dinner which takes place on the eve of the Lunar New Year. On this special occasion, families would come together and enjoy a sumptuous meal around the table. Whet your appetite and excite your palate with our Lunar New Year promotions and set menus that are specially planned out for you and your loved ones. Celebrate the year’s most romantic day by impressing that special someone with a memorable Valentine’s Day night out. Be enthralled by an intimate, romantic ambience as you indulge in a divine 5-course gourmet

dinner, exclusively prepared for you and your partner. We hope you like what we have planned out for you this quarter and we look forward to serving you soon. Do take note of our operating hours during the Lunar New Year period and look out for the food promotions at our respective F&B outlets during this period. Our team will be offering some great traditional Lunar New Year celebration menus, alongside our other ongoing monthly promotions. Here’s wishing you a prosperous New Year ahead… Bon Appétit! Lionel Roberts Food & Beverage Manager

09 February 2013, Saturday (Eve)

10 February 2013, Sunday (Day 1)

11 February 2013, Monday (Day 2)

12 February 2013, Tuesday (Day 3)

Lakes Café

0700hrs to 1900hrs

0700hrs to 2100hrs

Enmaru | TEN

1100hrs to 1500hrs

CLOSED

1200hrs to 2100hrs

Pebble Beach

1130hrs to 1700hrs

1100hrs to 1800hrs

1100hrs to 1900hrs

Pine Valley

1130hrs to 1400hrs 1800hrs to 2230hrs

1130hrs to 1500hrs 1800hrs to 2230hrs

CLOSED

1700hrs to 0000hrs

Sports & Recreation

0700hrs to 1700hrs

0700hrs to 2100hrs

Adeva Spa

1000hrs to 2100hrs

CLOSED

1200hrs to 2100hrs

Golf

0700hrs to 1900hrs

Driving Range

0700hrs to 1900hrs

CLOSED

0700hrs to 2200hrs

Admin Office

CLOSED

Outlet

The Vineyard

LUNAR NEW YEAR PROMOTION Available for dine in or takeaway at Pine Valley from 4 February to 24 February 2013 Welcome the Lunar New Year with a Prosperity Toss! Complete your new year celebration with an authentic “Yusheng” which symbolizes prosperity and abundance for the year ahead. Our authentic Cantonese Yusheng is made up of thinly-sliced Norwegian salmon or abalone, greens, crisps and a variety of sauces and condiments, amongst other ingredients. Prosperity Yusheng with Norwegian Salmon Abundance Yusheng with Abalone

Regular S$38.00 (for 4 to 6 persons) Large S$76.00 (for 8 to 10 persons) Regular S$68.00 (for 4 to 6 persons) Large S$92.00 (for 8 to 10 persons)

Indulge in a lavish reunion this Lunar New Year with a gastronomical “Pen Cai” centrepiece! Each Pen Cai brims of the freshest seafood and premium festive delicacies such as Braised Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Fish Maw, Mushroom, Conpoys, Roast Pork and Duck, Prawns, Dried Oyster and Vegetables, stewed in superior Abalone sauce. S$298.00 (for 6 persons) Supreme Fortune Treasure Pot S$488.00 (for 10 persons) Complement your reunion dinner with other auspicious delicacies! House Special! Hong Kong BBQ Roasted Suckling Pig

S$198.00 (whole) S$20.00 (half)

Fortune Chicken in Mongolian style S$40.00 (whole) S$30.00 (half) Pine Valley Roasted Duck S$60.00 (whole) S$18.00 (small) Charcoal Roasted Crispy Pork Belly

S$27.00 (medium) S$36.00 (large)

For more details and/ or enquires, please call (65) 62481 755. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

Usher in the year of the Snake at Pine Valley from 4 to 24 February 2013

迎春接福宴

花開福貴宴

Reunion Set Menu

Enthralling Prosperity Set Menu

$228++ for 4 Persons $338++ for 6 Persons $438++ for 8 Persons

$788++ for 8 to 10 Persons

心想事成宴

竹報平安

Joyous Set Menu

HeavenlyBlessings Set Menu

$288++ for 4 Persons $428++ for 6 Persons $568++ for 8 Persons

$888++ for 8 to 10 Persons

金碧輝煌宴養顏齋套餐

Vegetarian Set Menu $568++ for 8 to 10 Persons

Imperial Treasures Set Menu $1188++ for 10 Persons

金玉滿堂

大展鴻圖宴

Rising Fortune Set Menu

Bountiful Vitality Set Menu

$688++ for 8 to 10 Persons

$1688++ for 10 Persons

For reservations and/or enquiries on our Lunar New Year set menus, please call (65) 6248 1755. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

for the month of January HOKKAIDO ISHIKARI-NABE (Salmon Hot Pot) at $46 Salmon, Enoki Mushroom, Shimeji Mushroom, Tofu, Fish Ball, Potato and an Assortment of Vegetables

For more details and/or enquiries, please call (65) 6248 1722. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

For the month of February SPICY-MAKI (Spicy Roll) at $26 Ebi Fry, Unagi, Tobiko, Nori, Sushi Rice, Tamago Nigiri Sushi, Chopped Fish Stick, Avocado, Tabasco and Chilli Sauce

For more details and/or enquiries, please call (65) 6248 1722. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

For the month of March HOKKAIDO KAISEN-RAMEN (Hokkaido Seafood Noodle) at $36 Prawn, Salmon, Scallop, Crab, Squid, Nori, Sweet Corn and Garnish

For more details and/or enquiries, please call (65) 6248 1722. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

For the months of January to March 2013, tantalize your taste buds with our Weekday Lunch Series at just S$12.00 per serving. Pleasure your palate with our Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Signature Specials which include a well-marinated beef steak, sandwiched between crusty, grill-pressed Italian panini served with Meaux mustard sauce and spicy truffle fries in January, fusion rice noodles with truffle cod in February and an old-time local favourite - traditional Indian spiced rice with tender morsels of chicken in March.

For the month of January Panini Steak Sandwich with Meaux Mustard Sauce and Spicy Truffle Fries

Available from Monday to Friday, between 1200hrs and 1430hrs. For more details and/or enquiries, please call (65) 6248 1733. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

For the month of February Truffle Cod Hor Fun

Available from Monday to Friday, between 1200hrs and 1430hrs. For more details and/or enquiries, please call (65) 6248 1733. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

For the month of March Chicken Briyani

Available from Monday to Friday, between 1200hrs and 1430hrs. For more details and/or enquiries, please call (65) 6248 1733. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

Valentine’s Day

Specials

Indulge and pamper your special Valentine with a romantic 5-course gourmet dinner with live entertainment at The Vineyard. 5-Course Gourmet Dinner Date : 14 February 2013, Thursday Price : S$88.00 per person (inclusive of 1 glass of Sparkling wine and a special gift per couple) Time : 1830hrs to 2200hrs For reservations and/or enquiries, please call (65) 6248 1761. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

Happy Hours Special Everyday from 1700hr Bottle Promotion Available Daily Johnnie Walker Black Label Price: $98 per bottle

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Price: $120 per bottle

Macallan 12 years Price: $293 for 2 bottles

Hennessy VSOP Price: $150 per bottle

Glenrothe Price: $248 for 2 bottles

For more details and/or enquiries, please call (65) 6248 1711. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

Appetizer Pan-Seared Scallops with Tomato Ginger Relish

Soup Traditional French Onion Soup with Garlic Bread Crouton and Comté

Lemon Sherbet Main Course Beef Tenderloin Rossini with Herbs, Sautéed Potatoes & Mushrooms in Foie Gras sauce

or Miso Cod with Sautéed Spinach in Seafood Bonito & Ginger Scallion Oil

Dessert Strawberry Cheese Cake House Blend Coffee & Tea Selection

Celebrate at Laguna National Discover the infinite possibilities for your private events at Laguna National. Be it exclusive product launches, formal seminars, company dinner and dance or that romantic wedding you have always dreamt of, you can be assured of a truly memorable experience and an elegant atmosphere that captures the Club’s heritage.

Wedding Whether you choose to hold an intimate dinner with a resplendent view of the green or an extravagant wedding in the Grand Ballroom, our dedicated wedding specialists will cater right down to the smallest detail for your cherished memories to last a lifetime. Our wedding packages include an array of lavish dining options, special corkage pricing, complimentary shuttle service from Simei MRT Station and more.

Company Dinner and Dance Because your special occasions deserve special attention, stage your celebration the way you want it. Our team of professional events specialists will guarantee your peace of mind, from the beginning to the end of your event.

Seminar Promotion Enjoy: • Choice of Chinese/Local/Western Set Lunch • 2 coffee breaks with your choice of two snacks per break with minimum 20 persons at S$58.00 per person

For enquiries and/or discussion about your up-coming event, please call (65) 6248 1758/745 All prices are subjected to 7% GST. 21

Laguna National is honored to link up with Pacific Links International and its worldwide network of renowned golf experiences. Indulge in unparalleled golf experiences and exclusive playing privileges at international championship courses around the world, without having to pay a green or guest fee.

SouthShore Golf Club

Images courtesy of www.facebook.com/PacificLinksInternational

LAGUNA NATIONAL NOW PART OF PACIFIC LINKs International

Founded in 2009, Pacific Links International is based in Canada and is focused on creating reciprocal access to multiple clubs around the world that are able to deliver a memorable golf experience. Today, Pacific Links International is rapidly expanding the number of owned courses in North America. They currently own and/or operate nine courses located in Hawaii, Las Vegas and West Virginia in the United States. While some restrictions apply, this new membership concept unites the very best courses within Asia, Australia and the Americas, thereby providing unique experiences to the members of the participating clubs. The list of clubs is currently growing rapidly and will soon include clubs in Europe. Laguna National’s Senior Management was invited to the corporate launch of Pacific Links International during the Pacific Links Hawaii Championship at Kapolei Golf Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, a USPGA Champions Tour event held last September. Greg Norman is the international brand ambassador for Pacific Links International. The Senior Management had the opportunity to meet and discuss this new programme with Greg which he was proud that Laguna National was selected to join the programme.

In America, we are now famous courses such as:

affiliated

with

world

• Southern Highlands Golf Club, Las Vegas (A) • The Club at South Shore, Las Vegas (A) • Kapolei Golf Club, Oahu (A) • Royal Hawaiian Golf Club, Oahu (A)

Kapolei Golf Course

With the commencement of the partnership, members will receive a special Pacific Links International Membership Card for identification when you access these privileges. Members of the Pacific Links Affiliate Clubs will be able to book times up to 60 days in advance through Laguna National’s membership office, whichever is more convenient. At Pacific Links-owned courses in Hawaii and Las Vegas, as well as all other affiliated clubs, there are no green or guest fees payable. For Reciprocal Access Clubs, members of Laguna National are given a discounted green fee. Cart and/or caddie fees apply at all clubs. Some of the Affiliate (A) and Reciprocal Access (R) golf courses to note in our region include: • Danang Golf Club, Danang (A) • Links Hope Island, Gold Coast (A) • Red Mountain Golf Club, Phuket (R) • The Vintage, Hunter Valley (A) • The Grange Golf Club, Adelaide (A) • Sandhurst Golf Club, Melbourne (A)

Southern Highlands Golf Club

More information about Pacific Links International and its full listing of clubs, please visit www.pacificlinks.com. The Pacific Links team and the Club office stand ready to help you book your next tee time. For a complete listing of Reciprocal Clubs and Affiliates of Laguna National, please turn to the last page of the magazine.

IMG PRESTIGE

RED FLAG VALLEY GOLF CLUB AND HOTEL This strictly private 36-hole members-only golf club spreads over five thousand acres of natural valley and forest land in Dalian. Comprising a luxury hotel, breathtaking golf villas and spacious residential apartments, the Red Flag Valley Golf Club and Hotel is close enough to reach with ease, yet far enough away from the city bustle.

can indulge in the ultimate relaxation after play – chilling at the coffee and cigar bar, viewing of golf tournaments in luxurious VIP rooms, savoring international cuisine in the restaurant, retail therapy at the golf shop or simply relaxing in the elegant, double-aspect lobby area which offers a formidable view of the 18 green on the Dragon Course.

Ian Poulter

Dalian - one of China’s most famous tourism destinations, renowned for its pleasant climate, scenic mountains, beaches and seafood. Awarded “Most Scenic Golf Course” by Golf Vacation Magazine and “Best Golf Hotel” by China Golf Magazine, the Red Flag Valley Golf Club and Hotel is the perfect choice for the discerning traveller visiting Dalian. The Golf Courses Located in Cha’an Village, the Red Flag Valley Golf Club is set amidst scenic paranomic surroundings with two magnificent championship golf courses, namely the 18hole Unicorn Course and 18-hole Dragon Course. Both courses are Par 72. In 2011, the Unicorn Course was presented the award “Top 10 New Courses in China” by Golf Digest. The right side of the fairway is completely designed with water barriers and hardly any change in height from the tee ground to the green, hence providing golfers who have traversed across a number of mountain fairways a chance to relax. Designed by acclaimed golf architects from IMG whose management division oversees the service standards and operations at the Club, the two courses measure over seven thousand yards in length. Native woodland has been preserved and is very much a feature of the golfing experience. Both courses are characterised by elevation changes which allow golfers ample opportunities to admire some incredible views of the courses, with the city’s skyline as a distant backdrop.

The Red Flag Valley Golf Hotel The Red Flag Valley Golf Hotel is a luxurious, five-star, all suites boutique hotel. The Craftsman’s Lobby Bar, with its inspired elevated ceiling, offers a charming place to meet fellow guests and business acquaintances. The architectural features and décor date back to the early 1900’s and Gamble family’s Pasadena, USA, home. There are altogether eighty-four appointed rooms which include Honeymoon Suites, Family Suites and four split level Penthouse Suites, named after golfing stars, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Liang Wen-chong, who stayed and played at the Club during the ‘Shui On Land China Golf Challenge 2011’. The hotel rooms average 110 square metres in size with spa baths attached to the balconies, overlooking the golf courses and surrounding countryside. All rooms are also equipped with spacious baths, separate glass enclosed shower cubicles and flat screen televisions with international satellite TV service. A Golf Themed Lifestyle The architecture and interior design element of the hotel, clubhouse and villas on the property is a blend of nature, home and leisure. The aged wood and stonewall features offer a refreshing, aesthetical visual effect. Open wood burning fireplaces, leather and teak wood furnishings provide warmth, comfort and a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of modern city living.

The Club House The Club also boasts a driving range with a golfing academy and full service clubhouse, equipped with functional facilities such as steam bath, sauna and Jacuzzi baths. The Red Flag Valley Golf Clubhouse is the largest golf clubhouse in Northeastern China. Besides golfing, members

Liang Wen-Chong, Rory Mcllroy, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood

A Lagunian Travelogue From the populous continents of the Americas to the prominent escarpment at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera, Laguna Member since 1995, Mr. Cheong has travelled it all. Ask which is his favourite destination he would love to visit again? The answer will be the ‘Three Gorges of China’. Located along the scenic Yangtze River, the Three Gorges - Outang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Xiling Gorge, is one of the most impressive sights on earth. “When people ask me to describe the Three Gorges, I always start with a wow. Of course, I could have quoted some travel log, give them the facts and figures about the Three Gorges, but, nothing epitomises more than the one syllable quote of awe.” The Three Gorges spans over 204 kilometres, starting from the westward-upriver cities of Fengjie and Yichang in the Chongqing Municipality to eastward-downstream of Nanjin Pass in the Hubei Province. Surrounded by mountains and a natural stream of fast flowing water, the Three Gorges is a myriad of nature’s splendor. Primarily famous for its scenery, the Three Gorges region is also an important historical and cultural location in China. Many settlements and archeological sites will be under submersion from the rising Three Gorges Dam. Nevertheless, whilst the mountains still tower above the river, the gorges continue to offer spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs. 26

“The horizon you see between the gorges is, by far, the most beautiful scene I have ever witnessed. It seems like the end of the river is just at the edge but yet, no matter how far we travel towards it, we can never get there. It is simply breathtaking!” There are many pit stops throughout the Three Gorges, but none as unique as the Ghost City in Fengdu. This famous ghost town is modelled after the Chinese Hell in Taoist mythology, built over 1800 years ago. Legend has it that Fengdu was the crossroad between the netherworld and living world. It was rumored that two Taoists from the Han Dynasty had become celestials and they were the ambassadors of the living world to the netherworld. Fengdu is the place where the two ambassadors would meet the Kings of the netherworld. This is definitely a creepy, yet fascinating sight for the modern urbanites, as one passes by statues of uncanny figures and ghastly houses in this ghost city. “One trip to the Three Gorges is definitely insufficient to cover all the interesting sights you will find there. That is why I am planning for a return trip soon. Who knows what other interesting things and places I will experience again!”

Yangtze River

The Three Gorges Of China

Ghost City in Fengdu 27

SPRING 2013

TREND REPORTS Spring is the season of change and new beginnings. Indulge in one of most wearable fashion trends as colour blocking carries forward into 2013. Infuse elements of fun and colours during this season of change and new beginnings.

In these times of ever-changing fashion and fleeting attention span, most fashion trends lack real staying power. There is, however, one crowd-pleasing trend that has stayed noticeably consistent for the past few seasons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; colour blocking. A megatrend in 2012, colour blocking continues to remain a cutting edge fad that is not to be relinquished, just yet. It has dominated the runway of celebrated fashion designer, Diane Von Furstenberg, whose Spring/Summer 2013 display at the recent New York Fashion Week has shown that colour blocking is here to stay. While colour blocking has been a huge trend on the runways of Paris, New York, Milan and London, for both accessories and apparel in 2012, this trend continues with a greater emphasis on accessories for the Spring 2013 season. Colour blocked handbags stay on as one of the hottest trends as designers in all major fashion capitals colour blocked soft neutrals, pastels, bright colours and exotic skins on top handle satchels, daytime clutches and shoulder bags for the warm season. This wide range of colour blocking gives handbag fans a variety of colour combinations to choose from for Spring 2013, where apparel will be lighter in colour and softer in fabrications than 2012. The more essential and versatile handbag styles that were colour blocked at the Spring/Summer 2013 runways include daytime clutches and shoulder bags that are of small to medium in size, as well as structured top handle satchels.

Images courtesy of www.vogue.it

Be inspired by the colours of nature as you explore a fusion of soft colourful hues such as amaranth pink, lavender blush, nectarine and sky blue.

Train Your Lower Abdominals If you are looking for the secret to the body of your dreams, having tight and defined lower abdominals is the key to success. The lower abdominals are one of the toughest areas of the body to target and because of this, there are more ways to do it wrong than there are to do it right. Lower abdominal exercises often involve raising your legs to put strain on your lower abdominals. The “Leg Raise” is one of the best lower abdominal exercises that will get you solid lower abdominals but if you perform this exercise without proper form, you could end up with lower back and hip pain, and more importantly, no results. The “Lying Leg Raise” works all the major abdominal muscles – obliques, hip flexors, as well as the front of the thighs. Apart from developing a strong mid-section, the use of the cable helps to develop core stability, strength and coordination. Steps to achieve tight and defined lower abdominals:

Step 1

Lie flat on your back on a gym mat on the floor.

Step 2

Place your arms out to your sides with your palms flat on the floor for support.

Step 3

Your feet should be attached to a pulley cable machine.

Step 4

Flex at the hips and keeping the legs straight with knees and feet together, raise your feet towards the ceiling.

Step 5

Pause briefly when your hips are at right angles to your trunk and then lower the legs back down in a controlled fashion.

Step 6

Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Top T

You could also use ankle weights, resistance bands or a dumbbell between your feet as a weight instead of a pulley cable. If you are using a dumbbell, take care not to drop it whilst the legs are raised.Your back and shoulders should remain flat to the ground throughout this exercise so as to ensure a neutral spine.

How To Lose Weight After The Festive Season The New Year always evokes vows to make lifestyle changes. One such popular resolution is to ‘start eating healthy and lose weight’. But, how often do we keep this resolution? The festive season is the time of the year that revolves around delish food, sweet treats and a slew of Christmas and New Year parties laced with bubbly champagne, it is pretty normal to overeat and gain some pounds during this period. Even for the most careful dieter.

brown rice, contain higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, and natural resources than unrefined flour products. The addition of a balanced high fiber intake to your diet could be a natural anti-oxidant that neutralizes the sugar level in your blood.

After the holidays are over, we always want to lose the weight we have gained not too long ago. Some people count their calories, some omit certain food in order to diet, and some just almost do not eat.

Turkey Recent research has proven that turkey is a healthy substitute to red meat and is high in protein. The white meat of turkey has a lower fat content than other meats. It is also rich in calcium and tryptophan, an enzyme known for its contribution to the body’s anti-allergy defenses.

However, there is a danger of crash dieting when there is no real change in wanting to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Though regular exercise is necessary to maintain a balanced lifestyle, exercise on its own is insufficient. There must be a careful diet too. Many deem buying healthy food as an unnecessary expenditure, especially when bank balances are still reeling from that Christmas shopping and holiday. In light of this, let’s explore how we can achieve this goal without a hefty price tag: Low Fat Yogurt Yogurt is an essential food that consists of good bacteria to improve the digestive system in many ways, in this case, to improve overall health and achieve the desired weight. Fat Burning Fruits Apple and grapefruit are two fruit snacks that are high in fiber and can keep food cravings under control. Research has proven that consumption of these fruits between main meals can regulate insulin production in the pancreas, which in turn will reduce our food cravings. Soya Milk And Low-fat Milk Milk is the most well known source of calcium in the diet. However, as part of a calorie-controlled diet, we need to watch the amount of fat, sugar and preservatives consumed. Soy and low-fat milk will be a good alternative as they contain healthier levels of minerals, vitamins and natural additives.

Green Tea And Ginger These two drinks are natural fat-burners that are liverfriendly, whether drunk separately or boiled together. They have significant amount of the essential nutrients required for proper nutrition and can be taken separately from main meals. Raw Almonds And Peanuts Nuts are wrongfully blamed for containing fatty oils, which is not true if eaten raw. Raw almonds and peanuts are amongst the few quality foods that have a high multivitamin content and calcium. They are also nutritional for the health of most glands. Fresh Celery And Carrot Snack Keeping these two vegetables as a part of your daily eating habits will help protect you against some of the more common cancers and serious diseases in today’s world. When resolutions to lose weight go off track, the key to success is to be patient with yourself. Drink plenty of water, eat several mini-meals during the day and eat protein at every meal. Remember to always eat breakfast and focus on portion sizes.

Ensure An Adequate Intake Of Oats And Fiber Oats and high fiber foods such as wheat, barley, millet and 31

Gain Clarity Of The Mind Through Meditation If you are wondering why you feel overwhelmed and confused sometimes, it is because too many thoughts are going through our mind at the same time. When we stop for a moment and listen to our thoughts, we will start to notice the constant chatter in our head. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by Danielle Chan, Disciple of Meditation Masters and Teacher

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It is estimated that human beings go through about seventy thousand thoughts a day. We often need clarity when we are approached with questions such as ‘how do I deal with this difficult situation?’, ‘what if I make a wrong decision?’, ‘how do I prevent a bad situation from arising?’, ‘what is my purpose in life?’, ‘where is this relationship leading to?’, ‘should I stay or go?’ When confronted with these critical decisions, we end up oscillating back and forth, calculating, strategizing, worrying and causing more confusion than clarity. This is divided mind. Our thoughts obscure the clarity of our mind. When our mind is confused, it creates more and more thoughts, like clouds forming in the sky obscuring the clarity of the clear blue sky. A simple question such as ‘should I stay or go?’ can leave us debating endlessly in our mind for hours and days without coming to a conclusion. This is a divided mind that does not make a decision but continues to cause you more confusion. If you have decided to go, a divided mind will say ”how dumb was I not to have stayed?”. If you have decided to stay, a divided mind will say “I would have been better off leaving!”. So, how do we deal with confusion and in turn gain clarity? Do not escape from confusion. Do no force a decision because you will regret or feel guilty about it after. Simply accept that your mind is confused. Upon acceptance, observe your mind through meditation practices, as if you are a spectator watching a tennis game. Separate yourself from the confusion and watch it from a distance. When you become the observer, you can go deeper into the

confusion, without feeling frustrated. You will be surprised that your vision gets clearer and clearer as a result. A divided mind is like a glass of water with dirty mud in it. If you keep stirring the glass, the water will become murkier. However, if you leave the glass alone and just watch the dirt and sediment settle down, the water will become clearer. You will be able to see things that you would not have been able to see when the water was murky. As much, once clarity is gained, you will come to a solution and decision that is right for you. You do not need a scientist, do extensive research or have someone to tell you about it. You just know. The answer is within you. The deeper you sink into your confusion, the deeper understanding you have of your problem. Do not try to rush the process of getting out because once you get out, you stop understanding the true nature of the problem. You will come out with a divided mind. Hence, until the solution presents itself clearly, continue to meditate patiently and look at the confusion from all angles. Do this as if you are looking at a beautiful figurine, observing it from all sides and angles. When you look at a figurine in such a way, you will notice every little detail of the figurine. Clarity comes from thorough understanding. Through thorough understanding, a solution will naturally appear before you. Do not try to avoid confusion because each time you try to avoid, confusion will arise. Deal with it, one by one, go deeply into it, understand it and let it be your meditation. As you master these meditation skills, you will be decisive and will make better decisions which will lead you on the right path – the path to happiness for yourself and others.

Time: 1000hrs to 1130hrs Cost: S$100 The teacher will be donating all proceeds to Sunshine Daughters, a non-profit organization dedicated to empower disadvantaged women and women who are at risk in Sri Lanka, to help them break away from the poverty cycle. This non-profit organization provides scholarships to female university students, vocational training and employment opportunities for women with little or no education. To find out more, please visit: Website: www.sunshinedaughters.org Blog: sunshinedaughtersreflections.wordpress.com Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Daughters/168271599927412 For registration and enquiries, please contact S&R at 62481 770/ 771 or email snr@lagunanational.com Subjected to 7% GST.

Makings of a Champion What does it take to make a champion? Desire, dedication, determination, concentration and the will to win? Nick Anthony finds out as he interviews the Men’s and Ladies’ Club Champions of 2012. Men’s Champion, Mr. Joe Lai Member since 1999

Nick: Congratulations on winning the Men’s Club Championship 2012! Tell us, what was your strategy heading into the event? Joe: I did not really have a winning strategy, I just wanted to be steady. I knew the championship would be won on the World Classic Course as it is not difficult for one to stay close on the Masters Course. Ultimately, it is how one handles the World Classic Course to emerge winner. On the World Classic Course, taking bogey is not always bad. Nick: How did you managed to stay calm throughout the final round on the World Classic Course? Joe: I knew it would be challenging when I was tied with Ivan and Dustin was 10 shots back. But I reminded myself that golf is supposed to be fun, so I just gave it my best shot and enjoyed the game. When you stop enjoying the game, that is when you get into trouble. The World Classic Course is a challenging one and the competition on that day was tough. But I knew if I stay the course and take bogey sometimes, instead of reaching for birdies, I would stand a chance of winning.

Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Champion, Ms. Shirley Tan Member since 2009

Nick: Congratulations on winning the Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club Championship 2012! What was going through your mind when you first stepped onto the course that day? Were there any plans of action which you have thought out previously? Shirley: I would say that my key objective on that day was to avoid trouble. To avoid trouble when playing golf, one must bear in mind two things - learn to take in whatever the course presents you for that day, and learn to back out of trouble to avoid further problems. With these strategies, you will definitely save some strokes and ultimately, that is how you shoot lower scores! When you make a mistake and end up in a difficult situation, you must stay composed and decide how to best proceed. That being said, it is hard work to play well and stay composed at the same time. Nobody shows up in the morning and just play better than the day before.

Golf is a truly enjoyable game, which we should put winning and losing aside. Instead, take pleasure in the game, the company and the surroundings. Nick: Was it difficult for you to stay calm with the tough competition and course conditions? Shirley: First of all, it is not only about competing with my fellow opponents, I had to take into account the weather conditions, as well as the course conditions. Golf is a game of confidence. It is seldom about the perfect swings or perfect putts. We must have the confidence to play the right shots at the right time. However, we must not allow our confidence to go beyond our abilities. Staying confident but not over-confident is the key.

Laguna National congratulates Mr. Lian Ai Hian, member since 1991, for winning the inaugural Singapore National Senior Amateur Championship. Co-organized by the Singapore Senior Golfers Society (SSGS), the championship was the first of its kind.

Images courtesy of Mr Liai Ai Hian

SINGAPOREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST SENIOR AMATEUR GOLFER

At 58 years old, Mr. Lian remains an avid, competitive golfer. Playing golf for almost 20 years now, the former Laguna Club Golf Champion has participated in numerous tournaments and even represented Singapore at the ASEAN Senior Golf Tournament. Having won the recent Singapore Amateur Open last October, the victory has capped a great year of golf for Mr. Lian. ‘I have been playing at Laguna National for many years now. I particularly love to play on the Masters Course as I had my first hole-in-one at hole 14.’ The Singapore National Senior Amateur Open was an exhilarating event. After three rounds of exciting play, Mr. Lian came out tops to become the first national champion in history, claiming victory at the momentous event for senior golfing. ‘Some people would ask me for advice on improving their game. Well, there is no big secret, really. It is merely just practice, practice and more practice. I play golf almost every morning before I go to work and would still try to make time to head to the driving range after work.’ A true blue Lagunian at heart, Mr. Lian’s dedication and love for the game is one to be admired and emulated by all.

‘The Masters Course is not an easy course to play on by any means, but it is a great training ground for me to practice my strokes and drive. In the recent years, the course has improved tremendously, especially the greens. I must say, the Masters Course has some of the best greens in Singapore. Kudos to the team managing the course!’

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT LAGUNA NATIONAL 1995

Club Champion

1996

Club Champion

1997

Club Champion

1998

Club Champion

1999

Club Champion

2000