Sentosa Golf Club Magazine (January - February 2024)

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2024

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

THE BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE

OF SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

Discover Your Sanctuary.

The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Azure.

Step inside this spacious sanctuary and experience new levels of cosseting comfort. Add a touch of first-class travel with Airline Specification seats that invite passengers to relax and recline, making the most of the extra space afforded by the longer wheelbase.

Wearnes Automotive Pte Ltd 45 Leng Kee Road, Singapore 159103 Tel: 6378 2628 Singapore.BentleyMotors.com

Fuel Consumption: 13.0/100km; VES Banding: C2; CO2 Emissions: 294 g/km *Terms and conditions apply. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2023 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Azure.

BENTLEY SINGAPORE

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE

SGC Captain Darryl Wee

Dear Fellow Members, As we embark on a new year, I am excited to share with you that 2024 commemorates an important milestone for Sentosa Golf Club as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. This year promises to be an exciting time as we honour our Club’s legacy and look forward to many more years of incredible golfing experiences.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE As we step into the Golden Jubilee year, we kick off the festivities with the Chinese New Year Game on Sunday 18 February, a fitting start to a year filled with celebration and joy. The game not only marks the auspicious beginning of the Lunar New Year, but also sets the tone for various activities that have been planned, including the official unveiling of the Club's 50th anniversary logo.

Join us as the event not only honours our past but also leads us into an exciting future. The celebrations will be a showcase that define Sentosa Golf Club – one of unity, passion, and a shared love for the game.

SUPPORTING SINGAPORE’S ASPIRING GOLF TALENT The grassroots and our efforts to develop golf talent for Singapore will continue to feature in Sentosa Golf Club’s legacy 50 years and beyond.

I am happy to report that we will continue to support our five existing professionals and aspiring talent – Dengshan, Sock Hwee, Hadi, Nicholas and Brayden; as well as our three new adoptees, all ladies – Amanda Tan, Aloysa Atienza and 15 year-old prospect Chen Xingtong through our 50th anniversary year.

We hope that they will hone their skills on our world class playing surfaces to further their tournament credentials. Please extend a warm welcome and encouragement when you see them practice at the Club.

GOLF ETIQUETTE REMINDER On a more serious note, I would like to address an important aspect of our golfing experience – etiquette.

Our beloved sport is not only about skill and technique, but also about respect for our golf courses and fellow golfers.

As you know we have recently focused on the etiquette of ensuring we all rake bunkers after play. It is heartening to note that there have been some improvements, but we have also had to issue a number of warning letters for infringements. It is important to remind everyone and your guests to please rake bunkers after use. This small act goes a long way in maintaining the quality of our courses and ensures a pleasant experience for everyone.

As we look forward to a year filled with celebratory events and exciting tournaments, let us also reaffirm our commitment to the golfing etiquette that makes Sentosa Golf Club a Club that we are all proud to be members of. Together, we can make our 50th anniversary a testament to the enduring spirit of the Club.

Here's to 50 years of golfing greatness and to many more ahead!

Warm regards, Darryl Wee Captain

www.sentosagolf.com

1

TOURNAMENT READY 365

EXPERIENCE GOLF AT SENTOSA Sentosa Golf Club. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

Home to two of the world’s greatest championship golf courses.

Host to world-renowned tournaments.

Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore, 099892

T: (65) 6275 0022 | WWW.SENTOSAGOLF.COM

ASIAN HOME OF THE R&A AND ASIAN TOUR

@SentosaGolfClub

Grecale - Fuel Consumption (combined cycle): 9.4 L/100km, CO2 Emissions (combined cycle): 213 g/km Specifications may subject to changes and vary from vehicle shown.

The new Maserati Grecale Yours from $279,800*.

The Grecale embrace a new luxury paradigm made of tradition, innovation, and concrete vision.

Make your Everyday Exceptional with the All-New Maserati SUV, Grecale.

Scan the QR code to book a test drive and experience its sweeping performance. *Terms and conditions apply. Price stated above is not inclusive of COE. Every Maserati comes with 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and Servicing.

SCAN TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE

OFFICIAL MASERATI IMPORTER FOR Address: 30 Leng Kee Road, Singapore 159100 | Showroom: 6472 2236 | Website: www.maserati.com/sg/en

GM’S MESSAGE Dear Club Members,

GM Andrew Johnston

As we move into the new year, it is both a privilege and an honor to reflect on the incredible journey we've undertaken together in 2023.

The challenges we faced, the victories we celebrated and the growth we experienced have laid the foundation for a promising 2024, which reminds me of a speech delivered by the Georgia Tech University’s strength coach, Lewis Caralla to his players during practice.

He shared a powerful, impactful message that resonates with me about winning and losing. Coach Lewis says, winning isn't loyal to you, winning doesn't care about you, winning doesn't care how tired your muscles are or how much they are aching, winning doesn't care how hard you work, winning doesn't care how much sleep you get, and it certainly doesn't pause for you to catch your breath.

He challenges each one of us to ask ourselves a fundamental question: "Are you willing to sprint when the distance is unknown?"

C

M

This question captures the soul and silent aspiration of our Club, the never-ending pursuit of excellence — the deep strong-willed commitment to build a centre of excellence that drives a deeply imbedded legacy. This unpretentious, quiet commitment propelled us to our triumphs in 2023 and outlines the runway to continue to improve through uncharted territories now that 2024 has arrived.

Coach Lewis emphasized two crucial elements in his inspirational message for achieving victories: “a deep belief in oneself and a deep belief in the mission”.

The collective belief in our abilities and our mission to build a successful culture has been the driving force behind the success of the Club. We sprinted together when the distance was unknown, from supporting each other in times of need to build a stronger and more united Club.

Our goals for the upcoming year are ambitious, and they demand the same level of dedication and belief that brought us success in last year. Together, we will continue to sprint towards greatness — whether that is on the course, inside our Club, or through personal growth. Let us remember that the greatest things in life are accomplished when we are willing to go the extra mile, even when the finish line is not in clear view.

"And why chase winning? Because the only thing that's guaranteed in life if you don't chase it, is losing."

On behalf of Sentosa Golf Club, thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Best wishes and may 2024 bring everyone health, happiness and prosperity.

Best Regards, Andrew Johnston General Manager / Director of Agronomy / Resident Golf Course Designer

Experience the Club’s private and idyllic location to host your next Dinner & Dance, Corporate Function or Board Meeting. For more information or to enquire, please contact sales@sentosagolf.com

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

CONTENTS 1.

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE SGC Club Captain, Darryl Wee, looks ahead to this year’s 50th anniversary and Chinese New Year, as well as a reminder to always maintain golf etiquette…

4.

GM'S MESSAGE SGC General Manager, Andrew Johnston, discusses the Club’s desire to improve and never sit on past success in 2024…

8-11.

GENERAL GOLF AND MEMBER NEWS Discover the latest news from the Club including more on the Christmas game, the MySentosa app, and golf etiquette…

12-14. ANOTHER BIG YEAR AHEAD A look ahead to the return of LIV Golf Singapore, as well as the HSBC Women’s World Championship for the 11th time in 2024…

15.

GUEST COLUMN Christian Westbeld, Managing Director at Raffles Hotel Singapore, discusses the importance of sustainable operations…

16.

F&B NEWS Explore an indepth look into Chef KK’s new cookbook, Roots…

22-23. INSTRUCTION: THE PERFECT SET SGC Head Professional, Skye Neal, talks us through how to build the perfect set of clubs…

24.

18 HOLES WITH… SGC Sponsored amateur, Brayden Lee, discusses his golfing idol, major goals for 2024, and the one rule in golf he would change…

This magazine is printed on environmentallyfriendly paper.

6

MCI (P) 049/12/2022 To advertise in SENTOSA GOLF CLUB, please call 6275 0090.

sentosagolfclub

The 6th green on The Serapong, displaying the famous Dragon's Tooth in the bunker

@sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

www.sentosagolf.com

7

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

GENERAL

GOLF NEWS

8

TRIO LAND LIV GOLDEN TICKETS

TITLEIST LAUNCH LIMITED EDITION SCOTTY CAMERON

Finland’s Kalle Samooja, Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent and Japan’s Jinichiro Kozuma will all play on the LIV Golf League in 2024 after coming through the inaugural LIV Golf Promotions event at Abu Dhabi GC. Played over 72 holes Samooja picked up the $200,000 first prize after rounds of 65-71 while Vincent and Kozuma came through a play-off with England's Laurie Canter who found the water in extra time – Vincent will now join his older brother Scott on the league. “Once I came here, I knew this was the only thing I wanted to achieve,” said Samooja. “It’s a big step forward in my career.”

Titleist have crafted a limited number of Mystic Blue HXXIII Newport 1.5 LTD putters which are based on the Super Select Newport head shape. There are tweaks to the neck, face, and sight line and, to add further style and beauty to this offering, the 34.5-inch putter includes a new textured Pistolini Plus grip, in blue, a custom headcover and a precision-milled stainless steel shaft ring. It also includes a steel shaft in the new Silver Frost finish. A limited number of these putters will be released worldwide in select Titleist authorised shops on December 15, 2023.

RECORD-BREAKING SCHEDULE FOR LPGA TOUR

GOLF BALL ROLLBACK SET FOR 2028

The prize funds for the 2024 LPGA Tour season will be the highest in tour history and are around $70m more than the 2021 season. There will be 33 official events which will offer $116.55m and the global schedule will take in 15 states and 10 countries. There will be two multi-event swings in Asia between February and March – the highlight being the HSBC Women’s World Championship at Sentosa – and again in October, where there will be three more events. Se Ri Pak will also join Michelle Wie and Annika Sorenstam as an event host at the LA Open in California.

In a bid to reduce the impact of increased hitting distances, the R&A and USGA will update their testing conditions on the golf ball and this will take effect from January 2028. The current conditions, established 20 years ago, are set at 120 mph – with the updated test conditions, a drive hit with 125mph clubhead speed (with an 11-degree launch and 2200 RPMs) can only travel 317 yards. The longest hitters are expected to see a reduction of as much as 13-15 yards, the club golfer is expected to have a minimal distance impact, five yards or less.

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

MEMBER NEWS HSBC & LIV TO RETURN IN 2024

NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTHS OF OCT & NOV 2023 ORDINARY MEMBER Mdm Joyce Ooi Eu Huey / Mrs Joyce Tan Mdm Tang Zhengqing Mr Heng Chek Hion Mr Mitsumori Yasuda Mr Tan Tiong Meng @ Vincent Tan Mr Yoon Jung Taek CORPORATE NOMINEE Mr Khoo Shen Ming Shaun Daryl Mr Lee Chee Keong Mr Masanori Tanahashi Mr Nariaki Ihara

Continuing our tradition, we look forward to hosting some of the biggest names in the men and women’s game in 2024. First of all, at the end of February, The Tanjong will host the HSBC Women’s World Championship, a tournament that Jin Young Ko won in both 2022 and 2023.

Then, in early May, LIV Golf Singapore returns to The Serapong, with Talor Gooch expected to defend his title.

It’s an honour to host two such prestigious tournaments, and we are proud to showcase both our championship golf courses to a global audience. Together with our 50-anniversary celebration, 2024 is shaping up to be a memorable year, one we’re excited to be able to share with Members and guests.

www.sentosagolf.com

TERM MEMBER Dr Michael Anthony Hession Mr Atsuo Sato Mr Charles Taylor Meyer Mr Colin Patrick De Souza Mr Du Jinyan Mr Hideaki Tanaka Mr Johan Peter Haakansson Ms Kwon Jungsuk Mr Minoru Yamashita Mr Oh Jae Min Mr Park Jong Sun Mr Rajeev Veeravalli Kannan Mr Shinji Kimura Mr Zhou Feng

9

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

CHRISTMAS LIGHT UP We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended the Christmas light up. Welcoming new members, our Chairman, President, and Captain helped to bring festive cheer with a wonderful feast, made all the more memorable with handmade ornaments, crafted by our staff with sustainability goals, adorning the venue. Of course, there was also music, and the night came alive with a captivating two-piece band.

A delightful treat for

the little one

From left to right: Mr Anatole Bong, Dr Tan Kok Chai, Mr Kwek Chok Wen, Mr Attlee Hue Kuan Yew, Mr Lee Chee Kiang

SPEND AND GET REWARDED WITH SENTOSA ISLANDER Members can earn 1 point for every $1 spent at the Golfers' Terrace and Members' Bar. Spend $20 or more to earn points. Redeem vouchers for perks at participating outlets.

Steps: 1. Scan QR code to download MySentosa app.

2. Launch MySentosa app with your login details and start earning points at SGC. 3. Click on Earn points and to scan QR code at participating outlets So, sign up today – it's a no brainer.

10

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

CHRISTMAS GAME

HOLE-IN-ONE

The Christmas Game held on 16 December drew an impressive turnout, with 142 golfers participating on the scenic Serapong Course. Despite a temporary suspension of the game, the festive spirit remained undiminished.

Participants took advantage of the break to freshen up, adorning themselves in vibrant Christmas colours. The anticipation grew as 60 prizes awaited lucky winners, ensuring that the joy of the occasion prevailed. The event, though briefly interrupted, showcased the resilience and enthusiasm of the golfing community in embracing the holiday cheer.

Geoffrey Cameron Boyd 14 Nov 2023 The Serapong Hole 17, 136 metres

Liao Jian Qin 26 Nov 2023 The Tanjong Hole 15, 135 metres

Jamie Chiew Cheng Har 5 Dec 2023 The Tanjong Hole 4, 115 metres

GOLF ETIQUETTE As stewards of the beautiful greens at Sentosa Golf Club, we would like to extend a friendly reminder regarding golf etiquette to ensure the continued pristine condition of our courses.

One key aspect of maintaining the quality of our greens involves avoiding any potential harm caused by leaving small bags on the putting surfaces. These can inadvertently damage the turf, impacting the overall playing experience for everyone.

In the spirit of preserving the beauty of Sentosa Golf Club and promoting a positive golfing environment, we kindly request all members and golfers to refrain from leaving any small bags on the greens. Your

cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated and contributes to the collective effort in keeping our golf courses at their best.

www.sentosagolf.com

Thank you for your understanding and commitment to upholding the high standards of etiquette and care that define Sentosa Golf Club.

11

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

ANOTHER BIG YEAR AHEAD

I

n the space of just two months many of the world’s best players will descend on Sentosa Golf Club as we open our doors, and two fantastic courses, to a plethora of Major Champions. The HSBC Women’s World Championship will be played over the Tanjong Course at the end of February before LIV Golf returns for a second year – and we now know that the 2023 Masters Champion will be teeing it up on the Serapong Course.

Jon Rahm rocked the golf world when it was announced that he would be joining the LIV Golf League for the 2024 season, and this will be a first visit to Singapore for the 29-year-old two-time Major winner.

He will likely skipper a new team, taking the total number of LIV Golf teams to 13, and he will be joining a growing stable of Major winners that already includes Rahm’s

12

sentosagolfclub

close friend Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith.

This news is arguably the biggest move yet and all eyes will be on Rahm as he looks to do what Talor Gooch managed to pull off in 2023.

The American became the first player to win back-to-back individual LIV Golf titles after a play-off win over Sergio Garcia who won here at Sentosa in the 2018 Singapore Open. The previous week, in Adelaide, Gooch had things pretty much all his own way but here he was pushed all the way by the Spaniard. Both players finished on 17-under after the three rounds and Gooch would go on to birdie the 18th in extra time while Garcia was unable to get up and down from a greenside bunker.

2023 LIV Gold Individual Champion, Gooch will be lining up for Brooks @sentosagolfclub

Koepka's Smash GC in an offseason of trades, comings, and goings.

Mickelson, who threatened for two days to land the individual title, has long been a visitor to the island and he was full of praise after returning to Sentosa with his HyFlyers line-up.

"There's a lot of things I love about this place, going back to when it was the Barclays Singapore Open and coming to play here. I really love everything about it. I think one of the greatest leaders in history was Lee Kuan Yew. I love many of the things that he has done here and many of the policies he's implemented.

I feel really good when I get here," explained the six-time Major winner.

"It's such a clean, beautiful city.

The people treat us with such respect, and the course, it's as well maintained a course as I think I've ever seen. It's just incredible. For

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

Photo Credits: IMG

Photo Credits: LIV Golf South Korea's Jin Young Ko celebrating her victory in 2023 with the trophy

Photo Credits: IMG Nelly Korda tees off on the par 5 16th hole on her way to a second place finish at the 2023 HSBC Women's World Championship

such a small country to be able to bring world-class golf and have such a world-class course to host us on is exciting for all of us to be here."

And there was even some sound advice from the legendary left-hander on how to deal with the local climate.

"I've been using an umbrella, that saved a lot of direct sun, as well as

a cold, wet towel on the back of my neck keeping my temperature down.

It's really helped me with being able to think a little clearer throughout the day without overheating. Then I kind of liked the hot temperature because my body is looser, it doesn't tighten up, I'm able to create a little bit more speed, and so I end up playing a little bit better in it."

“This win will always mean a lot to me. 2022 was a challenging year and being able to successfully defend my title at one of Asia’s major events and one of my favourite stops on tour stirred up a lot of emotions. Singapore is truly an amazing city and every year we have the best time taking in the sights and enjoying world-class cuisine.”

Jin Young Ko www.sentosagolf.com

Of course, The Serapong was recently named as the winner of the World’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards and the LIV Golf stars will again find a course that will be in sensational condition.

Similarly, Sentosa will, for the 11th time, play host to the HSBC Women’s World Championship at the end of February with the world's very best women tackling the equally immaculate Tanjong Course.

Jin Young Ko will rightly be the headline player as she goes for a third straight win in a tournament, commonly referred to as Asia's Major, where a Korean player has triumphed in seven of the past eight stagings. American Michelle Wie, with her victory in 2018, is the outlier.

Twelve months ago, Ko became the first player to defend this title and it came about courtesy of middle rounds of 65. In the end, she 13

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE Photo Credits: LIV Golf

would edge out Nelly Korda after a relatively bleak run of results due to a persistent wrist injury.

“This win will always mean a lot to me. 2022 was a challenging year and being able to successfully defend my title at one of Asia’s Major events and one of my favourite stops on tour stirred up a lot of emotions. Singapore is truly an amazing city and every year we have the best time taking in the sights and enjoying world-class cuisine. I can’t wait to be back there in February and hopefully aiming for a third consecutive win.”

2018 SMBC Singapore Open Champion Sergio Garcia lost our narrowly in a playoff to Talor Gooch at LIV Golf Singapore

Korda has threatened here on a few occasions, and the American, who has one official Major to her name, is another fan of the HSBC Women’s World Championship at Sentosa.

"The fans are amazing, and the course is in great condition. I've never seen tee boxes so nice. They literally feel like you can putt off of them. Just the way that they treat us out here and the course condition makes it feel like a Major."

A good demonstration of Lilia Vu's rapid rise to the top of the women's game is that she has only played this event once, last year where she finished in a tie for 14th. The 26-year-old American, who landed two Majors in 2023, has a quirky record over the Tanjong given that she's recorded a two-under 70 in all four rounds – you would imagine that, either way, something would have to give at the end of February.

17 1 2 62 £4M

No. of birdies by Talor Gooch No. of eagles by Talor Gooch No. of bogies by Talor Gooch Low round of the week (Scott Vincent)

14

Prize money for the win sentosagolfclub

5-time Major winner Brooks Koepka finished 3rd on The Serapong in 2023

2023 LIV Golf Singapore Champion Talor Gooch will line up for Smash GC in 2024 after moving from RangeGoats GC during the off-season

-37

Winning score of the RangeGoatsGC

2023 STATS -20

Final round by the Crushers GC

@sentosagolfclub

-17 63 23 64 243

@sentosagolfclub

Jin Young Ko’s winning score the last two years Low round of the week (Danielle King) No. of birdies by Jin Young Ko No. of greens hit by Jin Young Ko Average driving distance

by Jin Young Ko SentosaGolfClub

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

GUEST COLUMN

Christian

WESTBELD

Managing Director of Raffles Hotel Singapore

T

he Managing Director of Raffles Hotel Singapore illuminates the iconic hotel’s sustainability journey showcasing its commitment through innovative practices and conscious initiatives.

In November 2018, the Singapore Sling returned to the Long Bar following Raffles Hotel Singapore's two-year restoration.

Revitalised with elevated craft ingredients the iconic cocktail, created here in 1915, returned with a refreshed taste profile, crafted to suit the modern palate while staying true to its original recipe.

Working closely with Proof & Company and ecoSPIRITS, the iconic cocktail has become the forerunner for Raffles in its move to reducing single-use waste and carbon footprint. The key ingredients – Widges Gin, Luxardo Cherry Sanque Morlacco and Ferrand Dry Curaçao – are all delivered in ecoTOTE format, saving tens of thousands of glass bottles each year.

Furthering the sustainability profile, both

“

the Luxardo Maraschino Cherries used as garnishes and the exclusive Long Bar Scrappy’s Spiced Plantation Bitters are shipped in large low-waste formats, eliminating several thousand kilograms of packaging waste per year. In addition, the single-use plastic straws have also been replaced with biodegradable versions made with potato starch.

Under the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, Raffles is planting one native tree in the Kalimantan or Sumatran rainforest for every 25 Singapore Slings served, leaving a permanent legacy of carbon reduction and reforestation of endangered wild areas.

Elsewhere we use OMNO as our bathroom amenity range, an all-natural, custom-formulated product made without preservatives and artificial ingredients that is packaged in recyclable containers. All products are free of sulphate, paraben and silicone and not tested on animals.

With the hotel’s grand re-opening in 2019, we pledged a donation of SGD1 million to the Community Chest. We

The hotel prides itself on providing food which tastes the best, is perfectly natural and is sourced from local suppliers who practise methods of protecting and promoting biodiversity

www.sentosagolf.com

also participate in other initiatives such as the Heartstrings Walk, Change for Charity, Legacy of Giving, Charity Golf Tournaments as well as the Fu Dai events.

The hotel prides itself on providing food which tastes the best, is perfectly natural and is sourced from local suppliers who practise methods of protecting and promoting biodiversity. We integrate organic produce, hormone-free meats and dairy and other natural products that offer guests healthier food selections.

On-site, our Herb Garden produces aromatic and edible flora grown for use in the Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic. Over at Butcher’s Block, an avant-garde wood-fire dining experience, Chef de Cuisine Jordan Keao expresses the elemental affinity and finesse of cooking with wood-fire, manifested in his devotion to whole animal and zero-waste practices. Meat is hung and displayed – beef, duck, lamb, pork, fish and more – then butchered and broken down in-house, ensuring every part is used.

Examples of this include ducks’ tongues deep fried and their bones simmered to make a jus and fish bones hung above the fire to dry, before being added to konbu dashi to create a ponzu sauce while their scales are deep-fried for garnish.

15

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

F&B NEWS

C E L E B R A T I N G

3 0

Y E A R S

CHEF KK'S CULINARY JOURNEY SGC's Executive Chef KK first stepped into the kitchen three decades ago, and his culinary odyssey has been nothing short of remarkable.

Guided by the mantra 'Remember our Roots from Life to Food,' his path unfolded after facing challenges in his academic journey.

At 17, grappling with the need for basic survival, Chef KK made the pivotal decision to enrol at SHATEC (Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Centre) in 1993, despite initially lacking any interest in cooking.

The turning point came when he discovered a passion for culinary competitions. Inspired by professionals in various gastronomic events, Chef KK aspired to compete at their level and mentorship from Chef Peter Knipp played a crucial role in his professional development.

In subsequent years, KK's dedication was clear as he honed his skills in different restaurants. Today he stands as an accomplished Executive Chef of Sentosa Golf Club and an integral member of the National Culinary Team. Supported by his family and the Club, Chef KK is now venturing into a new chapter of pursuing a Master’s degree.

Chef KK's cookbook clinched two prestigious awards at the recent 29th International Gourmand Awards World Best Cookbook Cover and World Best Heritage Cookbook

16

sentosagolfclub

Chef KK's latest creation – 'Roots: The Inheritance Cookbook' – is a captivating testament to the enduring legacy of shared recipes and heartfelt stories. This masterpiece transcends a mere collection of dishes, it evolves into a vibrant celebration of heritage, inspiration, and a shared commitment to giving back to society.

At the core lies KK's profound inspiration from his peer Chef

@sentosagolfclub

Kong, whose dedication to giving back fuelled his own passion. The phrase 'I have always wanted to give back to society' resonated deeply, setting the tone for a cookbook that reaches beyond the kitchen and unites people from diverse backgrounds through the universal language of food.

KK unveils his food-based heritage with his recipe, Johnny's Teochew Peanut Fritters, a heartfelt tribute to his late father. This dish embodies the simplicity and preciousness of family traditions, serving as both a centrepiece at family gatherings and a reflection of his personal journey.

Chef KK's newest offering clinched two prestigious awards at the recent 29th International Gourmand Awards - World Best Cookbook Cover and World Best Heritage Cookbook – and these accolades not only commend the cookbook's visual appeal but also recognises its significant role in preserving global culinary heritage.

Congratulations to KK for his welldeserved accolades, applauding his exceptional contribution to the world of gastronomy. Here's to the chef uniting people through the universal joy of sharing a good meal!

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

WEEKEND SPECIALS J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 2 4

6 & 7 JAN

S$

13 & 14 JAN

S$

Mutton Korma with Jasmine Rice and Papadums

18

Curry Pork Ribs Noodles with Beancurd Puff and Potatoes

14

Seafood Bouillabaisse served with Garlic Bread

18

Salmon and Miso Broth with Somen, Cabbage and Carrot

16

Wok Fried Tang Hoon with Minced Pork and Shrimps

13

Steamed Chicken and Shitake Mushroom served with Jasmine Rice

12

S$

20 & 21 JAN

S$

27 & 28 JAN

Hot Plate Prawns Sambal with Beans and Pineapple served with Jasmine Rice

18

Gado Gado with Emping Crackers

8

Half Shell Scallops, Capellini Pasta with Japanese Kombu, Lobster Infused Oil

16

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy

14

Braised Bee Hoon with Roasted Pork

12

Sweet and Sour Fish served with Jasmine Rice

12

3 & 4 FEB

S$

17 & 18 FEB

S$

Braised Pork Trotter with Mushroom served with Jasmine Rice

15

Claypot Wok Fried Bee Tai Mak with Minced Chicken Sauce

12

Seafood Tom Yum Kung with Papaya Salad

16

Black Pepper Beef Don with Pickled Vegetables, Sous Vide Egg and Tobiko Roe

16

Wok Fried Chicken Hor Fun with Ginger and Spring Onion

10

Wok Fried Seafood Ee Fu Noodles

12

24 & 25 FEB

S$ Udang Masak Merah with Jasmine Rice and Achar

18

Soy Glazed Chicken Chop with Potato Wedges, Mesclun Salad in Ginger Flower Dressing

14

Mala Seafood Noodles Soup

12 www.sentosagolf.com

MONTHLY SPECIALS

Goodie List 17

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Step into the lunar festivities with SGC's exclusive Year of the Dragon celebration with specially curated auspicious menus, starting from $95+ per person. Elevate your dining experience with a touch of prosperity as we usher in the new year with delectable dishes.

For reservation, call us at 6373 7135 (Cherry) / 6373 7141 (Tini) / 6279 1791 (Johari)

EARLY CLOSURE ON CHINESE NEW YEAR EVE Please take note of the early closure on Friday, 9 February, the Club will close at 6 pm, allowing our dedicated staff to join their families for the customary reunion dinner celebration.

F&B: Last order at 5pm.

Golf: Last tee off at 2pm. No 9-hole evening golf

Chinese New Year Goodies List and Menu

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

GAME ON! Sustainability: A key topic at the inaugural Asia Golf Convention

The inaugural Asia Golf Convention 2023 took place on 14 November, 2023, at the Singapore Island Country Club, drawing attendees from across the continent, including Sentosa Golf Club’s General Manager & Director of Agronomy, Andrew Johnston, who was invited to share his thoughts on the importance of sustainability in golf.

Johnston, who has over 36 years of experience across a number of different areas of the industry, was one of a number of keynote speakers from the golfing community, where leading experts, industry leaders, sports officials and fellow golf enthusiasts shared valuable insights and strategies.

The aim of the convention was to inspire more ideas to help transform golf in Asia. It was a fantastic opportunity for industry experts to discover the latest trends and discuss some of the innovative technologies that are shaping the golf industry in Asia, helping other clubs and sections of the golf

community to adapt and thrive in what has become a dynamic and competitive market.

Johnston and his team has been behind many of the fantastic new initiatives that have been activated at the club in recent years, especially around sustain-

ability, and it’s a topic that our GM spoke passionately about at the event.

Under Johnson’s leadership, Sentosa Golf Club has received numerous accolades for its actions around sustainability. As a Club, we pride ourselves in sharing best practices,

Johnston and his team has been behind many of the fantastic new initiatives that have been activated at the club in recent years, especially around sustainability, and it’s a topic that our GM spoke passionately about at the event.

and we are always looking to learn from others and continue to improve. Conventions and networking events such as this, where there is an opportunity to connect with golf course owners, equipment manufacturers and industry insiders, will only help to advance the game in Asia.

Joining Johnston for ‘The Business Case for Sustainable Golf’ session, were: Chris Gray, Head of Sustainable Golf and Agronomy, Asia-Pacific, The R&A; Ian Roberts, General Manager, The Singapore Island Country Club; and Joshua Ho, General Manager Singapore Golf Association, all of whom shared some valuable insights that will help to make sustainability a key focus for everyone in 2024 and beyond.

As well as the importance of sustainability, a broad range of topics were discussed, including mental and physical fitness in golf, inclusivity, new golf technology, the growth of golf tourism, and Singapore’s commitment to fight against doping in the region. As Andy will no doubt tell you, it proved to be a very worthwhile and productive day.

www.sentosagolf.com

19

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

NEWS FROM SENTOSA ISLAND

THE BEST SUNSET VIEWS FROM A HILLTOP IN SINGAPORE Indulge in the Best Sunset Views atop Singapore’s Hill, as recognized by RAS Epicurean Star Award 2023.

Dusk Restaurant & Bar, a finalist for Best Gastro Bar and Best Western (Casual) Restaurant, offers

a captivating 100m-high panorama amidst lush rainforest. Relish Modern European cuisine, curated wines, and nitro-frosted cocktails. Enjoy live acoustic serenades by Mark Anthony and Kelley D’Cruz from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and eves of Public Holidays. Perfect

for romantic evenings or casual gatherings, Dusk promises an unforgettable sunset experience in Singapore.

Please note: Actual performers may be subject to schedule availability.

LOSE YOURSELF IN SENTOSA SENSORYSCAPE It’s not easy to lose yourself in today’s hectic world, but that’s exactly what visitors are being invited to do at Sensoryscape, a unique immersive experience located on Sentosa that aims to provide an unforgettable and captivating experience for individuals of all ages.

Opening in the first quarter of 2024, the new, three-hectare park forms part of the local 'Sentosa 2030'

20

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

tourism development strategy. It extends from the island’s urban centre to the forests and beaches that run along the southern coastline, and in doing so transforms a former pedestrian artery into a ‘destination’ ecological experience. The new landscape engages all five of the human senses through attractions including ‘polyphonic water features’, mists, fragrant flowers, and uniquely scented plants.

@sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub

Life's Special Moments at Sentosa Golf Club Elevate your events at Sentosa Golf Club: Private parties, corporate functions, weddings—tailored experiences for unforgettable moments.

Connect with us to enhance your event experience today!

Cherry Cheung 8321 6055, Tini Sujak 6373 7141 / 9159 0114, Johari Samsuri 6279 1791 / 8817 2642

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

INSTRUCTION

MY PERFECT 14-CLUB SET SGC Head Professional Skye Neal reveals what goes into crafting the perfect lineup of clubs for peak performance

My playing style I like to be able to shape the ball both ways off the tee, so having a driver that I can shape on demand is critical. My default shot shape is a soft draw, so my clubs are set-up to minimize an exaggerated draw/hook.

Custom Fitting Club Competition You can only have 14 clubs in your bag, so each one should play a specific role.

If your 4 and 5-iron go the same distance, you’ve effectively ‘lost’ a club.

Ideally, you want the loft gaps to be as consistent as possible.

22

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

With the right clubhead, lofts, shafts, lie angle and grips for your golf swing, you’re more likely to get the most of your game. Spin rates, launch and land angles are essential to gauge playable shots.

There are all sorts of lessons you can take away from a custom fitting, which can improve your understanding of your swing. The length of the longer clubs is important. My fairway is a little shorter and my driver has a healthy amount of loft. Give the fitter as much information as possible about your game. In my opinion, you should look at where you are losing the most shots, so approach the fitting with your areas of weakness in mind. @sentosagolfclub

SentosaGolfClub

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

Driver Shaft length is crucial – it’s the key to hitting the ball out of the centre of the clubface consistently. A lot of golfers have a driver shaft that is too long for them. In general, get the shaft right in terms of length and weight and then you can be more aggressive with the head.

Woods I like smaller heads for my fairway and utility. It’s essential to like the look of the club you’re using. I often find students have hybrids and fairways that haven’t been fitted, which becomes obvious when they hit their hybrid further than their 3-fairway. A lot of golfers, especially those with less speed, should use more loft.

Once again, shaft length is key.

The longer it is, the harder it is to hit off multiple lies.

Irons I’m using a combination set of Titleist T150 (4-8) and Titleist MB (9&PW).

This gives me more forgiveness in the longer irons. I use the Tensei White AV Series shaft. The slighter thicker diameter gives me great awareness of the plane during the swing.

Wedges Your wedges are your scoring clubs. It’s important that they are fitted off the grass and in the sand, so you can see the interaction with the ground.

This way the correct grind and bounce can be selected. Here are my specs: PW=45°; GW= 50.12F; SW=54.08M (bent to 55 degrees) and LW=60.04L. A word of advice on wedges: make sure you clean your grooves. Secondly, typically you don’t want to be regripping wedges. If you need to, it’s time for a new one. Wedges need to be changed every 60 rounds or so.

Putter My Scotty Cameron has a decent amount of toe flow, which is perfect for my stroke. Once you get one that matches your forearm structure, the length is right and the toe flow matches what you’re trying to do with your path, keep it.

There’s nothing wrong with having a 20-year old putter in your bag if it works! Personally, I’m quite happy with my Scotty Cameron CT Timeless (34” 350g plays at D5 with a flange line).

Ball

I play the Titleist Pro V1; it gives me the best feel around the green and performs the best off the tee. A lot of club golfers believe they are too slow to compress a ProV1/ProV1x, but that is a myth. The Pro V1x is the highest launching, fastest ball that Titleist makes. Make sure you visit the National Fitting Centre at Sentosa Golf Club for a free Titleist ball fitting.

www.sentosagolf.com

23

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

18 Holes With…

BRAYDEN LEE In the latest issue of 18 Holes With…we sat down with our sponsored amateur, Brayden Lee, to discuss his golfing idol, major goals for 2024, and the one rule in golf he would change…

How did you get into playing golf?

My parents and I were in the car when we drove past the old Toa Payoh range. We were curious about the huge nets surrounding the range and decided to check it out.

Did you have a golfing idol growing up?

I’m sure I share the same golfing idol as many. The one and only, Tiger Woods.

What has been the best moment in your career so far?

Winning the Singapore National Amateur Championship this year or receiving the EFG/SGA scholarship.

What is your favourite hole on The Serapong?

The par 5 hole 4. The hole rewards players who dare try to attack the green heavily guarded by hazards and bunkers.

What are your key goals for 2024?

Breaking into the top 200 in the WAGR rankings and win multiple National Ranking Games / overseas tournaments.

What is your favourite golf course in the world?

The Serapong.

Who is the greatest golfer of all time?

Tiger Woods.

What is your favourite club in the bag?

The 7 iron as I feel like it is very versatile and can create many shots with it.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?

Overcoming an injury that put me out of action for at least 2 months. I also had to withdraw from a tournament that I was in contention for.

If you could only use one club for an entire round, which one would you choose?

My 4 iron. It is long enough to hit it in regulation, and I can use it as a putter too.

If you could play a round of golf with any one person, past or present, who would you choose?

Happy Gilmore or Tiger Woods.

Brayden Lee is one of Singapore’s most promising amateur golfers

24

sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

@sentosagolfclub

Do you have any superstitions when playing?

Numbered balls on the day of the tournament. i.e.playing a Titleist 2 ball on the 2nd day.

If you could have a ‘mulligan’ for any shot in your golfing history, which one would it be?

My 3rd shot on hole 15 during final day of the National Ranking Games in December. I hit it straight into the water and that cost me the entire tournament.

What one rule in golf would you change?

Preferred lie in roughs!

If you had to pick a walk-up song to the first tee, what would you pick?

20th Century Fox intro.

How would you describe Sentosa Golf Club in three words?

Scenic, enjoyable, comfortable.

What is your favourite thing about Singapore?

Family and friends.

If you could play one other sport professionally, what would it be?

Football. I’ve always enjoyed watching and playing it from a young age, as well as admiring plays made by world class teams like Arsenal.

SentosaGolfClub