GM’S MESSAGE
Dear Members,
As we reflect on another exceptional tournament season, the work of our Agronomy team shows no signs of slowing.
While the course may seem quieter after the final putt, our crew remains hard at work, ensuring it stays in peak condition year-round. From essential maintenance to continuous improvements, the team is committed to upholding the world-class standards Sentosa Golf Club is known for. I’d like to take this opportunity to share an update on several key projects currently underway to enhance both playability and aesthetics across the property.
A Note from Agronomy: Turning the Page, Not Slowing Down
As the echoes of another incredible tournament season fade, you might assume our golf course teams are finally catching their breath. In reality, there is no such thing as an ‘off-season’ for us. As soon as the final putt drops, our focus shifts immediately to the next chapter: recovery, restoration and continuous improvement.
This year, we have set ourselves an ambitious challenge.
To restore areas affected by the corporate hospitality build on both The Serapong and The Tanjong faster than ever before. Traditionally, this process has been long
and phased, but through improved logistics planning and exceptional teamwork, we accelerated our efforts significantly.
Rejuvenating the Practice Range
The surface has been meticulously cleaned and re-lasered to create a perfectly level base, essential for delivering consistent, high-quality playing conditions.
To restore the tee to premium standards, we have sourced Platinum Paspalum turfgrass directly from Georgia, USA. This advanced variety, bred for tropical and coastal climates, thrives in heat, salt, and shade while providing a tight, lush surface that recovers quickly from wear.
Instead of traditional sod, we’re sprigging the tee with stolons (turf runners) to promote deep root growth and long-term durability. Though it takes longer to establish, this method delivers a superior, longer-lasting result. At the same time, we’re grassing around The Tanjong Hole 12 tee box using the same approach, ensuring consistent turf quality across both practice and play areas.
Continued on page 3 >
GM Andrew Johnston
Aerial view of the fifth on The Serapong
GM’S MESSAGE
continued from page 1…
Tanjong Greens – The Story Beneath the Surface
Members may have noticed some scarring or thinning on a few greens at The Tanjong, caused by soil compaction after heavy foot traffic during major tournaments. Owing to persistent rainfall after LIV Golf Singapore, we missed a critical window to aerate the greens.
Coring is essential to relieve compaction, allowing oxygen to reach the roots and promote recovery. Without it, compacted soil restricts airflow, stressing the plant system and causing surface thinning.
Regular coring is vital to maintaining healthy greens. While it may cause short-term disruption, it’s essential for long-term turf health. Fortunately, recovery is already underway, and with favorable weather, we expect full rejuvenation soon.
Serapong Greens – A Return to Precision
On The Serapong, our team has been refining the greens, particularly the edges. Over time, collar grass has gradually encroached onto the putting surfaces, subtly altering their shape and affecting playability. This leads to inconsistent roll and speeds near the edges, as the invading grass differs from the TifEagle turf used on our greens.
To restore precision, we’ve launched a restoration programme, approximately six weeks per green, starting with selective removal of contaminated turf. These areas are then replaced with fresh TifEagle from our new turf nursery behind The Tanjong’s 15th green. This process preserves each green’s original design and ensures consistent performance across the entire surface, vital for a Championship-calibre layout like The Serapong.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward with these important projects, it is a clear reminder. Championship conditions don’t happen overnight. They demand year-round commitment.
From restoring turf after major events, to preparing new grass for lasting playability, to refining the tiniest details around every green, our team is all-in, every single day, to keep Sentosa at a world-class standard.
And finally, a big shoutout to the incredible team that keeps the Club running seamlessly. From Golf Reception, Starters, Marshals, and Teaching Professionals, to the Buggy Team, service teams at the Members’ Bar, Golfers’ Terrace, and on the Roaming Buggies – your hard work never goes unnoticed. Special thanks to Chef KK and his kitchen crew, our tireless Facilities and Housekeeping team, the back of house, and ever-reliable Security. You’re not just part of the Club. You are the Club, and we appreciate you more than words can say.
To our members and guests, thank you for your continued patience and support as we enhance the course. We’re excited for what lies ahead. Here’s to great golf, stronger turf, and an even better Sentosa experience on the horizon.
Warm regards,
Andrew Johnston
General Manager / Director of Agronomy / Resident
Golf Course Designer
GM Andrew Johnston
CONTENTS
GM’S MESSAGE
SCG General Manager, Andrew Johnston, reflects on a busy period which saw the Club successfully host two high-profile tournaments… 1&3.
MEMBER NEWS
Discover all the latest news from the Club including deserved recognition among our loyal team members… 7-9.
GOLF NEWS
Singapore youngster Lee crowned Champion at Royal Junior in Japan… 11.
LIV GOLF SINGAPORE
Chile’s Joaquin Niemann was the star of the show at The Serapong, with the Torque GC captain staying ahead of a starstudded field for an emphatic victory… 12-13.
A look back at a sensational tournament which saw Lydia Ko secure Asia’s Major with a dominant display at The Tanjong… 14-15.
HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Lydia Ko was full of praise for The Tanjong after finally securing ‘Asia’s Major’ on the “immaculate” course at Sentosa Golf Club… 16-17.
PROFILE OF A CHAMPION
SENTOSA'S STARS
Local youngster Shannon Tan is making her presence felt on course… 18.
INSTRUCTION
Unlock the key to good golf through optimal fitness… 22-23.
18 HOLES WITH…
Learn more about LIV Golf’s on-course analyst and proud Singaporean, Su-Ann Heng… 24.
An aerial view of Sentosa Golf Club’s clubhouse and driving range
MEMBER NEWS
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE
We are proud to recognize our outstanding staff – Jega, Tun Tun, and Johari – who were honored with the Excellent Service Award (EXSA) in January 2025. This prestigious national award, organized by the Association of Singapore Attractions (ASA) and Enterprise Singapore, celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional service. Their dedication and commitment to excellence reflect the high standards we uphold, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition!
NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTHS OF FEB & MAR 25
ORDINARY MEMBER
Mr Chua Chee Kheong
Mr He Guangxu
Mr Huang Timothy C
CORPORATE NOMINEE
Mr Chang Hojoon
Mr Jeon Ki Hyun
Mr Kang Kyungsik
Mr Kim Changup
Mr Lee Do Hyung
Mr Lee Sang Woo
Mr Ng Hong Liang
Mr Park Hyeok Sang
Mr Park Kyunghong
Mr Yasushi Miyachi
TERM MEMBER
Mdm Chen Fengyi Arianna
Mr Binayak Dutta
Mr Jeffery Jason Foote
Mr Hemant Bakshi
Mr Hiroaki Nishiyama
Mr Kim Yoonsang
Mr Kiyokazu Bando
Mr Lim Jung Gang
Mr Paul Sunghoon Lee
Mr Robert Kenneth Seakins
Mr Shim Taeyong
Mr Song Jihoon
Mr Sota Wakabayashi
LONG SERVICE AWARDS
Celebrating loyal team members at Sentosa Golf Club
A number of team members recently passed significant milestones at Sentosa Golf Club, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements. Their dedication and commitment over a number of years helps us to ensure the high standards we uphold, and we are delighted to congratulate them on their achievements.
ABDUL RAMAN BIN ASHAARI (Agronomy)
HASSAN BIN ABDULLAH (Corporate Services)
SITI SANIAH BTE ABDULLAH (Corporate Services)
AZMIN BIN MUSTAPHA (Corporate Services)
NOOR HIDAYAH BINTE HAMDAN (Corporate Servcies) JUSTINUS GASIN (Agronomy) SEE MEI XUE MICHELLE (Admin) THYAGARAJAN A/L SAMUGAM (Agronomy)
ANTHONY DASS A/L CHELVAM (Food & Beverage)
HOOI CHOUN KHUEN & MURUGIAH A/L KANNAN (Agronomy)
CLARENCE MICHAEL & DALTON MICHAEL (Golfing)
MAHYAD ALI BIN JAFFAR & ABDUL RAZAK BIN HUSIN (Golfing)
Love, Lush & Elegance
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Free-flow of beer during the wedding for up to three (3) hours
Free-flow of soft drinks (Coke & Sprite), nuts, and chips during the cocktail reception.
Six (6) bottles of house wine* to be served during the wedding.
Waiver of corkage for all sealed and duty-paid wines and hard liquor brought in
Three (3) complimentary trays of butler-passed canapés^ (30 pieces per tray)
*Terms and conditions apply.
GENERAL GOLF NEWS
LEISHMAN DOUBLES UP IN MIAMI
Marc Leishman finally claimed his maiden individual win at LIV Golf Miami after posting the only bogey-free round at Trump National Doral. Leishman shot a 68 for a six-under total, one better than Stinger GC’s Charl Schwartzel with Fireballs GC captain Sergio Garcia another stroke back in solo third. The Australian was also part of the victorious Ripper GC team success – the quartet of Cam Smith, Lucas Herbert, Matt Jones and Leishman posting a four-over total which demonstrated the tough nature of the Blue Monster layout.
LEE CROWNED CHAMPION AT THE ROYAL JUNIOR
Singapore national squad member Brayden Lee secured a superb first tournament win of the season, wrapping up The Royal Junior Boys’ Division title at The Royal Golf Club in Hokota, Ibaraki, Japan by a single shot. The 17-year-old held his nerve to fire an even-par 72 on the final day for a three-round, one-overpar total of 217, edging out Thailand’s Parin Sarasmut in the prestigious tournament which took place from 1820 April. Lee, who finished T8 in 2024, said: “It’s great to win the Royal Junior this year. This is my first win in 2025, and hopefully it will give me the experience and confidence to have a good year. Playing against the top few amateurs from Japan and Asia-Pacific is always a pleasure.”
ORTIZ, REED AND KOKRAK BOOK OPEN SPOTS
Carlos Ortiz picked up his second win on the Asian Tour after a closing 64 gave him a three-shot victory at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn. The Mexican finished on an impressive 25-under to also book his place at The Open in July with runnerup Patrick Reed and third-placed Jason Kokrak also qualifying for Royal Portrush. Sergio Garcia missed a three-foot birdie putt on the last. If it had dropped, he would have secured a spot at The Open due to his higher world ranking over Kokrak.
Photo Credit: LIV Golf
Photo Credit: Asian Tour
Niemann blows the field away at Sentosa
Joaquin Niemann underlined his credentials as one of the world's best players with a dominant five-shot win at LIV Golf Singapore. The 26-yearold Chilean dropped just one shot in 54 holes to finish on 17-under, with Brooks Koepka in a distant second place - the American now has a first, second and third-place finishes at Sentosa having won the event in 2024.
But Niemann, who began the final round in a tie with Dustin Johnson, was the only player not to drop a shot in the final round as he moved to the top of the Individual Champion standings with his second victory in three starts. The leader here on 19 May will receive a full exemption for the US Open at Oakmont, becoming the first Major to provide a direct pathway through LIV Golf performance.
Niemann admitted that there were a few pre-round nerves on Sunday but that he was proud of being able to stand up to the test that The Serapong would present.
"I felt like I had a few situations where I could have felt a little bit more anxious. That tee shot on No. 3 is a really scary tee shot. It may look easy but inside I was nervous. I was afraid of missing that tee shot and getting in trouble," the now four-time winner on LIV Golf explained.
"Then you look to No. 5 where I hit it in the bunker. It could have gone either way, and I ended up hitting a great bunker shot, made a four and was able to make three birdies in a row. It's all about momentum and I was able to get that momentum at the beginning of the year, which really helped me to maybe look in control but to just find my way on those few holes."
"I felt like I had a few situations where I could have felt a little bit more anxious. That tee shot on No. 3 is a really scary tee shot. It may look easy but inside I was nervous."
Joaquin Niemann
For Johnson he would slip to a closing two-over 73 to finish in a tie for fifth.
Sergio Garcia was under the weather for much of the week but he was still able to help his Fireballs GC team to a third straight team title. The Spaniard, who was struggling with bronchitis and had a fever of 102.4 on the eve of the
tournament, got it round in level par thanks to two late birdies and scores of David Puig (66), Luis Masaveu (68) and Abraham Ancer (69) tied the lowest team score of the day and overturned an eight-shot deficit.
Puig now has eight team wins, four with Niemann’s Torque GC in 2023 and now four with Fireballs GC.
The Fireballs were second in the first two stagings of LIV Golf Singapore but this time they were able to make it to the top of the podium.
"We had a team dinner on Saturday night that was really good and we just talked about that we needed to just play our game. It's a course that rewards ball strikers and I feel like we
have really good ball strikers. Sergio has probably been one of the ball best strikers in the world for a long time, Puig hits the ball a mile and he's very good with his hands so he can't miss, then Luis has got so much talent, hits the ball amazingly and has a lot of heart, and he truly cares and wants to help the team," added Ancer.
Another nice little side note was that Jon Rahm shot a 67 on Sunday to make it a recordbreaking 21st consecutive LIV Golf round under par and edging clear of Bryson DeChambeau. The Spaniard has also now finished inside the top 10 in every LIV Golf event that he’s finished.
315.6
Jon Rahm posted his 21st consecutive under-par round to finish T5
Fireballs GC celebrate a third consecutive team title
Jubilant Niemann is congratulated by his Torque GC team-mates
Photo
LYDIA LANDS KNOCKOUT BLOW IN ASIA’S MAJOR
This was Lydia Ko’s 11th visit to Sentosa and she finally made it a victorious one as she closed out the HSBC Women’s World Championship title in style. The 27-year-old claimed her 23rd LPGA win, 12 and a half years after her first, with a four-shot victory over Ayaka Furue and Jeeno Thitikul. Charley Hull finished in a share of fourth, along with last year’s Champion Hannah Green, and the victory moved Ko into second place on the Career Money List, ahead of Karrie Webb but still behind Annika Sorenstam.
Ko has knocked on the door at Sentosa on several occasions, twice before she has teed off in the final group, and on the Saturday night she admitted that she had dreamt that she had got over the line, only to wake up with one round to play. That round would include a hat-trick of birdies from the 6th and a fifth at the 15th where she holed a ridiculous putt from the top tier.
“There were a lot of people (here) and I
rode all the support they were giving me. I had some really poor rounds out here too (in the past). So I knew that I know the golf course really well, and I think that played into my favour; that I've been there and done that. So it didn't feel like a completely new experience, explained the 2024 Olympic gold medalist and Women’s Open Champion.
“It's nerve-wracking but it's also exciting. It's not every week we get to contend, and obviously our goal is to be in contention more and more often. I think the more times you do that, it's obviously going to happen at some point. To win this early in the season is great, I knew that I was going to have a fun day, and there was going to be a lot of good golf regardless of whether I was going to win or not.”
To add to the memorable week over The Tanjong Course there were two local players in the field. Chen Xingtong is still only 16 and she would gain some invaluable experience playing alongside the best players in the world having led the national qualifiers for
To win this early in the season is great, I knew that I was going to have a fun day, and there was going to be a lot of good golf regardless of whether I was going to win or not.
Lydia Ko
KO’S WINNING JEWELLERY
A special perk of becoming the Champion at Sentosa is that the winner also receives a bespoke orchid necklace, courtesy of HSBC and RISIS.
“The necklace is part of the history here. Obviously there's been so many amazing winners. You can kind of see on the steps when you come up to the clubhouse, and to kind of add my name on to that is very special. This necklace is part of this event and it’s obviously a very memorable piece. I'm not known to be the most stylish person. So it's a little bit of flair but I'm just grateful for this amazing opportunity.”
the second year in a row.
Also in the 66-player field was Shannon Tan who would finish the four rounds on a very respectable level par and in a tie for 34th place, a superb effort particularly given this was her first start on the LPGA Tour.
"This was a dream come true, really. When I was a volunteer, when I was a kid walking it, I always wanted to be playing inside the ropes and to finally be able to do it eight years after I volunteered was a dream come true. It's always been my favourite event and always will be," added Tan.
In terms of what she could take away from mixing it with the best players there were lots of lessons and lots of positives, both for Tan and for golf in Singapore.
"I've played The Open and the Olympics so I've seen how they play and I feel like there's some parts of my game have improved. But there are also some things in my game lagging, like my wedge game. I think that's one of of the biggest things I can improve on. But I would say short game I've improved a lot since then. I was up in the top 20 on Saturday so that sort of shows that my standard is somewhat there but there's still of course things to improve on.
"I would say in the last few years the standard of Singapore golf has gotten better. Hiroshi (Tai) teed it up in The Masters and, as a whole, you get to see a lot more junior golfers out there picking up the game."
Ayaka Furue of Japan finished T2, four shots back
Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand secured a T2 finish
Charley Hull of England finished T4 on The Tanjong
Lydia Ko receives the Champion’s necklace from HSBC CEO Wong Kee Joo
CHAMPION IN FOCUS
Lydia KO
When you come to the same tournament, the same kind of venue, you get to know the people here. I have made some great friendships.
Lydia Ko
Lydia Ko was full of praise for The Tanjong after finally securing her first ever HSBC Women’s Championship title on the “immaculate” course at Sentosa Golf Club.
The New Zealander wrapped up her first win in 11 attempts, and reflecting on the course, she said: “It is honestly one of the most consistent courses we play with regard to the conditions.
“The greens tend to get firmer throughout the week just because of the heat and the wind. But the course is always in immaculate conditions, and it has been that way since we played both courses.
“You know what you get here, and it is not like you come and you are not sure if you are going to have firmer greens or softer, muddy fairways. It
is really consistent. In that sense, it is easier to prepare because you have already played it in similar conditions.”
The Olympic Champion and three-time Major winner highlighted the efforts made by the team at Sentosa, after wrapping up victory in a tournament known by many as “Asia’s major”. She said: “The greenskeepers and the whole team here do an amazing job. When practicing in the morning, we see all of them in their mowing carts just driving by.
“It doesn't take just a handful of people to make the course in this kind of condition. It is the whole team and what they to throughout the year to make it look good for this one week. I would guess that if I came here six weeks or six months later, the course is probably going to be very similar to this. So as players, we are grateful to be able to play these championshipstyle golf courses in good conditions.”
Ko was also quick to praise the Sentosa Golf Club patrons as well as the staff, for the incredible atmosphere created at the event year in, year out.
She said: “When you come to the same tournament, the same kind of venue, you get to know the people here. I have made some great friendships.
“Some of the junior girls that always come with signs with my name on it, they truly make it very memorable. Sometimes I have had good weeks out here, and sometimes I haven't played so well. But regardless of whether I am teeing off No. 1 or No. 10 or what time, they are always there for me.
“I think that has been the special thing about this event, and obviously this one is called Asia's Major, to add this to my major collection is cool. Overall it is just a fun week.”
Shannon shines in early season
It has been an eventful first four months of the year for Shannon Tan, with the talented Singapore youngster continuing to produce the impressive form she has consistently shown since turning professional last year.
Shannon got the season off to a flying start with a third-place finish in the Lalla Meryem Cup on the Ladies European Tour in Morocco.
Shannon led going into the final round on the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam’s testing Blue Course but ultimately missed out on a playoff by one shot with an eight-under total, a single stroke behind eventual Champion Cara Gainer of England and Diksha Dagar of India in Rabat.
In a hectic run of tournaments, Shannon secured a T39 at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, a T34 at the HSBC Women’s World Championship on The Tanjong and a T31 at the Australian Women's Classic.
An impressive T11 at the Ford Women's NSW Open moved her into the top 100 of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings for the first time ever.
Shannon, who turned 21 on 9 April, then posted a T39 a the Joburg Women’s Open, and despite a surprise missed cut at the Investec SA Women’s Open at Erinvale Country and Golf Estate the following week, she is sitting well placed at 13th in the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit after a solid start to the season.
Sentosa Golf Club is proud to sponsor Shannon and support her rise in the professional game.
ENDLESS DISCOVERIES
with 60 experiences for SG60
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Tipsy Unicorn Siloso Beach
Book a 60-minute spa session and receive a $50 spa credit voucher (weekday redemption) + a spa gift (U.P $210)
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Watermelon “Sashimi”
Black radish | Ice Plant | Oyster leaf
Our interpretation of sashimi. By using watermelon, we slow bake it overnight to evaporate the moisture and also intensify the flavour. We season the dish with organic product with flavours of umami like ice plant and oyster leaf.
INGREDIENTS
Watermelon “Sashimi”
• 1 whole Watermelon
• 10gm – Sugar
Black Radish
• 500gm – Vinegar
• 200gm – Sugar
• 10gm – Black Peppercorn
10gm – Ice Plant
10gm – Oyster Leaf
DIRECTIONS
1. Season the watermelon with 10gm of sugar and bake it in an oven at 120 degrees for 8 hours.
2. Using a mixing bowl, mix 500gm of vinegar, 200gm of sugar and 10gm of black peppercorn.
3. Using a slicer, slice black radish into a thickness of 2mm.
4. Pour the mixture of vinegar into the black radish and let it set in a fridge overnight
5. When the watermelon is done and out of the oven, let it cool down and slice the watermelon like slicing a salmon sashimi.
6. Plate the watermelon, radish together with ice plant and oyster leaf.
INSTRUCTION
HOW TO STAY IN PEAK SHAPE
IN HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS FOR YOUR GAME
Here’s what you can do to keep yourself feeling fit and energised in the heat, both on and off the golf course
Playing golf in the heat and humidity, as we know very well, leads to muscle fatigue. This game is hard enough, but it gets especially demanding, both physically and mentally, in these kinds of conditions. However, there are some simple ways for golfers to train their bodies in order to stay in good shape, without necessarily spending hours in the gym.
One of the best ways to calm the muscles down after spending time in the heat is to add some restorative mobility exercises to your daily schedule. Just spending five to ten minutes a day on this can be transformative. This aim here isn’t so much about improving mobility and flexibility, but restoring range of motion after the muscles have become fatigued and stressed in the heat.
The lat muscles (our sides) get particularly fatigued when we play golf, so getting some length through here and through the spine will restore these tissues. One exercise that can help with this is called ‘Child’s pose’, which involves getting into the all fours position and stretching the hands out to your sides. ‘Half kneeling drifts’ and ‘Open books’ are also well worth adding to your routine.
Muscular endurance is a big factor when we play golf in the heat. A lot of us will feel our muscles feeling tired at the turn, which is something we can work on. Squats are a simple exercise that you can do at home without huge weights. Your focus should be high volume sets with lower weights (you can hold a rucksack or something similar). Aim for three sets of 15-20 reps with 60 seconds between each set.
Golfers keen to focus on training for maximum force production should do more like four sets of three three reps, with two to three minutes rest in between sets. So, you can use the same basic squat but tweak the training according to what you are trying to achieve. Most club golfers would benefit more from improving their muscular endurance, especially when you consider the heat we’ll often play in in this part of the world.
In terms of overall conditioning, looking at the research you will find that golf doesn’t put a massive stress on the body, although this does depend on the individual. That said, basic conditioning is helpful for our general health and wellbeing.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a bit of a fashion, with the basic theory that you can get super fit with four-minute bursts. You might find this has helped your golf fitness, or you might have a personal trainer who doesn't subscribe to this theory. Some experts would argue that you’re going to get more out of 40 minutes on a bike compared to four minutes of explosive work!
The bottom line is that it would be beneficial to get a base level of conditioning. If you were playing golf somewhere like the UK, you might not notice the difference, but in the extreme heat you probably would.
TOP TIPS FOR GOLF/EXERCISING IN THE HEAT
Cognitive performance is affected by dehydration. We only have to be one or two per cent dehydrated for it to start affecting our mental performance – and that can lead to some silly errors on the course, especially towards the end of a round.
Exercise early morning and late evening outside of peak temperatures
Energy gels and protein shakes are good to take on when you don’t feel like eating – they’re high calorie and easy to eat
Add hydration tablets to your water, as water alone doesn’t contain the electrolytes your body needs
Make your own drinks as some over-the-counter products are not as effective
Use a cold towel across your shoulders to keep your body cool
A cold shower after golf can help to calm the nervous system down
Add Epsom salts to a cool bath
18 Holes With…
SU-ANN HENG
In the latest segment of 18 Holes With… we sat down with Su-Ann Heng, a proud Singaporean and LIV Golf's on-course analyst, to discuss her career path, favourite players and advice for budding young golfers.
How did you get into golf?
It was through my parents, we started when I was young as something we could do together outdoors in Singapore, and we had the perfect fourball with Mum, Dad, me and my brother. Did you have an idol growing up?
Obviously Tiger was someone who had a huge influence over my entire generation. Phil Mickelson too.
What was the best moment in your playing career?
Representing my country and competing alongside fellow Singapore athletes on the international stage.
How does the new career in on course analysis compare to playing?
It is obviously different but I love it, because I get to spend time with the best players in the world, being around a sport and talking about a sport I love.
Who are your heroes behind the mic?
The Masters was such a huge deal growing up, so Jim Nantz had a big impact on me. Cara Banks is also someone I really admire.
Which players on LIV Golf stand out to you at the moment?
Joaco Niemann is incredible, but I would mention David
Puig of Fireballs GC. A real talent with two top fours and a top six in three of his first four events.
Any players you enjoy talking to about the game in particular?
It is always fascinating talking to Bryson. Whether I understand what he says is another thing! Paul Casey and Cam Smith are also great.
Did you see the Su-Ann Heng fans out on the course at LIV Golf Singapore, and how did that make you feel?
I am not good with compliments but it is really cool to get that support when you are doing something you love.
Having worked at LIV Golf Singapore, what makes The Serapong such a great championship course?
It demands precision and for many aspects of your game to be on point, it is a great ball striker’s course.
Do you have a favourite hole?
It has got to be 18, such an iconic hole and a par five where there are opportunities to go for it. What is your favourite golf course in the world?
Probably Pebble Beach or Torrey Pines for an oceanloving coastal girl like me!
If you could play a round of golf with any person, who would you choose?
Justin Timberlake, Tom Brady and Bill Gates. That’s a four ball!
Who is the greatest golfer of all time?
I know it is between Tiger and Jack, but I can’t pick one. Going by majors it is Jack and by impact it's Tiger.
What advice would you give young golfers?
If I was talking to my younger self I would say enjoy all of it. Embrace all of life’s colours, that’s something I read in one of my kid’s books and it really stuck with me – I have the tattoo!
What is your favourite club in the bag?
My driver right now. Because it is behaving!
How would you describe Sentosa Golf Club in three words?
Pristine. Strategic. Beautiful.
What is your favourite thing about Singapore?
It has the heritage and such a depth of culture, it’s unique mixture makes me so proud.
If you could play one other sport professionally, what would it be?
Tennis. I played it once I was much older, but when I started golf at eight, there was not much room for anything else!
Su-Ann interviewing Joaquin Niemann
