November-December 2009
9th AGM Well Attended Three New Reciprocal Clubs Golf: A Mental GamE
RCC Lake Course Hole 2
CONTENTS 03
Food & Beverage President’s Message
Club News
04 06
Specials At Golfers’ Terrace Shanshui Palace Restaurant Promotion
9th Annual General Meeting 2009
New Lady Captain appointed Access agreement with Jurong Country Club suspended
Calendar of Events
Change of buggy parking at Lake 4 Crocodiles spotted at Palm
Reciprocal Club
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09
10 12 14 15 16 17
Chen Liang Yi Wins Mercedes Trophy Asian Final
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Calendar of Events
28 30
Pantai Mentiri Golf Club
August Monthly Medals September Monthly Medals
Tiger Medals 2009
National Day Competition 2009
Coming Up Aces
Ladies Rosebowl Competition 2009 Men’s Senior Medals 2009 Ladies’ Evergreen Medals 2009
18 20
Table of Reciprocal & Affiliated Clubs
22 23
Social & Recreation
31
Quick Quiz
Instruction
32 33
Welcoming New Members
Golf Fixtures Hellos and Goodbyes
Annual Staff Day
Lifestyle
34
Playing Palm 13
The Mental Game of Golf
Reminisces
36
Seen At The Club
On The Cover
RCC member making a point at the 9th AGM on September 18, 2009
Chairman
Lee Ek Tieng Deputy Chairman
Soo Kok Leng
Committees General Committee
Kee Sue Gee, President Lek Seow Yam, Vice-President Tan Chin Huat, Captain Yap Giau Peck, Treasurer Peter Tan P K, Secretary Charles Lim A C, Member John Tan K S, Member Kay Kong Swan, Member Perry Kwek K L, Member Ven Sreenivasan, Member
Golfing Sub-Committee Tan Chin Huat, Captain Kay Kong Swan, Vice-Captain Peggy Ang, Lady Captain Henry Chiam, Member Hoong Bee Lok, Member Kelvin Mok Siew Kit, Member Lawrence Lee, Member Mark Higgs, Member Sng Cheng Kang, Member Tan Cheng Hai, Member
House & Recreation Sub-Committee Lek Seow Yam, Chairman Perry Kwek Khin Lian, Vice-Chairman Henry Ho Kok Wai, Member Aurora Regacho, Member Ong Ho Kiat, Member Kelvin Tan Lip Kwang, Member
Handicap Sub-Committee
Kay Kong Swan, Chairman Peggy Ang, Member Mark Higgs, Member Lawrence Lee Beng Teck, Member
Corporate & Communications Sub-Committee Peter Tan P K, Chairman John Tan Kheen Seng, Co-Chairman Ven Sreenivasan, Member Edmond Ang Eng Huat, Member Paul Nalliah Jacob, Member
Golfing Wing Upgrading Adhoc Committee
Yap Giau Peck, Chairman Ho Chye Hoi, Member Quek Eng Chye, Member
Kee Sue Gee, Chairman Hoong Bee Lok, Vice-Chairman Lek Seow Yam, Member Lau See Kiat, Member Loo Boon Kang, Member Ong Thiam Huat, Member
Audit Committee
Disciplinary Committee
Finance Sub-Committee
Charles Lim Aeng Cheng, Chairman Tan Hong Bak, Member Stanley Tien Lee, Member
Lek Seow Yam, Chairman Paul Singh, Member Seng Kwang Boon, Member
President’s MESSAGE
President’s Message Some members have enquired about the status of the Clubhouse upgrading. As mentioned in our Annual Report, the delay has been mainly due to cost considerations. We had hoped that in 2009, the construction cost would be substantially lower due to the economic downturn. However, the reduction in construction cost was not as we anticipated. This has necessitated a reduction in the scope of works and the downsizing of certain areas. Companies tendering will be asked to review their submissions and submit new proposals. If we are able to achieve our objective of securing reasonable cost, construction could possibly start by the end of 2009. Our Club’s Annual General Meeting for 2009 was held on September 18. A total of 109 members attended the AGM and as the number exceeded the quorum, the meeting commenced at the scheduled time (7.30 pm). I would like to thank all members for taking time off from their busy schedules to attend this meeting. At the AGM, the issue of corporate bookings was raised. Members were unclear or not even aware of the existence of such a privilege. Some members at the meeting proposed certain conditions with regards to this booking and these were accepted by the General Committee. The General Committee at its monthly meetings will discuss and decide on the conditions and criteria for such bookings. Once this is decided, it will be published in the Club’s newsletter, so that all members are aware of it and can make use of this privilege. I would like to thank all members who had served in the various Committees and Sub-Committees in the last term of 12 months. Many Sub-Committee members have also volunteered to continue serving and I thank you for this, plus I would like to welcome these members who have decided to serve in the new term. The festive season is around the corner and I would like to wish all good health and good tidings as we enter the last few months of 2009. DR KEE SUE GEE President
RCC Lake Course Hole 2
3
CLUB NEWS
9th Annual General Meeting Raffles Country Club held its 9th Annual General Meeting on Friday, September 18.
A total of 109 members were present and the AGM kicked off promptly at 7.30 pm. Club Treasurer Yap Giau Peck reported that the Club ended the year with a net surplus of about $220,000. This was attributed to the Budget initiatives earlier in the year by the Singapore government. The government’s contribution from the Jobs Credit scheme amounted to $180,000, while the Club also received a property tax rebate amounting to about $161,000. The Club’s Budget for FY2009/2010 was also presented. Operating revenue was expected to remain at about $10 million, with subscriptions forming about one-third of the total. Subscription income would be higher at $4.1 million, as the $20 increase would have a full year impact in the next financial year. The rest of the operating revenue remained largely unchanged, Mr Yap said. Several issues were raised by members when the AGM was opened to the floor, including matters related to non-golfing facilities in the Club as well as conditions of the greens on the two golf courses. Clarity was also sought on corporate bookings of flights on weekends. Subject to a booking fee of $80, corporate bookings allow members to book flights in advance in order to entertain their clients. Further, a request was also made for an update on the status of Corporate Social memberships, but this was only expected after the Club’s upgrading project is completed as some recreational facilities would be affected by the project. After a vibrant discussion in which many members contributed with their valuable insights, the AGM ended at 8.50 pm.
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CLUB NEWS
5
CLUB NEWS
New Lady Captain appointed
Previous Lady Captain Ms May Mak
New Lady Captain Ms Peggy Ang
Our previous Lady Captain, Ms May Mak has decided to step down for personal reasons and the Club has appointed Ms Peggy Ang as Lady Captain, effective from October 1, 2009. We would like to thank May for her hard work and dedication as Lady Captain. She has helped to raise the profile of Ladies golf in the Club. Under May’s watch, the Club took the B Division title in the SLGA Inter-Club League 2009 and was competitive in the other divisions. We wish her all the best and hope to see her at the Club in future.
As May steps down from her post, we would like to welcome Peggy and wish her all the best in her appointment as Lady Captain. We are sure that she will carry on the good work of May and hopefully take things further to ensure that the ladies play a prominent role in nurturing the future of the Club.
Access agreement with Jurong Country Club suspended RCC management would like to inform members that, in view of the Golfing Wing Upgrading Project, the General Committee has decided to suspend the Access Agreement with Jurong Country Club until further notice. The suspension will take effect from Tuesday, December 1, 2009. This will mean that members of both clubs will no longer be given the discounted green fee rates provided under the agreement. RCC Members who wish to play at Jurong Country Club on or after the effective date are required to make their own arrangements.
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CLUB NEWS
7
CLUB NEWS
Change of buggy parking at Lake 4
Hole 4 of the Lake Course has become a problematic hole and it’s nothing to do with the fact that it’s the index 1 hole. We are referring to a different problem – dangerous play. We are hearing an increasing number of complaints about dangerous play from this hole. This seems strange as the hole itself is flat and golfers can clearly see the golfers in the group ahead. But most of the dangerous play occurs on the approach shot to the green. More often shots are played when the golfers in front are within range. This could be because the golfers in front are slow in driving off or the golfers behind are too impatient. Whatever it is, golfers must not play their shots when golfers in front are within range. Golfers’ safety is of utmost importance to the Club. To minimise this problem, the Club has designated buggy parking areas at the back of the green (see graphic). Unfortunately, golfers still park their buggies at the old parking bays at the left-hand side of the green.
The Club has now physically removed the old parking bays and constructed a new one behind the green. For your own safety, please park behind the green. A little extra walking is better than getting hit by a golf ball.
Crocodiles spotted at Palm RCC management would also like to inform members that crocodiles have been spotted at the ponds of Palm Course. Golfers are advised to exercise caution on the golf courses. Golfers should not go to the edge of the ponds nor attempt to retrieve golf balls from the ponds. Thank you for your cooperation.
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CLUB NEWS
Chen Liang Yi Wins Mercedes Trophy Asian Final Raffles Country Club member Chen Liang Yi won the Mercedes Trophy Asian Final in August. It was played in Queensland, Australia. Competing under a Stableford format over two days, Liang Yi amassed 82 points – 42 points on the first day and 40 points on the second day. She pipped Ms Buachun Wongsa of Thailand by one Stableford point. Liang Yi played off a handicap of 12.0 during the tournament while Ms Buachun played off 9.0. In third place was Madam Thoo Lee Wah from Malaysia with 76 Stableford points, playing off a handicap of 15.0. In the Men’s event, seasoned RCC competition winner, Teo Keow Seng finished a creditable fourth on countback. The competition was fierce with all 18 competitors in the field having handicaps of 8.0 or below. Playing off a handicap of 6.0, Keow Seng amassed 67 Stableford points over two days – 32 points on the first day and 35 points on the second day. He finished narrowly behind Mr Rafael Raymundo of the Philippines who accumulated 68 Stableford points. The top two finishers were from Taiwan – Mr Pai Ming Yi accumulated 72 points to finish first while his compatriot Mr Peng Jui Ho, finished second with 69 points. Teo Keow
Seng
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CLUB NEWS
August Monthly Medals The August Monthly medals were held at the Palm Course on August 1 and played under the Stableford format. The Men’s A Division competition was won by Pak Hong Kong, who amassed 41 points. Mark Oh finished as 1st runner-up, three points behind on 39 points, while Raymond Ng was 2nd runner-up a further three points behind on 36 points.
The Men’s B Division competition, which was played on the same day at the Palm Course, was very close with the top three players within two Stableford points of each other. James Tan KH topped the competition. He scored 43 points, edging out Francis Low and Patrick Low who both finished with 41 points. Francis took the 1st runner-up position on countback.
Men’s A Division
Pak Hong Kong
Best
Runner-up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
Pak Hong Kong
Mark Oh
Raymond Ng
Stableford Points
41
39
36
Handicap
9.2
9.6
10.9
Best
Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
James Tan K.H
Francis Low
Patrick Low
Stableford Points
43
41
41
Handicap
14.9
16.2
15.9
Men’s B Division
James Tan K H
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CLUB NEWS
The Men’s C Division competition was also held on August 1, but played on the Lake Course. The winner was Robert Liu who amassed 41 Stableford points. He finished three points clear of 1st runner-up Teo Kian Tong, who finished with 38 points. William Tay took the 2nd runner-up position a further point back with 37 points.
Men’s C Division
Robert Liu
Best
Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
Robert Liu
Teo Kian Tong
William Tay
Stableford Points
41
38
37
Handicap
21.6
19.8
22.0
Ladies A Division
Sharon Leong
Best
Runner-Up
Player
Sharon Leong
Elvina Wong
Stableford Points
33 (ocb)
33
Handicap
15.7
10.6
On the same day at the Lake Course, the ladies battled it out for the August monthly medal. The Ladies competitions were also played under the Stableford format. The Ladies A Division turned out to be a very close affair with Sharon Leong winning on countback from Elvina Wong. Both players accumulated 33 points. In the Ladies B Division competition, Lee Yuke Lan hit 37 points to finish as the winner. Runner-up Sally Kwek was two points behind with 35 points.
Ladies B Division
Lee Yuke Lan
Best
Runner-Up
Player
Lee Yuke Lan
Sally Kwek
Stableford Points
37
35
Handicap
19.8
23.5
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CLUB NEWS
September Monthly Medals The September Monthly medals were held on the Lake Course on September 5 and played under the Stableford format. The Men’s A Division competition was won by Ronald Pereira who amassed 42 points. He finished one point clear of Wang Hwee San who finished 1st runnerup with 41 points. Goh Leng Khiang finished 2nd runnerup a further two points behind on 39 points.
The Men’s B Division competition, which was played on the same day on the Lake Course, was won by Tan Song Mong with 38 points. Club Captain Tan Chin Huat finished 1st runner-up, three points behind with 35 points. A further point behind on 34 points was Dennis Ng. He finished 2nd runner-up on countback.
Men’s A Division
Ronald Pereira
Best
Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
Ronald Pereira
Wang Hwee San
Goh Leng Khiang
Stableford Points
42
41
39
Handicap
5.0
5.8
8.3
Best
Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
Tan Song Mong
Tan Chin Huat
Dennis Ng
Stableford Points
38
35
34 (ocb)
Handicap
13.2
12.6
12.8
Men’s B Division
Tan Song Mong
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CLUB NEWS
The Men’s C Division competition was held a week later on September 12. It was played on the Palm Course, under the Stableford format. It turned to be a very close competition with S Sivananthan winning on countback from Robert Liu, who had won the August Monthly Medal for his division. Both players accumulated 35 Stableford points on the day.
Men’s C Division
S. Sivananthan
Best
Runner-Up
Player
S. Sivananthan
Robert Liu
Stableford Points
35 (ocb)
35
Handicap
20.0
21.2
Ladies A Division
Shirley Tan
Best
Runner-Up
Player
Shirley Tan
Jennifer Tan
Stableford Points
40 (ocb)
40
Handicap
11.4
13.2
On the same day at the Palm Course, the ladies battled it out for their September monthly medals, also under the Stableford format. Like the Men’s C Division competition, both Ladies competitions were very closely-run affairs and the top two had to be separated on countback. The Ladies A Division was won by Shirley Tan who amassed 40 points. She pipped Jennifer Tan on countback. In the Ladies B Division, Lim Boon Eng and Sonia Liu both finished with 39 points, but Boon Eng took top place on countback.
Ladies B Division Lim Boon Eng
Best
Runner-Up
Player
Lim Boon Eng
Sonia Liu
Stableford Points
39 (ocb)
39
Handicap
23.0
24.1
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CLUB NEWS
Tiger Medals 2009 The Tiger Medals competition was held at the Lake Course on August 1 and played under the Stableford format. The Ladies Division was won by Lee Yuke Lan, who finished with 37 Stableford points, two points clear of 1st runner up Sally Kwek. Sharon Leong was 2nd runner-up a further two points behind with 33 Stableford points. The Men’s A Division was won by Pak Hong Kong with 41 points. He finished two points clear of 1st runner-up Mark Oh, who garnered 39 points. The 2nd runner-up
Men’s A Division
Pak Hong Kong
position went to Raymond Ng who amassed 36 points. In the Men’s B Division, James Tan KH finished as the winner with 43 Stableford points. The next two places were closely fought with Francis Low and Patrick Low level on 41 Stableford points. Francis grabbed the 1st runner-up spot on countback. Robert Liu won the Men’s C Division title with 41 Stableford points. He finished three points clear of Teo Kian Tong who garnered 38 points. The 2nd runner-up spot was taken by William Tay who was a further one point behind on 37 Stableford points.
Best
Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
Pak Hong Kong
Mark Oh
Raymond Ng
Stableford Points
41 Pts
39 Pts
36 Pts
Handicap
9.2
9.6
10.9
Best
Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
James Tan K.H
Francis Low
Patrick Low
Stableford Points
43 Pts
41 Pts (ocb)
41 Pts
Handicap
14.9
16.2
15.9
Best
Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
Robert Liu
Teo Kian Tong
William Tay
Stableford Points
41 Pts
38 Pts
37 Pts
Handicap
21.6
19.8
22.0
Best
Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
Lee Yuke Lan
Sally Kwek
Sharon Leong
Stableford Points
37 Pts
35 Pts
33 Pts
Handicap
19.8
23.5
15.7
Men’s B Division Francis Low
Men’s C Division Robert Liu
Sally Kwek
Sharon Leong
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Ladies Division
CLUB NEWS
National Day Competition 2009 The National Day Competition was held on August 9 and played on the Lake Course. The Stableford format was again used to determine the winners. Both the Men’s and Ladies’ Competitions were closely run with only a handful of points separating the top players. In the Men’s Division, the winner was Joseph Lim, who amassed 45 Stableford points, playing off a handicap of 16.3. He finished one point clear of WS Chiang, who hit 44 points off a handicap of 16.4. The next three players finished within one point of each other. Michael Low took the 2nd runner-up place with 41 points while Lim Lian Huat took the 3rd runner-up spot on countback when he finished level on 40 points with Ong Ah Whatt.
Ko Seok Ha took the Ladies title amassing 43 Stableford points. She finished two points clear of first runner-up Annie Ong. A further three points behind in the 2nd runner-up position was Caroline Wee, who scored 38 Stableford points. She finished a point clear of Nelly Ho on 37 points. The 4th runner-up place went to Sally Kwek who scored 36 Stableford points.
Men’s Division (Handicap Index: 0 To 27.0)
Joseph Lim
Position
Player
Stableford Points
Handicap
Winner
Joseph Lim
45 Pts
16.3
Runner-Up
W.S. Chiang
44 Pts
16.4
2nd Runner-Up
Michael Low
41 Pts
19.8
3rd Runner-Up
Lim Lian Huat
40 Pts (ocb)
23.6
4th Runner-Up
Ong Ah Whatt
40 Pts
12.6
Ladies’ Division (Handicap Index: 0 To 36.0) Position
Player
Stableford Points
Handicap
Winner
Ko Seok Ha
43 Pts
20.6
Runner-Up
Annie Ong
41 Pts
20.5
2nd Runner-Up
Caroline Wee
38 Pts
27.0
3rd Runner-Up
Nelly Ho
37 Pts
19.4
4th Runner-Up
Sally Kwek
36 Pts
23.5
Ko Seok Ha
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CLUB NEWS
Coming Up Aces Five holes-in-one were recorded by our members during the August and September period. There were three on the Lake Course and two on the Palm Course. On National Day, Charles Kow Jit Jong managed the feat on Hole 12 of the Palm Course. While it is a short Par 3, the almost island-like nature of the green at Hole 12 on this hole can be intimidating. But Charles’ flight of four balls did remarkably well, carding five under for this hole. “We celebrated Singapore’s 44th Birthday with a hole in one and 3 birdies on the 12 green,” said Charles. This must be among the lowest number of strokes by a flight of four balls in any hole on the Palm Course since it was opened. A day later, Francis Pang hit a hole in one on Hole 2 of the Lake Course. It was his first-ever hole-in-one and he
was in an ebullient mood. “The first one is always the best,” he said. Coincidentally, there was another hole in one at Hole 2 of the Lake Course the very next day. Seng Tick Yang managed his feat and was excited enough to invoke the name of the greatest player in the world of golf today. “Even Tiger Woods would have been proud of this shot,” Tick Yang said. On August 16, seasoned campaigner Kang Yong Chiang hit a hole in one at Hole 12 of the Palm Course. He described it as “the perfect shot”. Finally, on September 2, Thomas Chu Kok Hong hit a hole in one at Hole 2 of the Lake Course. It was his second hole in one, a feat in itself. Said Thomas: “My first hole in one was probably the best feeling I had in golf. The second one is literally priceless.”
Charles Kow Jit Jong
Francis Pang
Seng Tick Yang
Course: Palm Course Hole 12 Date: 9/8/2009
Course: Lake Course Hole 2 Date: 10/8/2009
Course: Lake Course Hole 2 Date: 11/8/2009
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Kang Yong Chiang
Thomas Chu Kok Hong
Course: Palm Course Hole 12 Date: 16/8/2009
Course: Lake Course Hole 2 Date: 2/9/2009
RCC Palm Course Hole 12
CLUB NEWS
Ladies’ Rosebowl Competition 2009 The Ladies’ Rose Bowl competition was held on September 16 at the Palm Course. It was played under a Strokeplay format. The winner was Lim Boon Eng who carded an outstanding Nett score of 62. The 1st runner-up was Sonia Tsai who hit 68 Nett while Theresa Ng was 2nd runner-up with a Nett score of 70.
Lim Boon Eng
Best
Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
Player
Lim Boon Eng
Sonia Tsai
Theresa Ng
Score
62 Nett
68 Nett
70 Nett
Handicap
23.0
24.1
13.5
Men’s Senior Medals 2009 The Men’s Senior Medals were held at the Palm Course on September 19 and played under the Stableford format. Francis Ng emerged as the clear winner with 39 Stableford points. He was three points ahead of runnerup Wai Shiang Woh, who finished with 36 points.
Best
Runner-Up
Player
Francis Ng
Wai Shiang Woh
Score
39 Pts
36 Pts
Handicap
18.2
15.9
Ladies’ Evergreen Medals 2009 The Ladies’ Evergreen Medals were also held on September 19 at the Palm Course, and was played under the Stableford format. Nelly Ho finished well ahead of her nearest competitor amassing an impressive 45 points. Peggy Ang was runner-up with a creditable 38 Stableford points. Best
Runner-Up
Player
Nelly Ho
Peggy Ang
Score
45 Pts
38 Pts
Handicap
18.3
20.9
Nelly Ho
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CLUB NEWS
Welcoming New Members
The Club held another session on August 21 to welcome new members. As usual, new members mingled with Committee members and a friendly, almost family-like atmosphere was generated. The food spread was impressive too. All in all, it was a meaningful session for both existing members and new members as the latter got to learn more about the Club. We would like to encourage new members who haven’t attended such sessions to come for the next Welcome event on November 20. We know you have busy schedules but it would be good to see you if you can spare the time.
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CLUB NEWS
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CLUB NEWS
Golf Fixtures As the year tapers to an end, there are lesser competitions scheduled for the months of November and December. The Monthly Medals will be held as usual in both months while the last golf fixture for the year will be the Chairman’s Trophy on December 19. As usual, the
first fixture of the new year will be the RCC Champion Medallist, to be played on the Palm Course on Saturday, January 2. A week after that, the first of the Monthly Medals competitions for 2010 kicks off with the Men’s A and B Division Medals.
NOVEMBER
7, Saturday 11, Wednesday 14, Saturday 21, Saturday
Men’s A and B Monthly Medals (Stableford, Lake) Ladies’ Greensome Competition (Palm) Men’s C and Ladies’ Monthly Medals (Stableford, Palm) Men’s Senior and Ladies’ Evergreen Medals (Lake)
DECEMBER
5, Saturday 12, Saturday 19, Saturday
Men’s A & B Monthly Medals (Strokeplay, Palm) Men’s C & Ladies’ Monthly Medals (Strokeplay, Lake) Chairman’s Trophy (Lake)
JANUARY
2, Saturday 9, Saturday 16, Saturday
RCC Champion Medallist (Palm) Men’s A & B Monthly Medals (Strokeplay, Lake) Men’s C & Ladies’ Monthly Medals (Strokeplay, Palm)
Hellos and Goodbyes We would like to warmly welcome the members who joined the Club in August and September. We hope you have a great time as a member of our prestigious
AUGUST Hello
Chua Changcheng Seah Chee How Nexz Chua Chen How Lee Kwong Yong George Lim Tiong Hock Tomikawa Tomonori
SEPTEMBER Goodbye
Seah Chong Teck Feng Kung Cheng Teo Swee Ling Lena Chong Chiew Foong Akinori Atarashi Stephen Michel Nechelput Tuheitia Ricky Joe She Gain Andre Juan Francis Neil Peterson Susan Elizabeth Loftus Yeo Peck Lay Jane Peter Kok Moore Gregory Chan Kim Wai Kevin Wang Chunsheng Saxena Ravendra Nath Ng Choon Beng Jimmy Ting Tuan-Toon Steve Tan Sze Hwa Munasinghe Channa Cheong Kim Seng Yuji Asai Chong Kah Wei Lim Boon Tat Garett
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club. We also bid farewell to those who decided to leave Raffles Country Club in August and September. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Hello
Leow Hwee Chee Joey Oh Hwa Young Ng Ngee Khiang Ong Chong Hui Henry Koh Song Chuang Ng Cheng Siah Ong Kian Keong Teo Kong Peng Ng Su Ming Jonathan Lee Tee Huang Marc Toshihisa Takami Hama Satohiro Hideki Baba James Marion Richardson
Goodbye
Chin Teik Chuan Toh Eng Hin Gan Hsiao Ching Kanwal Nain Sahney Harn Seang Yuon Richard Michael Lui Eng Chye David Ho Beng Huat Quek Yuen Wah Warren Tan Chek Teck Hiroki Konishi Nakamura Osamu Atsushi Nishida Lim Ick Chul
Advertise in
Raffles Country Club’s Newsletter With a readership estimated at more than 5,000 of Singapore’s well heeled, Raffles Country club’s bimonthly newsletter can offer advertisers quality exposure to their products and services. Our readership includes corporate top-brass, prominent businessmen and entrepreneurs. You can add expatriate professionals, senior civil and government ministers into the mix as well. Revamped in early 2009, the content for the newsletter is conceived by full-time journalists, who are all members of the club. Meanwhile, production of the newsletter is conducted by a professional design house. We offer a full range of sizes and positions in our newsletter, from full run-on-pages to centrespreads. Frequency discounts are also available while members of Raffles Country Club can advertise at discounted rates. Information on rates as well as printing specifications, booking and materials deadlines are available on request.
Please contact Ms Woo Lee Choo at (65) 68640828 or you can email her at leechoo@rcc.org.sg.
Term memberships for foreigners Raffles Country Club has two of the best 18-hole golf courses in Singapore, set in a lush environment of water and rolling hills that sometimes makes you forget that you live in a bustling city-state. For expatriates who may be working in Singapore for a period of time, term memberships are available at Raffles Country Club. These term memberships are open to foreigners only. Priced at a competitive S$16,050 (inclusive of 7% GST), a term membership gives the member and his immediate family members access to the Club’s many facilities, including the two 18-hole golf courses, restaurants, swimming pools and tennis courts. The period of each term membership is for at least one year and not more than three years, during which the monthly subscription is waived. Some terms and conditions apply.
For more information on this opportunity to be part of one of Singapore’s premier country clubs, please contact Ms Geraldine Ng at (65) 6864 0818 or you can email her at geraldine@rcc.org.sg.
Food & Beverage
Specials At Golfers’ Terrace During the November and December period, the Golfers’ Terrace has lined up a new Daily Special and an Evening special. Both can be described as traditional regional dishes that have been staples for many a local diner. The Daily Special is Nasi Padang. Originally from Sumatra, Nasi Padang simply describes rice served with a variety of dishes. The signature Golfers’ Terrace version of Nasi Padang comprises rice served with chicken cooked in a delicious rendang curry, a fried omelette and an assortment of vegetables. Priced at $8 a plate, Nasi Padang will surely become a favourite with golfers before or after a round of golf.
The Golfers’ Terrace will also offer Penang Fried Kuay Teow as an Evening Special. This is a dish that’s sold in almost every part of Penang from hotels to restaurants to hawker centres. It is made from flat rice noodles or kuay teow, fried with prawns and garnished with bean sprouts and pork. Also priced at $8 a plate, Penang Fried Kuay Teow noodles will have a familiar and comforting taste that will be popular with diners at the Golfers’ Terrace.
pecial Daily S ang ad Nasi P $
8.00
Evening Sp ecial Penang Frie d Kway Teo $
22
8.00
w
Food & Beverage
Shanshui Palace Restaurant Promotion 潮式特价精选套餐
Teochew’s Special Set
hhhhhhhhhh hhhhh hhhhh 52.80 hhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhh h h炸h酿h h拼 h h芯h h 蚧盖 肉 松h 白榈 hhhhhhhhhh 跳墙 h h h h迷你 h佛h hhhh h h h h香h煎 h h h h h 鳕鱼 hhhhhh hhhh hhhh hhhhhh 白榈芯炒虾球 hhhhhhhhhh h h h h肉碎 h鱼h hhhh 茸面 hhhhhhhhhh h h h h金h瓜 h 芋 泥h h h h hhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhh 每位
$
Per Person (最少二位) Min. 2 Persons
Deep Fried Crab Shell & Heart Of Palm w / Salad Cream Mini Buddha Jump Over The Wall Pan Fried Cod Fish
Sauteed Prawn w / Heart of Palm
Noodle with Minced Meat & Dry Fish
Sweet Yam Paste with Pumpkin & Gingko Nut
hhhhhhhhhh hhhhh hhhhh 23.80 hhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhh h h h h沙叻白榈芯 hhhhhh hhhhhhhhhh h h h卤鹅伴卤水豆腐 hhhhhhh h h h h明火煲靓汤 hhhhhh hhhhhhhhhh hhhh hhhhhh 烧汁百花豆腐 hhhhhhhhhh h h h h肉碎鱼茸面 hhhhhh hhhhhhhhhh h h h h金瓜芋泥 hhhhhh hhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhh 每位
$
Per Person (最少三位) Min. 3 Persons
Deep Fried Heart of Palm w / Salad Cream Teochew Sliced Goose & Bean Curd Soup of the Day
Deep Fried Bean Curd with Prawn Paste Fish Meat Noodle w / Minced Pork
Sweet Yam Paste with Pumpkin & Gingko Nut
Monday to Friday
DINNER ONLY • $14.80++/Adult
• $12.80++/Child
**Min. 4 Adults**
Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday
LUNCH & DINNER • $16.80++/Adult
• $12.80++/Child
Best V
alue
ALL Y O A - La U CAN EA T -C (70 dis arte B uffet hes av ailab le)
**Min. 4 Adults**
23
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Calendar Of Events- NOVEMBER 2009 MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
30
01
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
SCAL Charity Golf - 132 pax, Lake (Pm)
RPA/ORA Fund Raising Golf - 144 pax, Lake (Pm)
Alvin Yeo Cup - 144 pax, Palm (Pm)
Nanyang Khek Community Guild 80th Anniversary Golf - 132 pax, Lake (Pm)
Men’s A & B Medals - Lake (Pm)
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Golf Fellowship - 100pax, Palm (Pm)
RCC Dance Night
Jackpot Bonus Nite Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
Ladies’ Greensome Competition - Palm (Pm)
Peh Clan 76th Anniversary Golf - 32 pax, Lake (Pm)
SRC Annual Golf Tournament - 120 pax, Lake (Pm)
Men’s C & Ladies’ Medals – Palm (Pm) Jackpot Fortnightly Draw
RCC Dance Night Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
St Gabriel’s School OBA Fund Raising Golf - 144 pax, Lake (Pm)
PEER GYNT Open 2009 - 80 pax, Lake (Pm)
RCC Dance Night
Men’s Senior & Ladies’ Evergreen Medals – Lake (Pm) Jackpot Bonus Nite Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Public Holiday Hari Raya Haji
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
Jackpot Fortnightly Draw Lim See Tai Chong Soo Cup - 144 pax, Lake (Pm)
Golfing
24
SNAMES Annual Golf Tournament - 144 pax, Palm (Pm)
Social & Recreation
Timesheet Am/Pm RCC Dance Night
Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
Events are current at time of publication
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Calendar Of Events- DECEMBER 2009 MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
01
02
03
04
05
06
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
RCC Dance Night
Men’s A & B Medals - Palm (Pm) 20th TPCS Cup – 48 pax, Palm (Am) Jackpot Bonus Nite Karaoke / Social Dancing Night RCC Golf Palm 17
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
Club Closed Whole Day – ANNUAL STAFF DAY
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
Sigma.3 10th Anniversary Golf Championship – 40 pax, Palm (Pm)
Men’s C & Ladies’ Medals - Lake (Pm) Jackpot Fortnightly Draw
RCC Dance Night
Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
Chairman’s Trophy - Lake (Pm)
RCC Christmas Competition – (Pm)
RCC Dance Night
Jackpot Bonus Nite Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Public Holiday Christmas Day
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm RCC Dance Night
28
29
30
31
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Golfing
Social & Recreation
Jackpot Fortnightly Draw Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
Events are current at time of publication
25
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Calendar Of Events- JANUARY 2010 MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
01
02
03
Public Holiday New Year’s Day
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
RCC Champion Medallist - Palm (Pm)
RCC Dance Night
Jackpot Bonus Nite Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
RCC Dance Night
Men’s A & B Medals - Lake (Pm) Jackpot Fortnightly Draw Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
ISEAS Golf Tournament – 144 pax, Lake (Pm)
SSG Monthly Medals - 100 pax, Lake (Am)
RCC Dance Night
Men’s C & Ladies’ Medals – Palm (Pm) Jackpot Bonus Nite Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Lake Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
RCC Dance Night
Men’s Senior & Ladies’ Evergreen Medals – Lake (Pm) Jackpot Fortnightly Draw Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Palm Closed Whole Day for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Palm Closed Am only for maintenance
Lake Closed Am only for maintenance
Timesheet Am/Pm
Timesheet Am/Pm
RCC Dance Night
Golfing
26
Social & Recreation
Karaoke / Social Dancing Night
Events are current at time of publication
Reciprocal Club
Pantai Mentiri Golf Club
In our last newsletter, we introduced a fresh reciprocal arrangement with the Montgomerie Links Vietnam, a new golf course on Vietnam’s central coast, not far from Da Nang. Since then, the Club has also signed reciprocal arrangements with three Australian courses, namely Sun City Country Club, the Links Kennedy Bay and Sanctuary Resort, Bunbury. We will cover these courses in future newsletters. In this newsletter, we feature a course closer to home – the Pantai Mentiri Golf Club in Brunei which we had established reciprocal arrangement in 2001. If you are familiar with Brunei, Pantai Mentiri Golf Club is located 15.5 km down the Kota Batu Road and enjoys a scenic view of Brunei Bay. It is easily accessible from prominent areas of Brunei - it is a 15-minute drive from the capital Bandar Seri Begawan and 20 minutes from the Gadong Commercial Centre. The course is even closer to the Brunei International Airport. You will only need 10 minutes for a drive to the course from the airport. Pantai Mentiri is a 6,105-metre metres par 72 course. For golfers with a 10 handicap and above the course will provide enough challenges to make scoring difficult. The challenge of Pantai Mentiri Golf course is centred on the
28
golfer’s ability to avoid the many water hazards which form the main feature of the course. The greens, with well manicured and contoured aprons, are considered to be of a high standard. The first nine holes, the Bakau nine, being 3,006 metres long from the blue tee boxes, are considered by many to be the easier nine. The inward Membangan nine measures 3,099 metres, while the ladies’ red tee boxes provide lengths of 2,556 metres and 2,651 metres respectively. Pantai Mentiri is one of the oldest courses in Brunei. The fairways are laid with cow grass, which offers a different type of challenge to RCC members who are used to playing on Bermuda grass – it requires solid iron or wood contact all the time. Chip and run shots are also more difficult on cow grass. The rough at Pantai Mentiri can be punishing as it can reach as high as two inches. The course is also located near beaches which makes wind a factor. But a good golfer is always out to test his ability under all conditions and Pantai Mentiri, where many competitions are played, offers such a challenge.
Reciprocal Club
Hole 7 Par 3. The majority of holes in one on the Pantai Mentiri course have been gained on this easy par 3. At its maximum length, from the blue tees, it is just 160 metres. The only hazards are along the left hand side and a small bunker which, due to its location at the front left of the green, should not present any problems. Another bunker behind the green seldom comes into play but can prevent long hits from running through to the 8th tee box. The green falls sharply from left to right and pin placement can vary the difficulty of the hole.
Important Club Information
Hole 15, Par 4. A difficult 407 metre par 4 by virtue of its length. Like most of the long holes on the course there is little in the way of trouble for the long hitter. Thus the tee shot should present few problems as the fairway widens after 150 metres. However, any golfer tempted to take the “tiger line” at the left dogleg could get caught up in the casuarinas. Many medium to high handicappers will most likely find the green out of range on the second shot and even long hitters may be obliged to use a fairway wood. The approach to the green itself presents few problems unless coming in from the right where it is guarded by a bunker. Although the 15th provides ladies with substantial distance concession it remains a long par 4 which justifies its stroke index of 8. (Please check out the club’s website www. pantaimentirigolfclub.com for more hole descriptions)
Pantai Mentiri Golf Club Km 15½ Jalan Kota Batu Brunei Darussalam Tel. No: 673-2791021/673-2792014 Fax: 673-2790773 Email: infodesk@pantaimentirigolfclub.com Website: www.pantaimentirigolfclub.com How to get to Pantai Mentiri Golf Club Both Singapore Airlines and Silkair have regular flights during the week to Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan. You should check with your travel agent for domestic schedules. Pantai Mentiri is only 10 minutes from the airport, while Bandar Seri Begawan is 11 km away and can be reached in 10 minutes via the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Highway.
Green Fees Pantai Mentiri offers very reasonable rates. Green fees for 18 holes on any day of the week, regardless of whether you are a guest or visitor or whether it’s a public holiday, is BND30. Caddie fees range from BND15-BND20. The course is predominantly a walking course, though buggies were introduced recently.
More about Bandar Seri Begawan Bandar Seri Begawan, or Bandar as it’s known locally, is the capital of Brunei and the sultanate’s only settlement of any real size. Straddling the northern bank of a twist in the Sungei Brunei, the city is characterised by its unlikely juxtaposition of striking modern buildings (the latest and most impressive being the twin malls of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah shopping complex) and traditional stilt houses. These stilt houses make up the water village, or Kampung Ayer, Brunei’s original seat of power and still home to half the city’s population. Indeed, as recently as the middle of the 19th century, Brunei’s capital was little more than a sleepy water village, but with the discovery of oil came its evolution into the attractive, clean and
modern waterfront city of today. Large-scale urbanisation took place north of the Sungei Brunei, resulting in housing schemes, shopping centres and, more obviously, the magnificent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which dominates the skyline of Bandar. First-time visitors are pleasantly surprised by a sense of space that’s rare in Southeast Asian cities. However, Bandar isn’t somewhere you’re likely to stay for long: Most of its sights can be seen in a day or two. You might end up staying a bit longer if you use it as a base to explore outlying attractions such as Temburong and Tutong. Tourism in Brunei is still in its infancy and is not yet seen as a moneyspinner, so you’ll find that many sites in the capital have no entrance charge. Source: Rough Guides
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Reciprocal Club
Table Of Reciprocal & Affiliated Clubs RECIPROCAL CLUBS AUSTRALIA
MALAYSIA
The Links Kennedy Bay Dalloway Road Port Kennedy, Western Australia, 6172 Tel: +618 9524 5991 Fax: +618 9524 6660
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club No. 10 Jln 1/70D Off Jln Bukit Kiara 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +02 03 253 1111 Fax: +02 03 253 3393 Meru Valley Golf & Country Club Jalan Bukit Meru 30020 Ipoh Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia Tel: +02 05 529 3303 Fax: +02 05 529 3387
Sun City Country Club St Andrews Drive Yanchep, Western Australia, 6035 Tel: +618 9561 1148 Fax: +618 9561 5033 Sanctuary Resort, Bunbury Old Coast Road Pelican Point, Bunbury, Western Australia Tel: +618 9725 2777 Fax: +618 9725 2998 The Lakes Golf Club PO Box 545 Mascot, NSW, 2020 Australia Tel: +612 9669 1311 Fax: +612 9669 6206 Sanctuary Lakes Club Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Victoria Australia 3030 Tel: + 613 9395 2888 The Vines Golf and Country Club Verdelho Drive, The Vines, WA, Australia Tel: 618 9297 3000 BRUNEI Pantai Mentiri Golf Club Km 15-1/2, Jalan Kota Batu Peti Surat 1646 Bandar Seri Begawan BS8073 Negara Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 02 791021, 792014 Fax: +673 02 790773 INDONESIA Finna Golf & Country Club Jalan Raya Barsari Prigen, Pandaan 67157 Indonesia Tel: +62 343 632 153/4/5 Fax: +62 343 632 156 VIETNAM Long Thanh Golf Club National Highway 51 Tan Mai Hamlet Phuoc Tan Village Dong Nai Province, Vietnam Tel: +84 61 512510 / 512511 Chi Linh Star Golf & Counrty Club Sao Do Chi Linh Hai Duong, Vietnam Tel: +84 320 585617 Fax: +84 320 585618 The Montgomerie Links Vietnam Thon 1 Dien Ngoc Commune Dien Ban District Quang Nam Province, Vietnam Tel: +84 (510) 943888 Fax: +84 (510) 941002
Kelab Golf Sarawak Petra Jaya 93050 Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: +082 440966 Fax: +082 441733 CHINA Meishi Mayflower International Golf Resort 88 West Binhai Road, Haikou City Hainan Province, China Tel: 086 0898 6870282
AFFILIATED CLUBS ROBERT TRENT JONES II CLUB JAPAN CHINA Mission Hills Golf Club Mission Hills Road Guanlan Town 518110 Shenzhen, China Tel: +86 755 802 0888 Fax: +86 755 802 4868 MACAU Macau Golf & Country Club 1918 Estrada de Hac Sa llha de Coloane, Macau Tel: +853 871188 Fax: +853 870011 INDONESIA Rancamaya Golf & Country Club Jl. Rancamaya Utama, Ciawi Bogor 16720, Indonesia Tel: +62 0251 242 282 Fax: +62 0251 242 283 AUSTRALIA Araluen Country Club Country Club Avenue Roleystone 6111 Westem Australia Tel: +61 08 9397 9000 Fax: +61 8 9397 9001 BRUNEI The Empire Hotel & Country Club Jerudong BG3122 Negara Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 241 8888 Fax: +673 241 8999 THAILAND Blue Canyon Country Club 165 Moo 1, Thepkasattri Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand Tel: +66 076 328 088 Fax: +66 076 328 068
30
SOCIAL AND RECREATION
Take part in the Quiz now and Stand a chance to win
Quick Quiz
$50/- F&B vouchers!
The second President of the Singapore Golf Association was a very prominent member of the Singapore judiciary. Who was he? What golfer bid a tearful farewell to fans after playing his last U.S. Open, in 1994? What did John Daly number the new iron he began teeing off with in 1996, because it had virtually no loft? What is the term for four strokes under par for a hole?
Which golfer has had the most Asian Tour wins (12)?
How many Majors has Nick Faldo won?
What is the maximum weight for a golf ball under the Rules of Golf? Which golfer been described as “The World’s Most Travelled Athlete” having racked up more than 14 million miles in his career? Arnold Palmer won every Major title but one. Can you name it? Which of golf’s four Majors is the only one played in the same place every year? Terms and Conditions: 1. Prizes are to be accepted as provided and not exchangeable for cash. 2. A ballot will be conducted in the event that there are more than three winners. 3. The vouchers are valid for F& B consumption at the Shanshui Palace only.
Closing Date: 1 December 2009 Please email your answers to feedback@rcc.org.sg with your name and membership number and you stand to win an F&B voucher worth $50. The answers will be published in our next newsletter. The winner of the Quick Quiz from our September-October newsletter was Mr Chan Yue Meng, membership no. 12631. He wins an F&B voucher worth $50. Here are the answers to the questions in our last newsletter: Answers to September-October Quick Quiz 4. Colin Montgomerie 1. 14 5. 19 years (born 1989) 2. Jack Nicklaus; 18 6. St Andrews Links 3. 2006
7. 8. 9. 10.
Zero Nick Price Nancy Lopez; 1978 Arsenal Football Club
31
INSTRUCTION
Playing Palm 13 This is the longest par 5 and also the longest hole on the Palm Course, measuring 516 metres from the blue tee. Snaking the terrain like the letter S, the fairway for Hole 13 is bordered by mounds that hide the location of the green until you are about 170 metres from it. When you stand on the tee box at Hole 13, your tee shot looks inviting. There appears to be enough space about two hundred metres down the fairway to land your ball. But you have to hit a good shot as water comes into play on poor shotes. A rolling shot could see your ball head towards a stream that cuts across the fairway in the distance. A badly sliced shot could land your ball in a water hazard on the right, which is visible from the tee box. A pull shot will also not be helpful as you might end up in a drain to the left of the cart path. This drain is one of the few that is designated a lateral water hazard and no free lift is accorded. But don’t worry, the water hazards just described only trap errant shots. After your tee shot, your next shot offers you the chance to lay up within a pitching wedge or 9-iron from the green. Because of the S-shape of the hole, you can cut
RCC Palm Hole 13
32
down your distances with precise, straight shots over the fairway mounds. Only the longest hitters can go for the green in two but, if you take up that challenge, your ball may end up in bunkers on the right side of the fairway or just before the green. As in all golf holes, the secret to playing Hole 13 well is to keep your ball on the fairway. This gives you a very good chance of getting onto the green in regulation, that is, in three strokes. This hole is one of the more “par-able” holes on the course, especially if your tee shot is not wild. If you have quality in chipping from 120 metres or within, the relatively flat green opens up a birdie opportunity, if you are on in three. Though it is a long Par 5, Hole 13 always offers you a chance to put a circle or triangle on your scorecard.
INSTRUCTION
Tell us how you play Palm 13. Email us at feedback@rcc.org. sg with your advice, and we will highlight your thoughts in our next newsletter.
Annual Staff Day
13
On December 7, all the facilities in the Club including the golf courses will be closed for our Annual Staff Day. Only Shanshui Palace Restaurant will be open on the day. This regular break in our annual calendar is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the tremendous effort put in by our staff throughout the year. We would like to thank everyone from the admin staff to the groundskeepers to the marshalls, bag attendants and housekeeping staff as well as everyone who helps keep our club facilities and F&B outlets humming nicely. Thank you for all your help in 2009.
33
LIFESTYLE
The Mental Game of Golf Joe Nathan Lourdes and Azman Haron tell us how hypnotism can help you develop your focus during a round of golf. Not many know that it’s worked for Tiger Woods. For most golfers who play regularly, hitting the ball from 100 metres out on a fairway onto a green is a shot that has a relatively high level of success. Part of the reason for this is that he would have practised this shot previously, and also that it is often a shot where there are no hazards from the ball to the green. The golfer actually finds that such shots are pretty easy to hit.
performers in every sport , it’s that they are skilled in using their minds in a way the majority of players cannot. They can sustain a degree of intense focus which separates them from the field. Their mental game allows them to maintain a balanced perspective on their round and a belief that “it ain’t over ‘til it’s over”. They trust the process implicitly.
However, give the same golfer the same shot, but it now has to be played over a water hazard. Add to that scenario the fact that there is a lot at stake on this shot, be it a Club medal round or a friendly wager, and there will be an almost imperceptible change in the golfer. His heart beat may go up, there is unnecessary tension in his muscles and doubts about his ability creep into his mind. Consequently the swing that he makes is not an ideal one, and the result far different from hitting a straightforward shot.
While it is highly unlikely you or I will get to be as talented a golfer as Tiger Woods, each and every one of us can copy his mindset and sharpen our mental game to play our very best. Without a doubt you can develop your mental game to a point that will amaze yourself and absolutely improve your game and your scores.
Top golfers realise that given the advances in technology, the one advantage that they may hold over another rival is a mental one. This will allow the golfer to control his focus, emotional state and to be in the correct frame of mind to execute the shot regardless of the circumstances. And this is where Tiger Woods excels over all other golfers. What is little known about Woods is that he is trained to use hypnosis to do exactly this. Since he was very young, Woods has used hypnosis on a regular basis. His mental coach and family friend, Jay Brunza introduced him to this powerful tool when Woods was just thirteen years old. As Woods has noted: “We worked on a way to visualise the target and pull it back into my hands and body and let my subconscious react. That’s what’s best for me.” So successful was this strategy that he has also been quoted as saying that “it is inherent in what I do now.” Tiger Woods has that uncanny ability to remain in the moment. If there’s one thing that stands out in top
34
So what is hypnosis, and in particular golf hypnosis, and how can it help your game? Hypnosis is a naturally occurring mental state in which a person is totally focused at the task at hand. It is the ideal state of mind to execute any golf shot. This state of mind can be learnt, practised and taken out onto the course so that you will play to the best of your ability. Golf hypnotists generally focus on a few areas that will greatly enhance golf performance. These are: • • • • • •
getting into the zone visualising the perfect swing overcoming first tee nerves hitting over hazards perfect putting managing your emotions
Of course these are just general areas, and the golf hypnotist will be able to cater to differences in the golfers’ needs and abilities. Prior to his first session with you, he will find out more about your game, which area needs to improve and generally explain what golf hypnosis is all about. Based on this, he will devise a program to suit your requirements.
LIFESTYLE
About
Joe Nathan
Joe Nathan Lourdes underwent a root canal using hypnosis as the only anaesthetic to test just how powerful hypnosis is, back in 2005, just a few months after training as a hypnotist. The surgery went well and Joe is now Director of Hypnosis Works and co-founder of APHI (Asia Pacific Hypnosis Institute). He is trained as a Certified Hypnotherapist with the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) and also in Hypno-Pain Management. Joe is Singapore’s only NGH-trained stage hypnotist and is comfortable hypnotising groups of people. He also has certifications as a 5-PATH and 7-PATH Hypnotherapist from the Banyan Hypnosis Center. He has always been looking for effective ways of managing goals and aspirations, and now believes he has found it in hypnosis.
Mental Tip
Have you ever had a bad hole in your round, and try as you might, it just continued to adversely affect you in the remaining holes? If you have, try this: Sit down and think of a really bad score you made at any hole. It might help if you are sit down and close your eyes. Notice all the frustration, anger and any other emotion you felt at that point in time. Be also aware of the physical body responses, such as increased heart rate and tension in your muscles. Remember your thoughts at that bad hole.
Once you have done this, give it the number 10. Next sit down and think of a hole that you played really well from the tee-off to the time the putt went in. Again notice all the feelings and emotions as you played that hole. Chances are it will be a feeling of focused concentration, calmness, confidence and certainty as you stand over the ball at address. Be aware of these feelings in you as you think of a really good hole you previously played.
Once you have done this, give it the number 1. Next time you have a bad hole, or even a bad shot, walk away counting your steps backwards starting from the number 10. With each subsequent step you take, count backwards and allow the negative feelings and emotions to fade away. Feel these feelings and emotions diminish, and instead allow positive feelings to grow stronger. By the time you get to the number 1, you will feel calm, confident and relaxed, all ready to play the next shot.
About
Azman Haron
Azman has been playing golf since 1976 and currently plays off a single handicap. He has previously represented Singapore at the Junior level. His fascination for the mental side of golf grew when he sought ways to give a protégé an edge over his opponent in competition. He saw first hand how sports psychologists worked with athletes to improve their performance, but also realised that there are other ways to do so. His own research and interest led him to hypnosis and its application to golf performance. This subsequently led to him being trained as a Certified Hypnotherapist with the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH).
For more information on how hypnosis can help your golf game, contact Joe Nathan Lourdes at (65) 98230435 or Azman Haron at (65) 97597683
35
REMINISCES
Seen At The Club SM Goh graces the fairways on Lake
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong took some time off his busy schedule to play a round of golf at the Lake Course on Sunday, October 4. SM Goh, who was Singapore’s Prime Minister from 1990 to 2004, has played at the Raffles Country Club on numerous occasions since the Club was opened in 1988. Club Captain Tan Chin Huat who played in his flight wouldn’t reveal if there were any side bets going on but was as impressed as ever with SM Goh’s game. He is rated among the best golfers among government ministers along with perhaps Education Minister Ng Eng Hen. “It’s always a pleasure to welcome Mr Goh to the Club. He has a great game and I can confirm that he didn’t need to take any mulligans. We hope he keeps on coming to our Club and we will welcome him here for as long as he does,” said Chin Huat.
To All Our Members,
From Raffles Country Club
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