A Review - Black Mountain Golf, Hua Hin

I was in Hua Hin from 2nd to 4th of December and had the opportunity to play some golf with my daughter. I was contemplating the various courses there, as I have heard so much about Black Mountain, and the price was not very much higher, it was where we golfed.

And I was not disappointed. It is easily the best course in Hua Hin, and possibly in Thailand as well.

The first impression of the course was its openess, perhaps due to the course being new. But it does have a nice view of the surrounding natural terrain, and some dark hills where it derived the name from.

The fairways were in pristine condition. Other then some divots here and there, they were a joy to hit the balls from.

The greens were at a lightning fast 11.6 when I played. I can imagine the speed when they played the European Tour there, maybe a Augusta 15? As it is, we had some horrid time putting on the greens initially.

The par 3s were a joy to play. They were very well designed and not too difficult from the blue tee. It can be a very different experience from gold or black tee.

The clubhouse is simple yet classy, unlike the Singapore clubs which have huge grand clubhouse, Thai golf course usually have simple clubhouse.

Overall, I rate the course very highly and would definitely want to play there again. It is definitely a must-play course if you are in Hua Hin.

不怕你好 怕你Heng!!!

Played with Dick and the 2 Koh Brothers yesterday morning, I thought it was going to be my lucky day. I mean, playing with 2 HIN1 achievers, I am certainly going to shoot an ace man. Well, as luck would have it, I shot one of my worst score at NSRCC in recent time, even had a snowman to show.

In a classic case of 不怕你好 怕你Heng (sorry Lee Heng, borrowed your name), Robert continued his lucky streak.

On the Par 3 Airforce 6, Robert pulled his tee shot left. The ball flew to the rocky area within the hazard and he turned away with disappointment. I was tracking the ball all the time, I saw hit the rock and bounced onto the green towards the pin. Nobody saw it, only me. When told, Robert did not quite believe me.

As we approached the green, true enough, the ball was there. He had about 25 to 30 feet for a birdie putt. And with the touch of a magician, he rolled the ball into the hole for an unlikely birdie.

All our jaws dropped, completely amazed.

If this is not "Heng", what is it???

Mission Hills Golf Videos

Here are some video shots by CYM on the the Mission Hills Golf Trip. Arrival of delegates at Mission Hills Clubhouse. We looked like suakus don't we?


At the 1st teebox of the notorious Greg Norman Course. Anybody has shots of my Shu-qi??

Mission Hills Golf Trip

Seven of us, Richard, Billy, Lee Heng, Cheong YM, Jimmy, Peter and myself made the trip to Mission Hills. Unfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances, one of the pioneer members Chi Keen had to pull out. Everyday, while we were having fun, we had to observe a minute silence to remember him!!!,

We left on Friday with high expectation, nice weather of about 27deg and great golf courses. However, we were in for a big surprise. The temperature dropped on the very first day of our golf at Citic Golf Course. It was a chilly 11-12 deg with a wind chill of about 3-4 deg. We were told it was a sudden drop in temperature.

Day 1 was at Citic Golf 中信. The course was beautiful with nice fairways and great course layout. The green was surprising fast although it was quite grainy. Most of us were caught by the fast and tricky green. Peter of course was more engrossed with Billy's caddy. Billy, perhaps being the youngest in the group keep getting the cute caddies. The big winner for Day 1 - Jimmy Ang.

Day 2 was played at Guangzhou International Golf Course 仙村, a reciprocal club of NSRCC. It was a walking course and quite a few of us were walking like duck with the kar-kui-kui at the end. The only day when rain drops felled on us, while we played. At certain point, the umbrella had to come out. I had the best game of the trip with 84. First 9 at even par, 2nd 9 at +12, pui!pui!pui! Richard was the biggest winner on Day 2.

Day 3 was the terror day. At Mission Hills Greg Norman 诺曼course. We struggled on this links-like course. Terrible grass "chang cao长草"!!. Any balls that went into the rough will cause you to lose at least 1 stroke, if you can find it. Lee Heng hit into the chang-cao in just about every holes. He gained the title of "rough master" after getting the hang of hacking the balls out of the rough. You can see the rough in front of Lee Heng in this picture.
One of the toughest course around, no joke. All of us were cursing Mr Norman at the end of the game. I had a good first nine of 42, but collapse with fatigue on the back nine with a 53. Even Richard, the cool cucumber also curse Norman @#$%!!!My only motivation was I had Shu-qi lookalike as my caddy. Eat your heart out, Billy!! With some dispute over the rules on ball lost in long grass/jungles, we did not bet cross flight. Biggest winner on Day 3 was Peter Koh.

Day 4 was at Hillview Course 峰景. This is a beautiful course with the best greens in this four days. It was really fast and true. This game was known for the slaying of the kong-long. Jimmy Ang was slaughtered and rightly so, cos he shot 103. He was down by more than 400 RMB. His winning for the past few days were returned to their rightful owners. Peter was again the big winner on Day 4

The champion of the whole trip is Peter Koh, who won the Fedex Cup equivalent with more than 800 RMB.

Peter played better and better as the days go by. More impressively, he played only with a polo shirt while the rest of us were wearing 2-3 layers of clothes. So Peter, what is your secret?? I think only I know...hehehe!!!

The one who missed the cut??? He was easily the noisiest one in the whole group. Make a guess? Actually, his ass-luck already started on the plane having lost the chua-tai-ti with Jimmy and Billy.

On the whole, this trip was really fun. Golf was at some great courses (notice I did not say we all had great games?) and all the like-minded kakis were truly wonderful companies. The day has come and gone but we are certainly looking forward to more golfing adventures!!!

Disaster at Sembawang CC

Who says lightning never strike twice at the same place???

Teed off at 7.01am (front 9) on Saturday for the Sembawang Club Championship. The feeling was not too good at tee-off. Had very little sleep the night before but this time round, it has nothing to do with Lai Chi Keen!!

Tee-off was ok but disaster struck in my second shot, I sliced it into the right hillside. I did managed to recover to save par. The real mess was on Hole 3 where my 2nd shot found sand. I thinned the sand shot but luckily I hit the flag stick. It still flew over the green. My next chipshot rolled into the same bunker again #@$&. I made triple bogey.

My first 6 holes went like this : par, bogey, triple, bogey, double, bogey. At this point, my call was answered. The course was closed at 8.45. I was praying hard that the first game will be scrapped. I was encouraging the committee to scrapped the first game if the bad weather continues, but was told that the first game must be completed no matter what as they cannot be sure Game 2 and 3 will not be rained out.

The course was re-opened at 9.30 and my poor form continued. Par and triple again. At that time, the course was closed for the 2nd time due to lightning risk. I was already 10 over after 8 holes, what was my chance of defending my title (last year's Div B Champion)? ZERO!!!

They were still saying Game 1 will continue. At this point I told my flight mate, I am going off. No point continuing. I took my bag and left the club.

After 1 hour, my phone rang, my league team captain told me Game 1 was scrapped. They will continue with Game 2 in the afternoon. He ask me to go back.

I at that point already Xian Ji Pua (half-disheartened), I already left the club. I told him I will consider.

I did not go back. So that was the end of the club championship for 2009. See you in 2010.

My form lately has been bad. I need to re-work on my swing. Confidence is low. So when I saw Jimmy shot 78 at NSRCC, I said heng ah..luckily I was not there. Play level also lose!!!

R1N1 - Party of the Hole-in-ONE aka H1N1 !!!!

Not satisfied with the last effort to impress with the Tau Suan, Robert's done it again!

We had food, we had drinks, we had laughter (sometimes at other peoples expense, ke ke), we had company, we had friends, we had fellowship!! And all that for free, courtesy of Robert R1N1 Koh!!! What more can we ask for? Of course another round of 18 holes at the golf course so can have chance try try "H1N1" lah.

Lee Heng wants to be next to host another such party and so does Gerald plus a few more but space does not permit to list everyone! Guys please be reminded that there can only be 3 more balls besides RK in his flight alright? ke ke. Was wondering why Richard Tan held his forehead when Lee Heng seems to be telling him this! Like saying "you mean I can't join his flight this Sat meh!" (refer to photo attached)

At my last count, 20 Goofies came together on Monday evening 5 Oct 2009 at the Beach Hut facing the East Coast Park beach behind the East Coast McDonald restaurant. I lost count of the number of goofies just around when I also lost count of the number of glasses of beers I had already!

We had a great time thanks to RK and we even got to catch up with some who have being MIA for a while. JT, we knew he like the rest of us have to make a living to support our love ones. But for LCK??? Don't quite know the official reason for his absence these past almost 2 months! I heard rumours though that he might have been sent to detention classes for misbehaving himself lately.

Thankfully, now at least RK can display a "H1N1" ball on his trophy shelf courtesy of a replica ball signed by all at the gathering! Should you need to know the details of this, please refer to the earlier post on his "H1N1".

Below is an extract taken from mygoofynetwork.com showing some notes of appreciation from the goofies to Robert Koh for hosting the evening and also some "cheo'ing" to him to use his new (mature) Mizuno blade set. (some editing was necessary for the below msgs.)

7 Oct 09, 00:34 jon: tks for the party and the fun and laughter! RK you should go back to blades! esp when you play with me...

6 Oct 09, 22:21 Chee Hoo: RK, thanks for the drinks and food last nite!

6 Oct 09, 21:46 CYM: RK, thk u for a wonderful evening with food and drinks.

6 Oct 09, 15:23 leeheng: RK tks for the beer and food last nite. Great party! Think next in line has to be a Lee liao....

6 Oct 09, 12:48 Billy: RK, Thx for hosting the party last night! Hope you have a good game this Sat. U should go back to your blade irons. Rem u get Hin1 after you use blades.

6 Oct 09, 11:18 gerald: Thanks RK for the party last night...we certainly look forward to more Goofies getting on the Roll-of-Honour.....Cheers!

6 Oct 09, 10:37 Phillip: Robert Koh aka R1K1 or EP Koh thanks for the drinks and food last night.

A BIG THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO ROBERT KOH aka R1N1 !!!!

P.S. does anyone know what song was Dick Lee singing when the photo was taken of him beside Jon-no-turn and Philip Lim?

Such a cock-up weekend

Since Dick was late for his 0715 game two weeks ago, he decided to head for NSRCC early this weekend. He had "Kopi Tiam" breakfast set at the Terrace. Paired together with Peter, Huat Siong and Richard only to find out that the flight was for next week 10th Oct instead. We tried to get an extra ordinary flight from Ong at the counter. Ong checked with his new starter ( short Malay staff) if he could insert an additional flight. The new starter did not agree as the flights are tightly slotted and furthermore, there is a 4BBB qualifying in the afternoon,

As it was Dick's error, we could do nothing about it. However, we managed to get a slot for Huat Siong to play with three strangers. Huat Siong commented, "Wah, white tee leh". Peter and Dick headed to Par 3 instead and after the first hole of 93m, met his old squash friends from Kim Keat, Dennis and Steven. the foursome then joined and played together form the second hole onwards. Play was very slow as there were many beginners playing in front of us.  After completing 9-holes of the Par 3, Peter and Dick headed to the staff canteen, now run by an ex-marshall and his brother.

On sunday another event happened. Dick booked a 0953 flight for his friend but forgotten to cancel it. Dick work up unusual time at 0715 and remembered that the flight was not sold. "What to do?" ran through the mind of Dick. To be slapped with a $168 now show or get some kakis to play the flight. Call a few goofies but only managed to get Bobby and Kheng Poh at the last hour. Was very appreciative of Bobby as it is his birthday and he consented to join. Kheng Poh "siam" his church service to join.

This must be the most cock-up weekend since we started playing at NSRCC on weekend.

Whew! Glad it is all over.

Robert Koh shot Hole-in-1 on Navy 6 by Gerald Koh

Suddenly everyone wants to have the "Koh" last name. Besides being a descendant to the huge construction company Koh Brothers, your chance of scoring a hole-in-1 is also significantly higher.

One month after small Koh scored a Hin1 at Army 3, big Koh scored another one last Saturday 26th Sep 09 at Navy 6.

According to the live commentator, Albert Teo, it went like that:

"1 In 1, by Robert the Kohs', with 3 wood in hand and coughing a few times, at Navy Hole 6 Tee, Robert Took his stand and position he hit the ball (Pin hole at Centre /Right of Green).

It was a good hit, it sail into the centre of the Green, Robert said, "Si liao, siou kuat tau Luck, kuat tau liao . On reaching the green he headed straight to the back of Green,

But I found his ball ib the Pin Hole. Robert hit a Hole in 1. That all simple , next time all be Kohs"

I think the Chairman of the Speak Good English Movement would have died of a heart-attack after reading the post.

Come to think of it, the Speak Good Singlish Chairman would have committed suicide too. I don't know wtf he is talking about!!!

Initially, we all doubted Robert when he said he had a Hin1. We returned to the clubhouse at about 11.30 am when the course was close. It was so quiet at the table, it was so surreal, so un-Robert, if you know what I mean.

Unfortunately for Robert, he continued to use the same ball for the next hole. He pulled left for his tee-shot and lost the ball in the rough. What a waste.

The luck has been passed, from CYM to Pete Koh to Robert Koh, all in the same flight. So for this Saturday and every Saturday, and in every tournament where there is a car for Hin1, I want to be in Robert's flight.

Even 18 generations of ancestors I also will not recognise.

BTW, I heard that the celebration will be a game and all-expense paid trip for all of us at Blue Canyon at Koh Phuket!!!

Peter Koh and his Hole-in-1 plaque

Suddenly everyone wants to be a "Koh". Look at this smiling Peter Koh, holding his beautiful Hole-in-One plaque.

We are are all looking forward to the 2nd part to this thriller. Watch this space!!

Korean babe Na Yeon Choi wins LPGA Samsung with help of sports psychologist

Babelicious Na Yeon Choi recorded her maiden win at the LPGA Samsung over the weekend.

Carrying a 7-shot lead into the 3rd round, she allowed another babe Ai Miyazato to close the lead to 2 strokes. She blew her lead on Day 4 and trailed Miyazato after 14 holes. She eventually rallied to to win with birdie on the 18th hole.

I have previously blogged about the benefits of sports hypnotherapy. Na Yeon Choi credited her win with the work she has done with her sports psychologist (read hypnotherapist) on improving her mental game. For those of you who would like to try it, let me know.

Dr Tan's Latest Thesis

For a golfer playing around 100, he is likely to use the Driver 14 times, the long irons or woods about 10 times, putter 36 times and pitching/chipping for the remaining 40 strokes.

Driver = 14
Long irons or woods = 10
Putter = 36
PW = 40
Total = 100

Thus, it is 75% short game. However, in a driving range you will find very few practising pitching or chipping. Most of us hardly practise putting.
Hence, to lower our golf scores, we have to invest more time in pitching, chipping and putting. An extra 10m in our drive will not help in our scores. But it is quite attainable to reduce 10 strokes with better pitching/chipping and putting (which accounts for 76 strokes on the average).

First Comeback Game

Teed-off with Richard Sterne, Robert Allenby and Phil Mickelson yesterday morning. It was my first game at NSRCC after 3 weeks of rest and physio.

The shoulder is almost 90-95 per cent recovered. Spent quite some time stretching my shoulder before teeing off. I must say the shoulder felt very good. I had no problem with driving and my iron shots. Other than opening with double bogies on both nines (both with poor puttings), I am very pleased with my score of 80. I made some pocket money too from my 3 flight mates.

Richard had a torrid time with his putting yesterday. He had at least 5 lipped-outs and one dramatic lipped-in. Almost Tiger-like.

He gained a nickname, which I think I will NOT mention in this blog!!!

Taylormade R9 5 Wood for sale

Played in the Starhub Invitational yesterday at TMCC Tampines. The irony is that the play was bad but lady luck was shiny on me in the lucky draw.

I won a Taylormade R9 fairway wood 19 deg + another $400 vouchers from MST Golf.

At 19 deg loft, it is a 5-wood. This is the latest from Taylormade with its patented flight control technology where you can adjust a draw or fade or neutral just by tweaking the shaft with the wrench provided.

The Taylormade concept store at Bishan range is retailing it at $329. I am willing to let it go at $250. It is brand new and still in shrink wrap. Sorry, no trying.

Grab it fast!!!

Note: The pix is a 3 wood, but the one I am selling is a 5 wood.

Shoulder injuries in golf

I have not been golfing at NSRCC for 2 weeks now due to my right shoulder injury. The orthopadic diagnosed it as "anterior capsular strain", whatever that means. I have been undergoing physiotherapy at Mt Alvernia Hospital twice a week.

This injury was caused by the lack of warming up exercise prior to using the driver. I was at the range sometime back when my friend offered me his driver to try and I started hitting without warming up. It hurt when I reach the top of my backswing, exchanging high-fives is painful too if the other party push my hand back too much. I also cannot raise my hand vertically upwards and also trying to scratch my back is a big problem.

Actually the injury does not affect my golf too much as it forces me to shorten my backswing, which is a good thing. However, I do not want it to become a chronic problem.

After 4 sessions with my physio comprising heat treatment, massage and electrical therapy, I can already see marked improvement in the use of my arm. I have already started hitting on the range, mostly with wedges and irons.

So guys, do warm up before your tee-off. Don't time yourself to arrive just 5 mins before your tee-off. Come early if possible, go to the range and hit 50 balls first.

Stay healthy, play better golf!!!

Note : Ernie requested a picture of my physio.

Mon 31st Aug 09-Jumbo's Last Day @ NSRCC Poolside Cafe

Jumbo ended its operations at the NSRCC Poolside cafe yesterday, Monday 31st August 2009. I went down for lunch to check out the place, maybe to see people there as well as say bye bye and thank you. Or maybe just so that I could be sentimental about it all. Sob sob. Well, the staff there went about their work as cheerily as before (maybe not all the time) and its was just another normal day at work for them. No big deal, still got to work!

So I took some pictures of the Xiao Di's and Xiao Mei's working there yesterday and posted them on this blog to remember them when they were still serving the Groovy (I meant Goofy) guys drinks and makan after every of our Saturday golf. Many many golf games from now, we can still return to this blog to see these familiar faces from MIC (Made in China) and others. Who through the course of their work served us and sometimes help made our emotions better bringing over the jugs of barley and hops water that helps chill our thirsty throats (would have felt even better if was for free). In any case they won't really be disappearing from NSRCC. For those who really can't do without see them (Xiao Di's) each week, they will now be re-deployed into the Jumbo restaurant proper.

THANK YOU!

Just in case, for those who are wondering. Ms Coco 'Nut' said good bye and that she hopes that the goofy guys will not forget them and to support them still even though now the barley and hops water cost more in the restaurant. Of course besides the perks, there is also air-con provided free (not mentioned in your bill)! She said.

Peter's Hole-in-1 at Army Hole 3

NSRCC 22 August 2009, it was a beautiful sunny morning after a heavy downpour the previous day. It’s just the type of weather for golf not forgetting sun-bathing at the beach. Bobby, Peter, Chi Keen and I were playing Navy/Army course at 0757hrs

After 9 holes it was a frustrating, @#$%^&*+ and wtf kind of 50+ score for all 4 of all. On second thought it was better off lying on the beach watching the birds and bees. But sadly had to continue, Army 1st and 2nd hole had nothing to talk or boast about.

We arrived at Army 3rd hole. It was playing about 130m, red pin positioned in front of the sand bunker. I played first with a 7-iron, it soared through the sky but decided to turn right on to the fairway, well not too bad. Next was Chi Keen, his shot pulled left into the big sandy hole. I don’t know why he always prefer that to the smaller one.

When Peter was addressing with his hybrid 5 iron, I was walking towards the buggy already lost interest in the result – sixes over (sighed). I heard the sound of a well taken shot, one of those that sound good but seldom accurate. I was wrong this time when I heard Bobby shouting hole-in-1. Chi Keen wasn’t sure but Bobby seems quite sure about it. I also quite sceptical – you know this Bobby sometime a bit cockeye. Giving him the benefit of doubt we all started to high 5. Peter on the surface seems quite cool about it, no screaming or jumping about. But I can see him very excited, frantically messaging with his mobile, I prayed Bobby is right, you know very ‘luck shay’ if ball did not go in.

This time round Bobby was 100% correct. It was a Srixon AD333 matured ball (as described by Peter) that went in. Alamak, what is matured ball, ha? I guess he meant old, about to be given to Robert.

I did not see the ball went in (well, 6 years ago I also missed it), so I asked Bobby to describe it to me. This is his version.

“Peter hit a beautiful shot; it sailed slightly to the left of pin but faded right and landed on the fringe of the green. It took a right roll towards the pin, hit the pin but stay out. 2 seconds later it disappeared into the hole.”

This is the dream of every golfer. The probability of hitting the ball into the pin in one stroke for a Par 3 is 1:12,500 for an amateur golfer (according to a study done for an insurance company).

Well done, Peter, you did us proud!!! I’ve done my part as Dick said it’s the passing of the ‘qi’. Well it took more than 6 years since 6 July 2003 when I got mine at Army 7th hole. Most recently NSRCC removed all those hole-in-1 before year 2004 from the honour board, mine included. Now we have Peter whose name will be inscribed on the Hole-in-1 honour board. Let’s aim for more all goofy members but make sure you play with Peter or me for the ‘qi’ (hope I did not use up all of it).

Big celebration on the card. We all await Peter’s invitation.

Episode 2 - 稿笑行动, Comedy Night By Dr Tan Hong Pew

Ball in Hazard - Navy hole 9 Par 5. All square, fighting last hole and Wong has a stroke from the rest.

Wong - die, die must win this hole.

HP - 3rd shot...duff!..and ball rolled in hazard. Sighed...took a drop and ball-on after 5.

Wong - 3rd shot....p...ooof!...tock..tock..tock...ball landed in hazard on embankment along crossing.

HP - Hazard, yellow stick, take a drop.

Wong - No, no, no, I can play!

HP - mye lah, take drop, anyway you cannot touch the leaves.

Wong - can play, can play, so long don't ground club or touch the leaves.

HP, Sam, Roy - puzzled, ok play lah.

Wong - standing precariously on the edge, ball above chest, setup...and whooof....air shot.

Wong - trying hard to balance, setup...whoof..and...big splash!...as he fell backwards into pond.

Laughters were heard from flight behind, on Navy hole 1 and Army hole 9. A Straits Times headline crossed my mind..."Man drowned in Pond at Golf Course".

HP, Sam, Roy - worried and rushed to help.

Wong - sheepishly crawled out of the pond, all soaking wet. Conceded hole as he was too shy to continue and with the whole world looking at him...L,L...walked to changing room.

Episode 2 of Wong's golf escapade. Can't wait for episode 3.

The reason why you have a raincoat in your bag - By Dr Tan Hong Pew

Wong teed into water at Navy hole 4 on a bright sunny day on 13 Sep 2008.

HP: In water, take a drop.
Wong: No, no, no...I can play from there.
HP, Sam, Roy: Puzzled....ok, play lah!
Wong: Take out shirt, and setup.
Wong: Back swing...drum ro...ll....then....big splash!
Wong: Ball still in water.
Wong: Cry father, cry mother, then ..L,L...take a drop and lose the hole.

HP,Sam, Roy....rolling on the ground, laughing till all our teeth dropped....

Asia's First Major Winner - YE Yang

We all thought it would be KJ Choi to win the first, but it is YE Yang instead!!

Woke up at 6am this morning hoping to catch the last few holes of the PGA Championship and saw YE Yang leading Tiger by 1 with 3 holes to play.

I was thinking, surely Tiger will catch him and force a play-off.

On the Par-3 17th, Tiger was in the rough whereas Yang was safely on. Tiger chipped short but Yang made an even bigger boo-boo by putting short. I thought that would be the turn-around by Tiger but he missed his putt. Yang also missed his too, but maintaining a 1-shot lead with 2 holes.

At that point, I had to leave home to send my daughter to school. I rushed back hoping to watch the play-off. But there was none. The message is clear, I knew then that Tiger had lost.

I was totally elated. An Asian Major Winner. A virtual unknown beat Tiger. 14-0 for a major frontrunner after 54 holes and he lost his first. A Korean not named KJ beating Tiger. Wow!

This can only be good for golf. This can only be good for Korea. I think this is the push for Asian golf to break into the big time.

BTW, if you think this is the first time Yang has beaten Tiger, you are wrong. He beat Tiger in HSBC Champions in Shanghai 2 years back.

Well done, YE Yang! Thank you for showing us that Asians can be up there with the best! Thank you for being our inspiration!

So what else is new?

Tiger Woods is carrying a 2-shot lead into the final round of the PGA Championship at Hazeltine. He has won 47/50 tournaments leading after 54 holes and is 14-0 in majors. So who is going to bet against him winning?

I will. But only a $2 bet!!

Again, I want to stress, I am not anti-Tiger. I just do not like the anti-climax. Why stay up late to watch the TV when you already know the outcome? It is like watching a suspense movie backwards.

I am going to root for 3-times major winner, Padraig Harrington. He is two shots behind, together with YE Yang of Korean. Yang does not have the pedigree to challenge Tiger. Or could it be Henrik Stenson?

A 2-shots lead is nothing. It can evaporate after just one hole. Remember how Padraig caught Garcia in his maiden major win at The Open Championship?

But then again, his opponent wasn't the World No 1.

May not be too late to still learn from the man who had much, lost some but still has plenty:

We begin this New Year with dampened enthusiasm and dented optimism.Our happiness is diluted and our peace is threatened by the financial illness that has infected our families, organizations and nations. Everyone is desperate to find a remedy that will cure their financial illness and help them recover their financial health.

Every new year, I adopt a couple of old maxims as my beacons to guide my future. This self-prescribed therapy has ensured that with each passing year, I grow wiser and not older. This year, I invite you to tap into the financial wisdom of our elders along with me, and become financially wiser.

Hard work : All hard work brings profit; but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Laziness :Sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.

Earnings : Never depend on a single source of income.

Spending : If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell things you need.

Savings : Don't save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.

Accounting : It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.

Auditing : Beware of little expenses; a small leak can sink a large ship.

Risk-taking : Never test the depth of the river with both feet!

Investment : Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

I'm certain that those who have already been practicing these principles remain financially healthy. I'm equally confident that those who resolve to start practicing these principles will quickly regain their financial health.Let us become wiser and lead a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful life.

Warren Buffet

Opportunities are never lost. The other fellow takes that you miss.

Goofy Golf wishes Singapore...a Happy 44th Birthday!!!

Oxley Capital, Six-on Desaru Open Qualifying at SICC

A quiet Saturday morning without golf, very rare indeed. Decided to pullout of the Sembawang Monthly Medal, also the Tiger Beer Golf, while the guys are having their morning game at NSRCC.

8 of us particated in the Oxley Capital Group Golf held at the Island Course yesterday. Robert, CYM, Chee Hoo and Daniel formed a flight, while Francis, Kim Sing, Peter and me formed the other.

We were not sure what this tournament is all about, Oxley Capital or Srixon Desaru Open Qualifying or ASM (Asian Senior Masters). But nonetheless, it is still golf at a premier club.

It was compulsory to use Srixon balls and since I am used to Pro V1, I bought a tube of Srixon Z-Star, the softest ball in the Srixon range, costing $20 (@#$%) . I was damn disappointed with its performance. Its behavior was more like a hard ball, not even close to Pro V1 in terms of softness. No wonder they are called six-on!! The good point about the Z-Star is the durability of its cover, maybe that is why it has that "hard" feel. Or could it be a problem of brand loyalty for me?

The tee-off was quite hilarious. I can sensed that my flight mates were very tense. The first tee and the 10th tee were side-by-side. There were many people watching and while I was teeing off, I could hear someone from the terrace shouting "On the 10th tee, from Sembawang Country Club.....". I wonder who the a**hole was???

The course was not too difficult, just unfamiliar. The challenge was the hilly terrain and some intimidating tight tee shots. The greens were soft and not too "keropok"!

The weather was perfect with strong winds at some holes. We couldn't asked for a better weather for golf. Of course, we partly got to thank the Indonesians for exporting some of their haze to us.

And the winner of the event? Gross of 72 and nett 67. Well, none of us stood a chance. These guys are good!

Dinner was sumptious with a solid spread of glorious food. Quite a few of us enjoyed the black pepper beef. Thinking about it now makes me wanna "lau nuar" (salivating). We enjoyed the dinner tremendously with some nice red wines.

Of course, no golf game is complete without some friendly wagers. Thanks to Daniel and Robert, they paid for my tube of Six-On with another $5 pocket money :).

The evil fires the first shot...Playing the wrong ball.

Yesterday, CYM, Robert and Johnathan were Saddaming me. I was dormie-3 up after Hole 6 when CYM and Robert were both on the Navy 7th fairway. CYM layed up before the green and Robert attacked the green and got his ball just off the green.

When CYM was about to hit his 3rd shot from about 80m, he shouted at Robert, "Why did you hit the wrong ball?"

I was totally amazed and immediately defended Robert.

I replied "You were the one who hit first, how can you blame Robert?".

The chinese has a saying "Er ren xian kao zhuang". This is a classic case. Poor Robert.

But more importantly for me, in a matchplay that would mean loss of hole and I won the Saddam 4 and 2.

Do read the rules below as listed in USGA.

15-3. Wrong Ball

a. Match Play

If a player makes a stroke at a wrong ball, he loses the hole.
If the wrong ball belongs to another player, its owner must place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played. If the player and opponent exchange balls during the play of a hole, the first to make a stroke at a wrong ball loses the hole; when this cannot be determined, the hole must be played out with the balls exchanged.

b. Stroke Play

If a competitor makes a stroke or strokes at a wrong ball, he incurs a penalty of two strokes.

The competitor must correct his mistake by playing the correct ball or by proceeding under the Rules. If he fails to correct his mistake before making a stroke on the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, fails to declare his intention to correct his mistake before leaving the putting green, he is disqualified.

Strokes made by a competitor with a wrong ball do not count in his score. If the wrong ball belongs to another competitor, its owner must place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.

A new accessory in your Golf Bag...

Seems like quite a few of us have been invoking the "Dangerous Insect" rule to get away with free drops.

Today, while me and CYM where on the course, we came up with this brilliant solution. We should equipped our golf bags with Baygon insecticide spray.

So when you see red ants, you should know what to do!!!!

The fastest way to improve your golf....

You might think I am going to teach you some golf swing secrets, no I am not. I am not a golf pro who can help you improve your swing.

I was asked recently how to achieve improvement in golf. For me, it is very simple, and I always practise that.

Work on the weakest part of the game.

I give you an example. You have to take 4 subjects in PSLE. Maths, Science, English and Chinese. You keep scoring As and Bs in Maths, Science and English. But D in Chinese.

Which subject are you going to work on? Its obvious isn't it. All the mothers in the world will know which subject to send the kids for tuition. Why we golfers don't know?

If your weakest is putting, work on it. Is your first putt is weak (cannot get near enough to the hole, ie. poor speed reading)? Or is your 2nd putt poor? ie. Sinking that 3-4 footers.

Work on your weakest link and you will see the greatest improvement.

So stop hitting the drivers on the range if your weakness is chipping or putting.

Sounds like a clip from Golf Channel?

Last day and Final Rd at 138th Open Turnberry, Scotland

Aiyah, what more to say man. The hopes of all England and also the rest of the romantic world sank on the last 18th green of regulation play for the Open :-(.

The day started as usual with the drive to Turnberry. Where we were it started raining a bit but the forecast at Turnberry was for good sunny weather. Arriving at the carparking area we parked the car at almost the identical spot from yesterday. Except for the occasional cloud, otherwise the sun was shining throughout the final day. The ever present wind though continued to play havoc with the golfers scores and provided free air-con. (picture above of where car was parked)

Walking to the entrance, we discussed where to station ourselves to catch the day's excitements. With the last day at the 138th Open whereas should we go but the 18th green stands!!! We thought we were very Singapore smart but on arriving stand there, a long queue had already formed. By the time we got our seats it would have been nearly an hour later and that was only bcos we were lucky with the stand urshers calling for a group of 3 and just nice we were the first in the queue with a group of 3 (3 seats together). We couldn't have asked for any better seats than what we got. We were seated on the left stand as the golfers walked up, abreast of the pin just below the scoreboard. The Grandstand section with reserved seats facing the golfers, as they came in, were only for those willing to pay about £200 per person not including daily entrance fee which was £55 for myself and £25 each for the girls.

We made the right choice with the 18th green stand as there could be no place more exciting on the final day to experience the emotions of the 138th Open. From there, we could see the leaderboard changing while listening to the radio to follow what was happening with the later flights and then watched them come up to the last hole. When Stewart Cink maked his final put of regulation play to convert his birdie to move up to 2 under and also a chance for a playoff, his line to the hole was towards where we sat up on the stand. From where we were behind the hole, we all thought his put had lost momentum some 6" from the hole but it did go in much to his relief. By this time, Westwood was about to convert his eagle put on the 17th green to move up to 3 under and also the lead. While Tom Watson was already at 2 under waiting to attack the 17th green with his 2nd shot. Westwood instead only managed a birdie while Tom Watson later also birdied to move to 3 under and the lead going into the last hole. (Picture above of my daughters Le-Anne (left) and Ju-Linne at the entrance before mobile phones had to be handed in)

TV coverage would have shown you all the important moments of the game but there is still nothing like being there in person, such as the emotions not captured by the TV cameras. I was amused watching Mark Calcavecchia and his caddie wife (unfortunately his 3rd rd put him out of contention). The experience and the composures of some of the golfers as they walked up on to the final hole makes me understand why they said this is suppose to be a gentleman's game. Mathew Goggin came up in front of Tom Watson some 20 odd metres ahead to the applause of the crowd without realising that the cheers may not be really for him but for his playing partner. But at least he realised early enough to stop before the green, stood back to wait for Tom Watson who when he arrived the crowd gave him a standing ovation and cheered so much louder !! The details of the final play on the 18th green of regulation need not be explained as the TV cameras captured everything. Besides the final flight, the crowd understandably also gave Lee Westwood and Ross Fisher's flight a standing ovation. (Picture on right of why it is better to accept your punishment, drop a ball and take a penalty stroke.)

As Lee Westwood and the Ross Fishers' gave the English and Britain hope for a countryman win, Tom Watson gave everyone else a chance to be sentimental about a 59yr old golfer possibly winning the 138th Open. The crowd was really behind Tom Watson through the 4 days and even on the last hole of the final day. Leading the rest with a 3 under score, all he needed was to par the last hole, the crowd knew that and surely so did TW. So when his 2nd shot first landed on the green but then raced passed the pin, the crowd and everyone around me went "oooh" and "aah"!! Then shouts of "bite bite bite" or "stop stop" and "don't go into the rough" were going around. Even when he choose to put out from the back and passed the pin, again the same "ooos and aaahs" came out. But there was still hope, everyone still thought, that he will convert the last put for a par and a win as he has been pretty consistent from that distance over the four days. But that was not to be and the rest is now history.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and especially so for me to be with my children sharing something common with them. The experience is not easily explained in writing but I felt that it was certainly worth it being here. We also made friends with people we sat with, example an Aussie from Sydney who too was visiting his children in Scotland and thus came to watch the Open with them. Even though the weather at times may not be kind to us, nevertheless it was certainly not enough to dampen my eagerness and anticipation for the 139th Open. Therefore, St Andrews 2010, here I come!!

Nevertheless, congratulations to Steward Cink. Maybe TW should have asked for stroke from Cink lah. Then at least he got more "money come" like Albert Tay likes to phrase it. Now I must go check out flight details for next year lah. Catching a flight back in about 8 hrs time. So see you all back at NSRCC this Sat. Bye

Watson, Norman, Mediate...

These are fantastic golfers, like old wines, they get better!!

Defying father time, the tough courses and the inclement weathers, they showed the young kids a thing or two about playing golf.

Tom Watson is doing what Greg Norman did last year, carry the lead going into Day 4. Though Norman eventually lost to Padraig Harrington, he did himself proud. And who can forget the titanic battle that the then 46-year old Rocco Mediate fought against the injured Tiger in the 2008 US Open??

These guys should be our role models. Although we Goofies are all on the wrong side of 30s, 40s and 50s, but there are a lot more golfs to be played. We are only catching up with lost time. Enjoying the game, the fun and the camaraderies.

I am rooting Watson to make history!! To be the oldest ever to win a Major and compete another 10 more years on The Open.

As the tagline of the PGA Tour goes.....These Guys are Good!!

Day 3, 3rd Rd at the 138th Open, Turnberry Scotland

The drive from home to Turnberry took about 1½ hours. Parking was on the fairway of the Kintyre course, the 2nd Turnberry 18th holes course. Security at the entrances was very thorough with lots of Policemen and CISCO-type security personnel, X-ray scans, metal detector tunnel, body searches, etc. They were not necessarily looking for weapons but even worse than that. They were looking for mobile phones and cameras!! The 3rd day found us spending more time at the merchandise pavilion, hospitality/restaurant pavilion, VAT refund tent. We bought the Open programme which cost £6 and a radio (cost £8) pre-tuned to the BBC channel reporting on the Open. This is the only way to know what is happening else where on the course. Probably only good to be used again at next year's Open.

Today didn't see much rain but lots of wind which still prove to be a problem for the golfers. There was lots of sunshine so we decided to have a bit of lunch from the picnic bag we brought. We did this while seating on the grass watching BBC1 showing on a super large LED screen together with hundreds of other fans. The weather was really nice while we sat in the sun with the cool wind blowing, munching our lunch together with cokes and ginger ale. Noticed quite a lot of American fans beside the Scots and some other Brits. Only noticed 1 Sing and 2 half Sings and a handful of Japanese. Also with the sun out , dressing was generally lighter and the ladies (SYTs) started looking quite delicious (eye-candy). Atmosphere was quite good, lots of happy people enjoying their day at the 138th British Open. I think I will come again next year now that I know what is involved. Probably bring along my own eye-candy.

Though there was no rain, the wind was still quite strong and chilly. Saw a number of approach shots into the green carried pass the pins by the wind. We decided to first watch Tom Watson and Steve Marino on the LED screen while having our picnic. By the time we finished we then queued almost ½ hour at the 7th green to get seats on the stand to wait for the leader flight. Kenichi Kuboya played a very clevel chip (4th) from outside the 7th green pass the pin and then let the ball rolled back down the slope to rest about 3' from the pin. The crowd roared their approval as they saw him come up earlier to study the slope behind the pin. He converted his put for a par but ended the day with a 75. The crowd didn't seem partisan in their applause and showed approval to anyone with a good shot. Of course when Lee Westwood and later Ross Fisher came up to the 7th Green there was extra loud applause. Understandably they cheered loudly for them as all hopes of UK now rests on their shoulders.

Choosing to watch the golfers from the 7th green proved quite a good decision as we saw so many great shots into the green. Retief Goosen put his 3rd into the rough (real rough) short of the green needing golfer, caddies, marshalls and even a spectator scrambling to find his ball. Fortunately for him the spectator came over from the crowd to point to the group where the ball entered into the rough. The crowd cheered the spectator while he raised his hands to acknowledged their applause and that must have made his day! Jimenez who is Goosen's flight mate had earlier put his 2nd into the greenside bunker and later played such a beautiful 3rd out of the bunker to about a give-me distance from the pin. He converted that for a birdie. The best was saved for the last flight when both Watson and Marino placed their 2nd shots onto the Par 5 7th green. Watson's was about 20' below the pin while Marino's was almost a give-me distance from the pin. Watson couldn't convert his eagle and got a birdie 4 while Marino made no mistake with an eagle 3.

What really impressed me watching the last flight walking up was firstly the applause given to both the old (past use-by date) golfer and the young rookie Open golfer. The atmosphere is not easily explainable and you will need to be here understand the feeling. Another thing was when looking down the fairway to the 7th tee-box and beyond, we could see hundreds or thousands of fans following the leader flight lining both sides of the fairway. The number of fans following is just amazing. I also noticed Tom Watson intentionally slow down to let Marino go ahead of him to receive the initial applause as Marino had a better approach shot. Such professional and gentlemanly conduct which made me respect the 59yr old even more. Everyone seems to be cheering on the 59yr old leader at every hole and it was amazing .

Later we went over to the 12th green and sat on the slope of the knoll where the WW I&II monument to wait for the leaders. The par 4 12th didn't prove to be so boring even though it is short as the challenge is the rather small green. Both Watson and Marino missed their par puts to end with a bogey 5 each. By this time, except for Tom Watson and Ross Fisher, the leaderboard was already missing some of the the previous day's names. We also watched Sergio Garcia, Jim Furyk, Angel Cabrera, Ernie Els, Boo Weekly, Richard Johnson, Graeme McDowell play the 15th hole. We were real close to Ernie Els as he walked past, wow so tall but yet looking so cool and steady man. I called out "Hi Ernie" and he turned around and acknowledged by tapping his cap with a smile!! One golfer I have been looking out but not seen yet is non other than John Daly. I must look out for the guy and see what his outfit will be tomorrow.

Today only 6 golfers managed to play sub-par games. Testimony of how a simple and seemingly easy course with just the element of wind can humble the best and the greatest that the golfing world can offer.

We will try to leave a bit earlier tomorrow as we want to watch some of the earlier play. Also can get parking closer to the course while the last 2 days we had to park almost 3-4 par 5 holes away from the entrance. We took many pictures of houses around the course especially the Turnberry resort/hotel which overlooks the course. Overall, we enjoyed ourselves and girls also got to spent money do shopping, buy Open merchandise, etc. Now looking forward to the final Sunday round. :-)

My 1st British Open at Turnberry, Scotland - The 2nd Rd.

For those who wondered why I wasn't at today's Goofy game. It's b'cos I am here at Turnberry, Scotland for the 138th British Open!

Yesterday was the 2nd day and to summarise the experience, well there was lots clouds, lots of rain, lots of wind, lots of people, lots of beers walking along with people, lots more people when the Tiger appeared, lots of rushing from hole to the next hole to get a decent spot to see the man, then rushing again to the next one hoping to get a seat on the stands to have a good view. Actually watching the golfers putting from eye level is not as good as from the stands except you get to be up close to the golfer. Tiger was just 5 feet away from me at the 10th hole! He was nevertheless engrossed in making his recovery shots and also trying not to look impatient with the Japanese chap (Ryo Ishikawa who was also all over the place except the fairway).

My daughters Le-Anne & Ju-Linne and I watched Tiger at the 8th, 10th, 11th and 16th holes, 16th being the difficult hole with the 'burn' (in Scotland that's a small stream) infront of the very small green) which explained the rushings. We got seats on the 16th stand watching Vijay Singh par his 16th hole before Tiger came up 2 flights later with a beautiful 2nd shot to about 20' fom the pin and eventually complete the 16th with a birdie put.

The atmosphere was just like when we were back in our old school fun fair with lots of people, lots of stalls to go check out, buy the drinks (a can of coke is 1.90 pounds and the angus beef burger is 5.50 pounds), queueing for the ice-cream cone. Earlier we sat at the 12th hole stand (just beside the momument on the small knoll dedicated to the servicemen who served and train in the region around Turnberry during the World Wars. We sat at the 12th stand to watch more golfers come thru as well as Kenichi Kuboya complete a short but very tricky put for par.

The wind (the additional element at Scottish link golf courses) made all the professional golfers look human! What made them still stand out from the rest of us humans is their short game, so consistent, seemingly simple and yet beautifully executed. We watched Justin Leonard play his 10th hole, such character and a gentleman. We watched an Aussie called Timothy Wood at the 16th trying to do what commonly happens on Saturdays at NSRCC, ie, claim here claim there. He tried to get to redrop his 1st drop after his 2nd shot had entered the burn (the first drop left his ball near the yellow hazard line but the referee had declared it in play. As he was making such a fuss, the referee allowed him to redrop after he got his playing partners to agree to let him. Such a baby!!! He got a 6 for this hole and later missed the cut. We also stood near Charlie Hoffman as he placed his 2nd shot with a wedge to about 20 feet from the pin at the boring 12th hole and then throwing his iron to the ground followed with a kick aimed at the club as it bounced back up!! He too missed the cut. So did Tiger, missed the cut I mean. Ha Ha!

We will be leaving in an hour's time for the 3rd day Turnberry and this time we will try to watch Tom Watson and Steve Marino's tee off at 3pm. Maybe today we will try go around help the golfers look for their missing balls, that way you may get a chance to see me on TV!! Ye!! The forecast for today is yet again lots of wind, lots of clouds and some rain. Not much sun at the moment here. Lots of lost ball situations at this rate. I believe the weather at Changi NSRCC must be good today, at least much better than here and you can trust me on this! Bye for now.

Mouthwatering matchup at Congressional

I am delighted with the final pairing at AT&T Congressional, the indomitable Tiger Woods with the young upstart, Antony Kim!!!

It could not have been a better match up.

There is no doubt about how much I admire Tiger Woods, his talents and his competitive drive. For the sake of golf, I have always been supporting the smaller guy to beat him. I remember rooting for Rocco Mediate when the "old man" was fighting the limping Tiger in the 2008 US Open.

Eversince, Antony came into the scene, he has been touted as a potential World No 1. They have never been put together in a final pairing. If there is one person who can match him, it has to be Antony Kim.

So how will the cocky Antony face up to Tiger? Like many others, will him wilt under the intense presence of Tiger?

This is a mouthwatering matchup. And like Independance Day, I am sure there will be fireworks!!

Minimum of 2 weeks without golf..

I have not played at NSRCC for at least a month, really missed playing with the guys, all the ribbings and "suanings".

Came back from Manila hotspot with a flu, the regular flu. The fact is that I left Singapore with the flu. I was so concerned about not being able to leave for business on Monday that I saw the GP on Sunday night and was given clearance to fly. I just wanted to eliminate the possibility.

Came back on Friday afternoon and was alarmed at reading about so many cases in Singapore. My flu was still there, with runny nose, cough and sore throat. Luckily, I did not have any fever.

To be more responsible and much to my disappointment, I have decided to self-quarantine and pull out from the Saturday game with the mates at NSRCC. I also do not want to infect the office colleagues with anything that I might have brought back. My partner and co-traveller, Derrick will be doing the same thing at home.

After 2 days of self-quarantine, I am already dying from boredom. I can imagine how those people at Aloha felt. Most of the time spent on the net or watching television. No outing, no shopping and more importantly, no golf.

Well, one good thing that might come out of it, is that I can give my injured right shoulder a good rest. Have been carrying this injury for 2 weeks and not giving it a chance to heal.

Hope to get well soon and be out to smell the fresh air on the golf course.

Daughter and Dad in Rabbit Cup SCC

Participated in Sembawang CC Parent and Child Rabbit Cup today. It took me a long time to convince my 12 years old daughter, Gemmi to take part. She was really nervous about this event and it motivated her to practise harder at the range.

I was looking forward to the event, to teeing off. We even wore similar outfits for team unity. We were paired with another father and daughter team, Kelvin and Stella. It was really tought for Gemmi and the 9-year old Stella to play on the 18 holes Commando Course. The weather was really hot too.

The hightlight of the day has to be the monster Par-3, hole 18. Gemmi hit a fantastic tee-shot, the ball landed just before the green and bounced on. From the back of the green at about 50 feet, she lagged the ball to 4 feet and made par. We were jumping for joy and exchanging hi-5s.

Although we did not win the event, we had fun out on the course. It was really the experience that matters. I am looking forward to the day she gets her official handicap.

This is the best father's day present I ever had.

Trip Report for The Empire Hotel and Country Club, Brunei – by Tan Hong Pew

I have just taken a 3 days 2 nights trip with my family to Brunei Empire Hotel and Country Club between 11-13 June 2009. Although Brunei is not a normal tourist destination, I was attracted by the promotion package and the beautiful hotel. At S$399 (+ 120 taxes) a head inclusive of air ticket, transfers and hotel accommodation, I thought it was a bargain. Golf at the hotel Jack Nicklaus course is S$100 a round of 18 holes (with 10% taxes) as part of the package.

Overall ratings:

Golf – If I use our local 5-stars hotel as reference and peg NSRCC Changi Course as a 4 stars club, the following are my ratings for the Empire Hotel and the Golf course.

1. Hotel – 6 stars standard.
2. Club House – 5 stars.
3. Buggies – 4 stars
4. Tee-boxes – 5 stars
5. Fairways – 5 stars
6. Greens – 5 stars
7. Environment and surrounding – 5 star, excellent sea view from the course.
8. Service standard – 5 stars, excellent from hotel pick-up, to check-in to general service.
9. After dark entertainment – 1 star.
10. Travelling time – 1.5 hours flight, 20 minutes from airport to hotel, so quite short.

Overall impression – At $399, it is well worth it and I am likely to go again. For golf, at $100 a game for such a nice course, it will relatively inexpensive and worth it.

Taylormade Tour Burner 10.5 US regular for sale

Almost new. Only a few times on the green. Let me know if anyone is keen. Up for bidding at ebay, for kakis, no need to bid. SGD150 cash and carry. Original from Taylormade store at Bishan Range. "SG" Hollow gram still intact.

http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260426838806

Update : Sold to Cheong Yong Meng...

Hong Pew wins the Singapore Bus Association Golf

Our 2007 MIP (most improved player) Tan Hong Pew has won the Singapore Bus Association Golf held today at Tanjung Puteri Golf Course. Shooting a personal best of 82 (43, 39), Hong Pew came in tops in Division A.

Last year in the same event, Hong Pew shot 92 and won the Division B title. This shows that he has indeed improved by leaps and bounds. Next year, he will play in the Premier Division.

His prize for winning this event is one year free ride on SBS and SMRT buses!!! (kidding la).

Well done, Hong Pew!