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!